Spanish Immersion Preschool Accepting Applications for Fall

[Anonymous]

THE CATERPILLAR CO-OP

The Caterpillar Cooperative is a Spanish immersion program for children 2, 3 and 4 years old, located in Tenleytown in Upper NW Washington, DC.

We offer a complete Spanish immersion setting, play based curriculum and very small classes. As a cooperative program parents are expected to work in the classroom regularly.

We are currently accepting applications until March 24 and in particular welcome those from children who will turn four by September 30.

For information and to receive an application please email: [e-mail].

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Could you tell us a bit more about it? Or are there parents who send their kids there who could elaborate?

[Anonymous]

I am the OP and also a parent at the Coop. I’ll give some brief info based on my experience and welcome specific questions to the Coop’s email address, [e-mail].

The Coop started about five-years ago with a small group of families looking to promote Spanish with our preschool-aged children in a fun learning environment. We have slowly grown over the years, primarily through word of mouth.

We now have three classes, each with a maximum class size of eight with one teacher and one coop parent at all times.

The two-year old class meets Mon and Wed from 9a-11:15a
The three-year old class meets Mon, Wed and Fri from 9a-12n
The four year old class meets Mon through Fri from 9a-12n

The three- and four-year old classes have an optional lunch bunch from 12n-12:30p.

Coop commitments vary by class, but I find that our requirements are less than those at many other coops.

Our teachers are trained and with many years experience. Most of all, they promote a warm, nurturing learning environment. We are a play-based program.

We are small, but very active and promote a sense of community with our families. Our small size means that every student is actively engaged. We take frequent field trips (mainly the 3s and 4s class) and it seems that almost every week someone is organizing a special event (party, visits from the local fire department, planting spring flowers, etc). We even have optional afternoon soccer lessons in the spring and fall.

All of this and my children are bilingual, too!

[Anonymous]

Wow, it sounds great! But seems like it wouldn't work for for non-bilingual parents..

[Anonymous]

We have many non-Spanish speaking families and we find ways for them to coop and participate. It has not been an issue.