Reply to Quality of education at Washington International School (primary school)

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]They just changed the entry year for the Spanish track.  English-only students can now apply to enter in 2nd grade.  Before, I believe a student had to be nearly fluent in Spanish to begin WIS at any grade other than PreK or K.  [/quote]

Not true. There have long been a few opportunities each year (through attrition--often families moving abroad) in grades 1+. Children entering WIS after K can start in the "Spanish as an additional language" program (it's not called "second" language because many of the entering children already have 2 or 3 languages, just not Spanish). Some are able to move quickly into the regular immersion track, and some take longer to get there. I believe this entry point is now available in very small numbers for the French program as well.[/quote]

How would this work for a 2nd grader with three years of French immersion already for the French program? [/quote]

If your child is already fluent in French or at least has had several years of French then he/she will be put in the advanced dual language class for 2nd grade. The admissions office (or the teachers) will most likely test the child to make sure they are prepared for the class. If they've had 3 of French immersion they should be on the same level as the other kids in the advanced class.

The PPs are correct that the opportunity for kids to enter WIS without any Spanish language has been in place for several years (8-10 years now). It was called "Spanish as a Second Language or SSL". Kids who had no Spanish or very little were able to enter WIS in 2nd grade. The goal is to have them join the advanced dual language program once they are able. The school has now made some changes to the name (as noted above). It's now called "Spanish as an Additional Language". In addition, they have added the opportunity in the same way for the French program - "French as an Additional Language". I believe both programs start in 2nd grade - at least when we were at the Primary School (my kids are now in middle & upper school) it started in 2nd grade. Prior to these programs it was impossible to join WIS after K unless you were a fluent speaker of Spanish or French. I'm glad they have expanded the program. It's great for families interested in joining the school.[/quote]

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