Language Immersion and Dual Instruction

A basic principle at WIS is that students benefit from being taught in two languages. Fluency in more than one language opens not only greater possibilities of communication but also greater understanding of other cultures.

  • Students in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten follow a full-day immersion program in French or Spanish
  • Students in Grades 1 to 5 spend half of each day in English and the other half in either French, Spanish, or Dutch

These schedules allow students to learn through language and about language. Students learn to understand, speak, read, and write effectively in both languages.

“Bilingual children have huge benefits in the tool box of their brain in every subject. Becoming bilingual means that you develop connections across the two hemispheres of the brain that don’t exist in children who have one language. And it enhances all areas of thinking.” Tina Thuermer, Upper School teacher