Serving students KG -6th Grade, students at FLIS are challenged daily to learn new concepts and refining their understanding of concepts, developing deeper knowledge, mastering lifelong skills, strengthening personal attitudes, and initiating actions to create change. Learning is facilitated by our highly qualified teachers and guided by our advanced curriculum that provides students the opportunity to build deep understanding in the areas of math, science, language, social studies.
Throughout our program students are immersed in Spanish 60-70% of the time, English 20%, and French and Chinese 20% of their school day. FLIS students learn how to read and write not only in Spanish and English, but also French and Chinese. Providing students, the opportunity to build communication skills and become fluent in the top three spoken languages in the world (Spanish, English and Mandarin). Students also learn how to write in cursive.
Individual and group projects allow students to strengthen their unique interests and prepare for the demands of public speaking beyond elementary school. Projects provide students the opportunity to build skills in communication, collaboration and teamwork, along with creativity and development of a deeper knowledge of subject matter.
On average, our students score above their peers at other public and private schools across the U.S., and frequently place in local and state academic competitions. Whether winning medals in National French competitions or completing complex engineering challenges, our students are thriving at FLIS and beyond.
In addition to learning another language, our students are introduced to life in other countries through regular interaction with teachers, parents, and community members from other cultures, as well as school-wide cultural celebrations.
The Benefits of Language Immersion (LI)
Second Language Skills: LI students achieve higher proficiency in the second language than with traditional Foreign Language instruction.
Cognitive Skills: LI students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention and memory, superior problem-solving skills as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
Performance on Standardized Tests: LI students perform as well as or better than English-only students on standardized tests in English, including students from a range of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, as well as with diverse cognitive and linguistic abilities.
Intercultural Competency: LI students are more aware of and generally show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
Long-Term Benefits: LI students are better prepared for the global community and job markets in the 21st century.
Higher Attendance-Rates and Fewer Drop-Outs: Students from LI programs have higher attendance rates and lower drop-out rates compared to regular programs.