Educating Children to be Bilingual and Multi-Cultural The booming popularity of immersion education is based on research demonstrating it is the most successful way to teach a foreign language. Studies confirm that students who begin learning a second language at an early age have greater exposure to the language over time and develop more native-like pronunciation. Immersion programs replicate the process infants use to derive meaning and learn language - but in a structured classroom setting.

Students in the Our Lady of Guadalupe immersion program learn Spanish by hearing and using it in their core classes, rather than by studying the language itself. The same core curriculum is taught as in Holy Family's other elementary schools (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science) - except the instruction is in Spanish. Spanish is taught in Grades K-1 though a "total immersion" experience. English is gradually introduced and expanded in Grades 2-5 so that students master the written and spoken aspects of both languages. Students also participate in Art, Music, Technology, Physical Education, and Religion classes.

While the initial focus in the immersion setting is on Spanish, the Our Lady program also nurtures English development. Experts agree that the best predictor of long-term proficiency in a second language is proficiency in the child's native language.

The Our Lady program is one of the first in the nation to combine the unique benefits of language immersion with the values-centered approach of Catholic schools. Catholic education in Dubuque has a long tradition of producing students with both outstanding character and top-notch academic credentials. Here at Our Lady, as in all Holy Family Schools, we believe a close relationship with Jesus Christ is vital as children grow and confront life's most important issues.