Language immersion is an approach to second language instruction in which teaching and learning of core content occur in a language other than English. This means that the target language is the medium of instruction for the teacher and of learning for the students. Blue Valley uses a dual language immersion model in which students are co-taught by two full-time classroom teachers, spending half of the day in the target immersion language and half in English. The immersion program begins in kindergarten.

APPLICATION

There will be a kindergarten Chinese Immersion class at WSE for the 2024-25 school year. There are limited spots remaining that will be filled on a first come-first serve basis. Families interested in the program are encouraged to complete the application to be considered. When the limited spots are filled, the application will be closed.

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VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

Learn more about Blue Valley’s Chinese Immersion program that is open to all incoming kindergarten students at a virtual information session. Interested in attending? Please register online to receive the Zoom meeting information. 

• Virtual Information Session for ALL incoming kindergarten families 

• Monday, Feb 26, 2024 at 5pm

Meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Please register online to receive the Zoom link and meeting information. 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of immersion is language acquisition at a proficiency level equal to the native language, with content and culture as complementary components. Blue Valley's long-term goal is for students to graduate with distinctive bi-lingual skills in multiple language families that set them apart for academic and professional success, as well as provide lifelong personal reward and global intercultural connections.

PROVEN BENEFITS

• Enhances cognitive skills
  
  
• Increases cultural competence
  
  
• Better prepares students for the global community where a second language is an asset
  
  
• Improves performance on standardized tests
  
  
• Teaches second languages skills

SITES AND OPTIONS

Wolf Springs Elementary

Blue Valley Schools’ inaugural language immersion program began in the 2017-18 school year at Wolf Springs Elementary. 

Valley Park Elementary

Valley Park Elementary is the district’s second Chinese Immersion program site. The first class started in the 2018-19 school year. The Chinese Immersion program will transition to one site beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Mandarin instruction via Chinese Immersion will be available at Valley Park for grades 2-5 during the 2024-25 school year. Each consecutive year, a grade level will cease to be part of Chinese Immersion with the final class exiting after the 2027-28 school year.

ELEMENTARY CHINESE IMMERSION FAQs 

For answers to many frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHINESE IMMERSION INFORMATION

The middle school program began in the fall of 2023 at ABMS and in the fall of 2024 at OTMS.

Please visit the Middle School Chinese Immersion page.