Glendale Spanish Immersion Elementary

Glendale Elementary opened in the fall of 2004 as Nashville's first and only Spanish immersion school.  Glendale offers Spanish immersion classes for each grades K-4.  Many of the Spanish immersion teachers were trained by faculty and administrators who have over 20 years of experience implementing immersion programs in the Arlington, Virginia school system. 

In our global society, there is a growing appreciation of a multilingual education.  Research has demonstrated that early language acquisition promotes higher level cognitive development.  In addition, bilingual learners have greater access to different cultures, travel opportunities, and appreciation of individual differences.  Learning another language gives students an appreciation for customs and achievements of other cultures creates advantages in the job market.  Research also shows that students who participate in five years of an immersion program score as well, or better, than all comparison groups on achievement tests.

Two Program Options

Glendale offers students two program options - standard educaiton classes and Spanish immersion classes.  Both options follow the standards and curricula adopted by Metropolitan Nashville Public School System.  The curricula in both programs include reading, writing, math, social studies, science, and related arts. 

Standard Education Classes: 
Glendale students are taught completely in English.  To address indivual learning styles, teachers develop, and implement new strategies which are always focused on state standards and academic success. 

Spanish Immersion Classes: 
In each grade level, Spanish is taught through the math and science curricula and daily converstaion.  In the immersion program, we are developing reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish.  Research shows that students participating in immersion programs have more glexibility in thingin, greater sensitivity to language, and better listening skills. 
Grade level, teams, the librarian and related arts teachers collaborate to probide a rich learning environment in both programs which integrates all learning, challenges students to reach their full potential, and highlights the Spanish culture throughout the entire school.  By celebrating diversity through art, music, drama, dance, and storytelling, teachers work together to challenge, excite, and support all students as they embark on a lifelong learning adventure.