Las Huellas
Spanish Immersion Program
Transitional K-8th Grade Spanish Immersion
In the fall of 2013, we launched Las huellas, our one-way Spanish Immersion Program where students learn primarily in Spanish. Beginning with only 40 students and two teachers in Kindergarten and 1st grade, our program grew quickly. Now, over a decade later, we offer Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade with general education classroom teachers, paraprofessionals and an interventionist.
Our students meet Michigan State Standards and learn the value behind speaking a second language and most importantly, how this helps foster a larger sense of community amongst all.
Why Spanish Immersion
Students in Las huellas learn core curriculum through Spanish. They are “immersed” into the language, learning the same content as other students their age, but while doing so, naturally learn to read, write and speak in Spanish. In this method, Spanish becomes the means of content instruction, not just a subject of instruction.
Using games, songs, gestures and speech, teachers speak and communicate everything IN Spanish which helps students build on their vocabulary. Every classroom is literacy-rich, filled with pictures and words that help support language learning. It’s truly amazing how much students know and can do with the language in such a short time.
Daily Schedule & Break Information
- 8:20 am* – Supervised morning recess.
*Please note that students may not be dropped off before this time as there are no staff available until this time. - 8:45 am – Instruction begins.
- 12:15–12:35 pm – Lunch for younger friends (TK-2nd) & recess for older friends (3rd-8th).
- 12:35–12:55 pm – Recess for younger friends (TK-2nd) & lunch for older friends (3rd-8th).
- 12:55 pm – Classes resume.
- 3:30 pm – School dismissed.
Our balanced calendar is designed to maximize learning and retention as we avoid the three-month “summer slide.” The roughly six-weeks-on, seventh-week-off rotation offers periodic recharging and time with family.
Enrollment Process
Entering Las Huellas
No Spanish experience is required for TK through the first semester of 1st grade. A Spanish interview will be conducted for any student entering the program second semester of 1st grade and up. This is to ensure each student is at the level that would not be too challenging for him or her.
How can my child enter the Spanish Immersion Program?
Current Family
A sibling is currently enrolled in the program.
New Family
Enter the lottery system.
TK (75/25)
We teach all four core subjects in Spanish beginning with a 50/50 language ratio and growing to a 75/25 ratio by the end of the year.
K (90/10)
We gradually immerse students in Spanish for all four core subjects. By November, teacher speaks entirely in Spanish to students.
1st & 2nd Grade (90/10)
We teach all four core subjects in Spanish since the first day of school.
3rd & 4th Grade (80/20)
We teach all four core subjects in Spanish with an additional 20-30 minute class on non-transferable English-Specific Skills.
5th – 8th Grade (50/50)
We teach two classes in Spanish (Social Studies and Language Arts) as we build upon the TK-4 experience and further enhance oral speaking, listening, reading and writing capacity in Spanish. Students also take an English-specific spelling class in which they learn how to spell most commonly used words. They also learn parts of speech and apply it to their writing during this time.
Las Huellas Language Scope and Sequence
*5th-8th graders will have Spanish Language Arts and Social Studies in Spanish, and the remainder of their classes in English.
Resources
Contact Rachel Potter, program coordinator of immersion and language learning, via email at rachel.potter@innocademy.com.
Our Mission & Goals
By embracing innovation and the acquisition of a second language, we inspire our students to be global leaders and thinkers who positively impact others at home and abroad.
Our Vision
In Immersion Education, students learn the district’s core curriculum through a second language. Students are “immersed” into the language and study the same content as other students, but while doing so, naturally learn to read, write and speak in the target language. The second language is the means of content instruction, not just a subject of instruction.
Parent Testimonials
“We have been sending our kids to Innocademy since 2016 and it is the best decision we made regarding our kids’ education. The balanced calendar is one of the biggest reasons why we love the school — having a break every 5-6 weeks and then only 5 weeks off during the summer is such a gift for maintaining momentum with learning as well as easing the burden of childcare over the summer months. We’re also incredibly grateful for the amount of time our kids spend in outdoor learning environments and the diversity of off-site experiences they get — it’s a huge win for them to learn outside the four walls of the classroom!”
“Innocademy is an amazing school that celebrates diversity everyday through its Spanish immersion and outdoor nature rich programming. We love knowing our son is surrounded by students and teachers that want to embrace Spanish language and culture in ways that will impact his global thinking forever. The staff is dedicated to seeing the “whole child” and collectively works hard to foster a safe and inspiring environment for all!”
Enroll in the Las Huellas Program Today
View our enrollment page for dates and deadlines.
