Spanish-English Program
GSB is thrilled to add a Spanish immersion program to our school beginning with our Preschool and Kindergarten classes in September 2025. After a decade of successful German language immersion, we are excited to open our doors, literally and figuratively, to a broader local and global community.
We believe in the power of language and provide a supportive environment where students can become confident communicators.
Language learning is woven into every subject, creating a rich and immersive cultural learning experience.
Our model for language acquisition
6 key elements
Consistent exposure
The target language (Spanish or English) is integrated throughout the curriculum. Our "one teacher, one language" approach provides students with an authentic learning experience. Native-speaking teachers deliver instruction, ensuring genuine cultural immersion and a deeper understanding of the target language.
Active learning
Our inquiry and project-based curriculum encourages student participation through games, discussions, and interactive activities.
Authentic materials
We are developing our Spanish curriculum collaboratively with our preschool and kindergarten teachers to ensure a strong foundation for young learners.
Cultural integration
We connect Spanish language learning to the Central- & South American as well as Europan Spanish cultures.
Differentiation - One size fits none
GSB accepts students of varying language proficiencies and offers targeted support for either ELL or SLL students. Learn more here
Assessment & feedback loop
We use different ways to check progress and guide teaching for each student in every grade. Learn more here
Grade by grade, word by word
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3s & 4s + Kindergarten
70% SPANISH, 30% ENGLISH
Preschoolers at GSB learn in a mostly Spanish-speaking setting, which helps them pick up the language naturally. Our native Spanish teachers provide fun experiences with songs, games, and hands-on, inquiry-based activities. This playful method enables students to acquire the Spanish language effortlessly, while further developing their innate curiosity for the world around them.
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1st - 5th grade
50% SPANISH, 50% ENGLISH
In the Lower School program, students develop a strong foundation in reading, writing, as well as math in both Spanish and English. This bilingual approach not only enhances their language skills but also equips them with the tools to tackle complex topics in other subjects. Our dedicated teachers collaborate to design lessons that integrate both languages, encouraging students to make connections between different concepts.
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6th - 8th grade
50% SPANISH, 50% ENGLISH
In the Middle School program, students continue their bilingual education where 50% of their subjects are taught in Spanish and 50% in English. Core subjects such as math and science are taught in English, while other subjects are taught in Spanish. As students progress through grades 6 to 8, both the complexity of topics and the use of academic language increase, preparing them for advanced study in both languages.
Lessons are designed to deepen critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and subject mastery, while reinforcing fluency and literacy in Spanish and English.
Spanish language learning culminates with a proficiency assessment in the spring of 8th grade.
