Bonjour! Hola! Salut! There’s no better way to embrace a new language than by diving in headfirst. Language immersion programs are designed to do just that — fully surround learners with their target language, turning communication into a natural, everyday experience.
What are immersion programs?
Immersion programs offer children a chance to learn in ways that traditional classroom lessons can’t match. Instead of memorizing vocab lists or practicing verb conjugations in isolation, students live and breathe the language throughout the day.
There are two common types of immersion programs:
- Partial immersion: Students split their day between their native language and the target language, often learning subjects like math or science in the second language.
- Full immersion: The target language becomes the primary language of instruction, creating an environment where students naturally develop fluency.
Why immersion works
Immersion programs are backed by decades of research showing their unique ability to enhance not just language skills, but overall learning and personal growth:
- Sharper thinking: Immersion improves problem-solving, multitasking and critical thinking, engaging the brain in ways traditional programs don’t.
- Cultural connections: By learning in another language, students develop empathy and understanding of different cultures, becoming global citizens.
- Fluency faster: With constant exposure, immersion learners often achieve fluency far more quickly than peers in traditional language programs.
- Academic excellence: Immersion students frequently perform better on standardized tests, even in their native language, thanks to improved cognitive flexibility.
For younger children, this approach is especially effective. Thanks to the brain’s “critical period” for language development, kids can learn languages with near-native accents and intuitive grammar skills when exposed early.
The method’s roots
The success of this teaching approach isn’t new. In 1965, English-speaking Canadian parents sought a way for their children to become fluent in French.
The solution? A full immersion school where students learned entirely in French. The results were remarkable — students became fluent while excelling academically. What began as a local effort quickly spread across Canada and beyond.
Ann Arbor’s immersion program history
Ann Arbor has a rich history of embracing language education. University of Michigan’s English Language Institute (ELI), founded in 1941 by Charles C. Fries, was the first full-time intensive English language institute in the United States. While ELI focused on English, it set a precedent for immersive language learning in the community.
Ann Arbor Public Schools have long recognized the importance of multilingual education. Although not immersion programs, the district offers instruction in seven languages: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin and Spanish. This prepares students to be linguistically and culturally competent in an increasingly globalized world.
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Local programs
Aux Petits Soins
Language(s): French
Ages: Birth to 18 years
Uses the Listen. Absorb. Speak.™ method to make learning French fun and intuitive. Programs engage children through cultural immersion tailored to various age groups.
2929 Covington Ct, Ann Arbor
En Nuestra Lengua Literacy and Culture Project
Language(s): Spanish
Ages: 4 to 9 years
Saturday classes focus on literacy skills and cultural pride, helping bilingual children advance their Spanish proficiency in a supportive environment.
Bach Elementary School, 600 West Jefferson St, Ann Arbor
Language Adventure
Language(s): Spanish and French
Ages: Preschool to 8th grade
Offers immersive language experiences through engaging activities, games and storytelling. Collaborates with schools to extend language learning opportunities.
2311 E Stadium Blvd, Suite 204, Ann Arbor
Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool
Language(s): Spanish
Ages: 6 months to 6 years
A Reggio Emilia-inspired program where children explore and learn through play in a Spanish-speaking environment. Encourages cultural inclusivity and outdoor exploration.
2626 Packard St, Ann Arbor
Uno Dos Tres Spanish Immersion Preschool
Language(s): Spanish
Ages: 12 months to 5 years
Uses a thematic curriculum to foster creativity and problem-solving while immersing students in Spanish. Divided into age-specific groups for tailored instruction.
1500 Scio Church Rd, Ann Arbor
Ypsilanti Community Schools Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program
Language(s): Spanish and English
Ages: Preschool through 1st grade
Combines English and Spanish-speaking students to achieve bilingualism and biliteracy through dual-language instruction.
Ford Early Learning Center, 2440 E Clark Rd, Ypsilanti