Spanish Dual Language Montessori Programs

Greenspring Montessori School currently offers Spanish Dual Language Montessori Toddler (2 to 3 years), Children’s House (3 to 6 years), and Lower Elementary (6 to 9 years) communities.

Children in the Dual Language classrooms receive a rich exposure to both Spanish and English language in their studies, working on continued oral development, as well as reading and writing in Spanish. After three years in the program, children are able to speak to their classmates in Spanish, teaching one another in a true Montessori fashion. The rest of the Greenspring Montessori School community also receive weekly Spanish instruction with our Spanish Enrichment Guide.

In the fall of 2013, Greenspring Montessori School embarked on a journey to bring the Spanish Language to our students. We transitioned our school language enrichment from French to Spanish. We also opened our first Dual Language Children’s House classroom. Since then, the interest in our Dual Language Program has grown and we have opened a Toddler classroom, another Children’s House classroom, and a Lower Elementary classroom to support our children’s Spanish learning.

Our current focus is to foster further collaboration between Dual Language levels. Our Montessori philosophy guides us to cherish the special learning that occurs in a multi-age environment and the Dual Language Program is no different. We love to share our language learning experience with others and all of the enriching opportunities this provides for growth as a community.

Common Questions about our Dual Language Program

What is a Dual Language Program?

Dual language is a form of education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. A Dual Language Program supports children who have already had significant exposure to the target language in continuing their proficiency. A Dual Language Program can also offer exposure to a target language to children with little or no previous experience in this language.

Why Offer Spanish Language Programs?

Learning a second language has innumerable benefits on a child’s life. Research shows that it increases creativity and enhances verbal and mathematical problem-solving skills. The students develop an advantage in grasping and formulating concepts. These skills contribute profoundly to a child’s self-esteem and sense of values. Best of all, it prepares a child for life in the multicultural, multilingual world of the 21st century.

What does the Dual-Language English/Spanish Program look like?

Lower Elementary Community

Children ages 6 to 9 years old spend the morning in a classroom with both English and Spanish being spoken. Because our children receive individualized lessons, children are able to receive the lesson they are ready for in both Spanish and English throughout the day. Children coming up from our Children’s House Dual Language Community are able to explore the language in more depth, with a focus on literacy and writing skills. Children new to Dual Language work on oral expression, focusing on vocabulary development as well as comprehension skills.

Children’s House Community

Children ages 3 to 6 years old spend the morning in a classroom with both English and Spanish being spoken. Because our children receive individualized lessons, children are able to receive the lesson they are ready for in both Spanish and English throughout the day. Stories and songs are shared in both languages. The children become comfortable with the Spanish language, with comprehension of the spoken word, and some verbal use of Spanish, as well.

Spaces in our Children’s House Dual Language program are limited. Schedule your visit to get started.

Toddler Community

Children ages 2 to 3 years old spend the morning in a classroom with both English and Spanish being spoken. Because our children receive individualized lessons, they are able to receive the lesson they are ready for in both Spanish and English throughout the day. Stories and songs are shared in both languages. The children become comfortable with the Spanish language, with comprehension of the spoken word, and some verbal use of Spanish, as well.

What are the additional costs for the Dual Language Communities?

There is an additional fee for the Dual Language Communities. The fee helps offset the costs of the additional materials, staffing, and training required to fuel the Dual Language Communities. Please see our tuition page for more information on our tuition and fees.

Is the Dual Language Program a good fit for my child?

Learning a new language offer challenges! Children will need at least three years in the Dual Language Communities to have real proficiency in the language. If you have questions about the program, and your child’s fit, please schedule a visit to receive more information.