Spanish Dual Language Program in Baltimore
Many families begin their search looking for a Spanish immersion program in Baltimore. At Greenspring Montessori School, we offer a Spanish Dual Language program—a thoughtfully balanced approach that helps children develop fluency in Spanish while maintaining strong English literacy and academic confidence.
Beginning as early as age 2, children experience Spanish daily through conversation, reading, and meaningful classroom work within an authentic Montessori environment.
Spanish Immersion Program vs. Dual Language Program
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, Spanish immersion and dual language programs are not the same.
| Spanish Immersion | Spanish Dual Language (Our Approach) |
|---|---|
| Instruction primarily in Spanish 90/10 or 80/20 |
Instruction intentionally balanced between Spanish and English 50/50 |
| English introduced later or minimized | English and Spanish develop together |
| Strong focus on rapid language acquisition | Focus on bilingualism, literacy, and long-term confidence |
| Can feel challenging for some children at first | Designed to support all learners comfortably |
At Greenspring Montessori, we choose a dual language model because it supports the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while still leading to strong Spanish fluency over time.
Looking for a Spanish Immersion Preschool in Baltimore?
Why Many Families Choose Our Spanish Dual Language Program
Many families are looking for a program that balances language development with overall academic growth. If you’re searching for a Spanish bilingual preschool or Elementary program in the Baltimore area, you’re likely hoping your child will:
- Learn to speak Spanish naturally
- Feel comfortable using a second language
- Gain an advantage in a global world
Our Spanish Dual Language program is designed with these same goals in mind—through a model that supports long-term success across both languages.
Our Dual Language classrooms:
- Build true bilingualism, not just comprehension
- Support strong reading and writing in both languages
- Allow children to feel confident and capable from the start
- Provide a more gradual and developmentally aligned path to fluency
About our Spanish Language Classrooms
Toddler Classrooms (2 to 3 years)
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.
Children’s House Classrooms (3 to 6 years)
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.
Lower Elementary Classroom (first through third grade)
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.
Upper Elementary Classroom (fourth and fifth grade)
The Upper Elementary classroom has a Spanish-speaking Guide and the children also receive additional weekly lessons with our Spanish Enrichment Guide. Spanish is taught in small groups with an emphasis on conversation. Children learn vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structure. Our lessons also help children develop listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Elementary Spanish lessons include speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Children are exposed to the language through games, songs, chants, books, conversations, and skits.
Adolescent Classroom (sixth through eighth grade)
Guides in the Adolescent classroom are fluent in both Spanish and English. Students also receive weekly lessons with our Spanish Enrichment Guide and prepare for a biennial trip to our sister school in Mérida, Mexico. The Spanish curriculum emphasizes both as a tool for communication and as a means of developing awareness of appreciation for people of other cultures. Spanish classes are conducted mostly in Spanish and students speak, listen, read, and write in Spanish during each class. Studies include conversation, vocabulary, grammar, and cultural information. In addition, students discuss current events and aspects of their lives in Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a Spanish Immersion Program?
We are not a full Spanish immersion program. Instead, we offer a Dual Language model that balances Spanish and English instruction. This approach supports both fluency and strong academic development in both languages.
Will my child become fluent in Spanish?
Children will need at least three years in the Spanish Dual Language classroom to have real proficiency in the language. Over time, children develop strong conversational and academic Spanish skills, especially with consistent enrollment over multiple years.
Do children need prior Spanish experience?
No, we have a wide-range of skill levels in our Spanish Dual Language classrooms. Many children begin with no prior exposure. Other children come from Spanish-speaking homes or have been enrolled in the program for several years already.
Is the Spanish Dual Language Program a good fit for my child?
Learning a new language offers unique challenges! The best choice depends on your child and your goals. Many families choose our Spanish Dual Language Program because it provides a more balanced and supportive path to bilingualism.
Space in our Spanish Dual Language Program is Limited
Join us for an Information Session to learn more about our Spanish Dual Language Programs and start the admissions process for your child.