Language Programs

Second-language acquisition is one of the pillars of the ICS education model. Our founders envisioned this component as a primary means of encouraging global awareness and creating a diverse community of learners. Since our inception, we have instilled Spanish-language instruction in every aspect of our curriculum. The journey toward becoming a global learner begins with developing an understanding of a language other than one’s own. It is in this spirit that ICS continues to enrich our students’ Spanish-language learning opportunities as well as provide real-world situations for them to use their knowledge.

Since its inception, all students at ICS have received Spanish language instruction. ICS has had a two language program model— (1) a Spanish Immersion language program and (2) an Enhanced Spanish language program. Since the 2020-2021 school year, ICS has been making the Spanish Immersion Program accessible to all students by rolling out a new one program model. This roll out began with the 2020/2021 Kindergarten class, while older grades maintained the original two program design. By school year 2028/2029 all students will be enrolled in the one program model.

Spanish Immersion Program

For the 2025/2026 school year, ICS offers a Spanish immersion language program to all students enrolled in grades K-5. Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade receive 90% of their academic instruction in Spanish. Beginning in 2nd grade, the percentage of Spanish Immersion instruction decreases to about 70%, and in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, Spanish instruction decreases to 50%. This gradual decrease in Spanish instruction takes place because students begin receiving more intensive English Language Arts, and mathematics and science are taught in English. Students in 6th to 8th grade take Advanced Spanish Language Arts classes, with the remainder of their classes in English. Students who graduate from ICS typically test into upper-level Spanish courses in high school and are comfortable and confident speaking Spanish fluently in everyday situations.

Spanish-Enhanced Program

In our Spanish Enhanced program (6th-8th grade only during the 2025/2026 school year), students receive 45-50 minutes of Spanish language instruction 4-5 days per week, depending on their grade level. Students who graduate from our Spanish Enhanced program are typically ready to start with Spanish 2 in high school.

No matter the model, ICS is committed to providing robust accommodations, modifications, and interventions for students struggling with second language acquisition, with the goal that all students reach grade level English proficiency by 4th grade.