Spanish

Spanish Dual Language Program

Spanish is a core language track at Intercultural, offered at both our Chicago and Oak Park campuses from Early Childhood through 8th Grade. This program immerses students in the Spanish language and the rich cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking countries.

Rooted in our dual language Montessori approach, the Spanish track focuses on practical communication and cultural fluency. Students build biliteracy through music, storytelling, cuisine, and celebrations that reflect the diversity of Latin America and Spain.

Our close relationships with a sister school in both Ecuador and Costa Rica further enriches the program, offering students meaningful global connections and a deeper appreciation for the language and culture they’re studying.

Learning Spanish opens doors to global opportunities and deepens cross-cultural understanding, and skills that are essential in today’s interconnected world. Through language, we celebrate the vibrant traditions and voices of the Spanish-speaking community.

Our Language Approach

Early Childhood

Our youngest learners are immersed in the target language during the morning work cycle, when focus and engagement are at their highest.

  • Target Language Immersion All Day

  • Fluent Target Language Teachers guide songs, stories, and routines in the target language

  • All Language Students Together in one classroom community, fostering inclusion and shared experiences

  • Language is absorbed naturally through hands-on exploration, conversation, and play

At Intercultural, our dual language model evolves with each stage of development, blending immersive language instruction with academic growth and cultural exploration.

Lower Elementary

As children transition into more structured academics, the dual-language model becomes more balanced and intentional.

  • 50% English, 50% Target Language instruction throughout the day

  • Two Lead Teachers: one English-speaking and one target language-speaking

  • All Language Students Together during the day, with Split Language Groups for targeted instruction with the appropriate language teacher

  • Students develop reading, writing, and cultural fluency in both languages

Upper Elementary & Middle School

Older students continue building bi-literacy while engaging with more advanced academic content.

  • Balanced English and Target Language Instruction

  • All Language Students Together for integrated learning experiences

  • Language-Specific Instruction in reading, writing, literature, and cultural studies

  • Students deepen their critical thinking, research, and communication skills in both languages, preparing them for high school and beyond

Two children working with an adult in a classroom setting, with books and a laptop on the table.

Our Spanish Teachers

  • Smiling woman in green dress and black jacket
  • Woman smiling, wearing white glasses, floral cardigan, and black pants
  • Woman with long dark hair wearing a black top.
  • Smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a peach top, standing against a plain background.
  • Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a green floral dress against a plain background.
  • Woman with long dark hair wearing a beige shirt, standing against a plain background.
  • Smiling person wearing glasses and a brown cardigan with a beaded lanyard.
  • A smiling woman wearing a beige button-up shirt and green top.
  • Smiling woman wearing red glasses and a cream-colored sweater with small dotted patterns, standing against a light background.
  • A person standing against a plain background, wearing a black vest over a white long-sleeve shirt, with gold hoop earrings, and hands clasped in front.
  • A woman with long hair wearing a floral blazer smiling at the camera against a plain background.
  • Smiling person in a brown sweater against a light background.
Meet the Teachers

FAQs

  • No prior experience is needed. Our program is designed to support beginners as well as children with existing Spanish exposure.

  • In addition to our dual-language Montessori model, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, explore diverse cultural traditions, and maintain a relationship with our sister school in Ecuador to deepen global learning.

  • While fluency varies by student, our goal is for students to graduate with strong communication skills and literacy in both English and Spanish. Consistent exposure and engagement help many students achieve high levels of bi-literacy.

  • Culture is woven into everyday learning through stories, music, art, history, food, and celebrations—creating a vibrant and respectful environment for cultural exploration.

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