Students are immersed in the Spanish language as if they were immersed in a foreign-language speaking country. From first to fifth grade, students receive most of their instruction in Spanish. The program follows the same curriculum as in the traditional classes. Additional Spanish Immersion opportunities are also available for grades 6-12 as part of the program.

Immersion began in Southern Lehigh in 1989 after several years of study and planning.  The program began with a first grade class and a new class was added each year.

Most parents choose this program to enable their children to become bi-lingual and appreciative of cultural diversity.  Some anticipate career and personal advantages.

First grade enrollment is based on a lottery process for those students who are ready for a regular first grade experience. Immersion is designed for students whose first language is English and is available to resident students from the entire Southern Lehigh School District. We experience and expect a wide range of skills and abilities in our immersion classrooms.

While almost any student can be successful when entering in September of first grade, it becomes progressively more difficult as years go by. Approval is required for late admittance in second grade. No new students are accepted into Spanish Immersion beyond second grade.

Spanish offers more accessible staffing and materials. Its marketability in the workforce is an added advantage.  

Parents form networks with other parents and children in the program. The homework that goes home is usually a review of what was carefully explained by the teacher that day. There are always ways to help them! Many parents have found that their children in the Spanish Immersion program develop a strong sense of independence in their homework.

English instruction is given in third, fourth, and fifth grades for approximately 45 minutes per day. It addresses those areas that do not transfer from Spanish, such as English punctuation, spelling and vocabulary. The students have already learned to read in English on their own by this point, because they are eventually able to transfer instruction in Spanish word recognition and comprehension to their native language. The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, which measures reading and math skills, has produced strong results since the beginning of this program. Our immersion students function well at Middle School and are generally indistinguishable from the other students.

At the middle school level, students are fully integrated with peers from other classes throughout most of the day. However, they may decide to continue their Spanish studies or take part in other language classes that are available. The following are designed for Spanish Immersion students to continue in the program:

6th- Spanish Immersion Social Studies

7th and 8th- Spanish Immersion Social Studies and Spanish Language classes designed for Spanish Immersion

High School- Spanish Language classes designed for Spanish Immersion

• Spanish Grammar and Composition I 
• Spanish Grammar and Composition II
• Spanish V
• AP Spanish

See the web page on registration and enrollment processes.