Unlocking Global Success: How Language Immersion at ISA Transforms Your Child’s Education

Photo courtesy of International School of Arizona

Language immersion programs do more than just teach your child a new language; they also lead to significant gains in language arts, mathematics, and help your child develop a multicultural, multi-perspective view of the world around them. Studies have repeatedly shown that the most optimal time to learn a new language is before the age of 12 and that kids learn languages best by continuously listening to and practicing them.

The International School of Arizona (ISA), a private, nonprofit independent school which was voted BEST private school in Scottsdale and FAVORITE pre-school, is located in the heart of Scottsdale. ISA’s mission and vision is simple: “Opening Doors to Success in a Constantly Changing World.”

Their fully accredited French and Spanish immersion programs start in early childhood at 18 months of age through eighth grade. ISA also offers an International English-Speaking Program for sixth and seventh graders with a second language acquisition (French

or Spanish) in middle school. There is no prior language immersion needed. When a child joins a language immersion program such as what ISA offers, the immersive environment allows children to learn a language through play, instruction, and routine, leading to greater comprehension and improved retention. The demand for more language exposure in schools has led to more public, private, and charter schools offering second language classes as a weekly enrichment or elective class.

You may be wondering what the difference is between language immersion and the traditional language classes taught in most schools? In traditional second language classes, the target language is the subject of instruction, often representing just one hour weekly. In contrast, language immersion uses the target language to teach other subjects such as mathematics, science, social studies, music, and art. The more students hear a foreign language, the easier it is for them to learn it. It takes a lot of dedication for a family in America to learn another language but in the end, it is definitely worth it.
ISA, located at 9522 E San Salvador Dr., in Scottsdale, offers rolling admissions through March of 2025. If you are interested in enrolling your child in an award-winning immersion program, book a campus visit and see if ISA is the right immersion school for your child. For more information, email [email protected], call 480-874-2326, or visit isaz.org.