FAQs

Language immersion is an educational model that integrates native English speakers and educators specializing in a target language in the same classroom. The focus of language immersion programs is to help students become proficient in a target language while mastering subject content from other disciplines. In immersion programs language is not taught as a subject; it is the medium in which core instruction is delivered.

At CRIS, core STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics) subjects are taught to students through both English and the target languages (Spanish, French, and Chinese). As students and teachers work together to perform academic tasks, the students' language abilities are developed, along with their knowledge of content area subject matter.

Many experts agree that the younger a child starts learning a new language, the better. A recent Harvard study found that children aged between 0-3 mainly learn through hearing sounds and during this stage of development, and are better prepared for language development. At CRIS, language immersion begins as early as 6 weeks old.

The power to learn language is so great in the young child that it doesn’t seem to matter how many languages you throw their way. They can learn as many spoken languages as you allow them to hear systematically and regularly.
- Learning Languages, Winter 1996

Language immersion education develops children who are better prepared for….well, almost everything in life. Studies show that immersion education students outperform students in traditional language classes, do as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests, and have a greater appreciation of cultural diversity.

Additionally, research shows early exposure to a second language enables more neural connections to form in a child’s brain, actually improving language skills in the first language.

Other benefits of language immersion:

• Results in better problem solving skills

• Develops creative, flexible minds

• Is the most effective path to multi-language fluency and literacy

• Improves social emotional skills

• Enables students to take advantage of global opportunities

Languages are for life and they can’t be taken away once you have learned them. By helping your child and continuing to help her, you’ll have a lasting contribution to her quality of life and understanding of others and their culture.
- Hodder and Stoughton Educational, 1994

Children are not required to speak Spanish or French to enroll in ELIS or preschool. Students applying to Kindergarten through 5th grade are evaluated for language proficiency as part of the CRIS admissions process.

School Schedule:

Carpool: 7:45am
School Begins: 8:00am
School Ends: 3:30pm
Carpool: Ends at 4:00pm
Aftercare (included with ELIS): 3:30-5:30pm

School supply lists will be distributed via email to parents the week of August 1st.

Uniforms are required for our students beginning at preK-4. They can be purchased at Inka's Uniforms in Baton Rouge. Inka's is currently finalizing the CRIS logo and updating the uniform offerings page to reflect uniform requirements for our inaugural school year. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Girls Uniform Options

Gray Jumper -or- Gray Shorts -or- Gray Skort -or- Gray Pants

White Blouse -or- White/Black/Burgundy Long or Short Sleeve Polo

Optional: Burgundy Sweater -or- Sweatshirt

Boys Uniform Options

White/Black/Burgundy Long/Short or Sleeve Polo

Gray Shorts (similar to BRIS) -or- Gray Pants

Optional: Burgundy Sweatshirt