Glendale Elementary School - Nashville, TN

Glendale Elementary's vision is to be the top performing Spanish immersion school for elementary children in the nation. Glendale opened in the fall of 2004 as Nashville's first and only Spanish immersion school.

In our global society, there is growing appreciation of a multilingual education. Research has demonstrated that early language acquisition promotes higher-level cognitive development. In addition, bilingual learners have greater access to different cultures, travel opportunities, and appreciation of individual differences. Learning another language gives students an appreciation for customs and achievements of other cultures and creates advantages in the job market. Research also shows that students who participate in five years of an immersion program score as well-or better-than all comparison groups on achievement tests. Students participating in immersion programs also have more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and better listening skills.

In grades K-4, Spanish is taught through math and science and daily conversation. We also develop reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. Grade-level teams, the librarian, and related arts teachers collaborate to provide a rich learning environment which challenges students to reach their full potential and highlights Spanish culture throughout the entire school. By celebrating diversity through art, music, drama, dance, and storytelling, teachers work together to challenge, excite, and support all students as they embark on a lifelong learning adventure.