Amaia Duque
Head of school
Leads the school and teaches the grade 4 and 5 Spanish reading block. Speaks Spanish and English with families.
Spanish immersion elementary, kindergarten to grade 5
Two languages in one school day
Ceiba Language School teaches kindergarten through grade 5 in Morrisville, North Carolina. Children learn math, science and stories in Spanish, and read and write in English. No Spanish is needed to start kindergarten, and if your family speaks Spanish at home, your child reads and writes it here.
The path through both languages
What children do in Spanish and what they do in English
Each subject is taught in one language, and the mix shifts by grade. Children move up with their class.
- 01
Kindergarten and grade 1
Ages 5 to 7SkillsIn Spanish: letters and first words, counting and number stories, science walks, songs and games
In English: stories read aloud, art, music and play
Moving upChildren move up in August, after the teachers talk through each child.
- 02
Grades 2 and 3
Ages 7 to 9SkillsIn Spanish: chapter books, paragraphs of their own, math with measuring, science projects
In English: reading and writing in a daily block, plus art and music
Moving upThe class stays together, with the same two teachers for the two languages.
- 03
Grades 4 and 5
Ages 9 to 11SkillsIn Spanish: science and social studies, long reads, class discussions
In English: math, reading and writing, research reports, art and music
Moving upAt the end of grade 5 the teacher and the head of school talk with each family about what comes next.
Where to startAsk where your child would start
Sample levels.
Classes
The language of each class, grade by grade
The school day runs from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
| Ages | Class size | Reading and writing90 minutes5 days | Math60 minutes5 days | Science and social studies60 minutes4 days | Art, music and PE45 minutes5 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten and grade 1Ages 5 to 7English comes in through stories, art, music and play. Reading and writing in English begin in grade 2. | 16 | OfferedIn Spanish | OfferedIn Spanish | OfferedIn Spanish | OfferedIn English |
| Grades 2 and 3Ages 7 to 9Reading and writing in English have a block of their own each day. | 18 | OfferedIn Spanish and English | OfferedIn Spanish | OfferedIn Spanish | OfferedIn English |
| Grades 4 and 5Ages 9 to 11Students move between the two languages across the week. | 20 | OfferedIn Spanish and English | OfferedIn English | OfferedIn Spanish | OfferedIn English |
Fees and what each is for
- Application
- Covers reading the application and a conversation with the child. Due when you apply.
- Enrollment
- Holds a place after you accept an offer.
- Books and supplies
- The books in both languages and the materials for the year, ordered by the school.
- Uniform
- A polo shirt and navy trousers or skirt, bought at any shop.
- Before and after care
- Billed by the month for the days a family uses.
- Field trips
- A few in the year, billed when the family signs the permission slip.
Sample programs.
One day
From the door to dismissal, in two languages
Mornings run mostly in Spanish and afternoons bring English and the arts, with lunch and recess between.
- 7:45 a.m.
Arrival
A teacher greets each child at the door, in Spanish. Backpacks go on the hooks, and families may stay a minute.
- 8:15 a.m.
Morning in Spanish
Reading and math in Spanish, with a circle, a story and hands-on work in the younger grades.
- 11:45 a.m.
Lunch
Children eat together at long tables. Families send a lunch, and the table talk is in Spanish some days and English on others.
- 12:15 p.m.
Recess
Outside play with teachers on the yard, with a log frame to climb and a field of grass.
- 12:45 p.m.
Afternoon in English
Reading and writing in English, art and music, and time to read on floor cushions.
- 3:15 p.m.
Dismissal
A teacher walks each child to their adult. Those who stay do homework and play until 5:30 p.m.
The school year
When each step opens
Applications open in November for the fall that follows, and the answer comes in March.
This school year
October and January
Open houses
Walk the building, sit in on a class and meet the teachers, in Spanish or English.
Most months, September to March
TourVisit days
A morning in a classroom with a teacher beside you. Children may come along.
Early November
Applications open
For the fall that follows. Children need no Spanish to apply.
Mid-February
DeadlineApplication deadline
The financial aid form is asked for with the application.
Early March
Decisions
By phone and by letter, in the language you choose.
Mid-August
First dayFirst day of school
A teacher greets each child at the door, in Spanish.
Sample dates.
Faculty
Who teaches in the two languages
Eleven people teach at the school. Five speak Spanish at home, and the office answers in Spanish and English. Three of them are here.
Homer Fielding
English reading and writing teacher, grades 2 to 5
Teaches reading and writing in English and runs the Friday reading club. He is learning Spanish alongside the students.
Mariko Tanabe
Art and music teacher
Teaches art and music in English and sings in Spanish with every grade. On Fridays she opens the art room at lunch.
From families
What families tell us
“We speak only English at home, and I had my doubts. At the visit the teacher showed us how a kindergarten morning starts, with songs, stories and a lot of pointing. We left knowing we could do this without speaking Spanish ourselves.”
Leigh B.Parent of a first grader
“We speak Spanish at home, and I wanted a school where my son would read and write it, not only speak it. The head of school walked us through each grade and answered everything in Spanish.”
Marta E.Parent of a second grader
“The notes come home in both languages, and the teachers call when there is something to tell. We always know who to ask.”
Owen T.Parent of a fourth grader and a kindergartener
Sample reviews.
Visit the school
Book a visit
Visit days run on school mornings with a teacher beside you, in Spanish or English. Children may come along.
Phone(919) 555-0117
WhatsAppwa.me/19195550117
Hours
- Monday to FridayToday
- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday and SundayToday
- Closed