ABOUT

ACERCA DE

Bilingualism has been shown to provide positive cognitive effects and social benefits to the young and old. Spanish is the fourth most spoken language in the world, and it is the official first language of 20 countries.

In 2017, the Spanish Bilingual program began at the new Coalbanks Elementary School in west Lethbridge with one kindergarten and one grade one class. Elementary-level Spanish Bilingual programming is now available for kindergarten to grade five students who get numerous opportunities to learn and use language in meaningful and purposeful ways. The delivery of subject-area content, language instruction and cultural information often occurs concurrently, promoting effective language acquisition. Students divide their time evenly, studying 50 per cent in Spanish and 50 per cent in English.

​The first Spanish Bilingual students started at G.S. Lakie Middle School in the fall of 2022. In the fall of 2024, Spanish Bilingual programming will be offered there for grade six, seven, and eight students. Spanish Bilingual programming at G. S. Lakie is designed to provide students with opportunities to improve their Spanish speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in a diverse set of contexts. Students receive both content and explicit language instruction in Spanish, and they have the opportunity to learn about and participate in cultural events that are important to the Spanish-speaking community throughout the school year. 

In the fall of 2025, the first group of Spanish Bilingual students will be entering high school in Lethbridge, at a school that has not yet been publicly confirmed.
​
Creating a parent-led association to champion Spanish Bilingual programming in Lethbridge will help ensure cohesive and sustainable support for students and this program over the long term.​

OUR SCHOOLS

K-5th Grade

6th-8th Grade

Spanish bilingual programming establishes an environment in which both English and Spanish are used for the purposes of communication and learning. Students have numerous opportunities to learn and use language in meaningful and purposeful ways.

​The delivery of subject-area content, language instruction and cultural information often occurs concurrently, promoting effective language acquisition. Students divide their time evenly, studying 50 per cent in Spanish and 50 per cent in English.