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History of the Spanish Bilingual Program
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 Coalbanks Elementary School in west Lethbridge with one kindergarten and one grade one class. The Spanish Bilingual program relocated to the NEW West Coulee Station Elementary School in the Fall of 2025 and is thriving. 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 Chinook Regional High School. 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. Learn About the Program
A welcoming, inclusive bilingual learning experience. The Spanish Bilingual Program offers students the opportunity to learn Spanish through meaningful, engaging instruction in both English and Spanish. Students develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and academic confidence.
Highlights: 50/50 Spanish–English instruction
OUR SCHOOLS
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. Programs
GRADES K-5
The Spanish Bilingual Program at West Coulee Station Elementary provides students with a strong foundation in both English and Spanish through a balanced, immersive learning environment. Beginning in the early grades, students develop skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening while exploring culture and global perspectives. With a 50/50 approach to instruction, students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in two languages. 
GRADES 6-8
G.S. Lakie Middle school is proud to offer our Spanish Bilingual Program to grade six, seven, and eight students. This program 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. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about and participate in cultural events that are important to the Spanish-speaking community throughout the school year. If you have any questions, or would like to find out more about student eligibility for the program, please reach out to our Principal, Brad Dersch ([email protected]). FAQ
Lethbridge Spanish Bilingual Program
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