District Launches Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion Program for 2025-26

The White Bear Lake Area School Board recently approved an Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion program, set to launch in Fall 2025. This program will be offered at Otter Lake Elementary and Matoska International, with each school hosting up to three kindergarten immersion classrooms for a potential total of six classrooms district-wide. Transportation will be available to resident families throughout the district for students enrolled in this program.

The new immersion program is designed to serve both Spanish-speaking and non-Spanish-speaking students together in a bilingual environment that values the contributions of every student and family. Participants will learn in a mix of English and Spanish, experiencing unique benefits such as academic growth, enhanced language and cultural understanding, social and emotional development, and expanded future opportunities.

Program At a Glance

• Schools: Otter Lake Elementary & Matoska International
• Grades: Starting with Kindergarten, 2025-26 school year
• Classrooms: Up to three per school, six total
• Enrollment: Opens December 16, 2024; open enrollment applications will be considered after January 15, 2025 (priority to district students)
• Transportation: Available to resident families throughout the district

“This is forward-thinking education. When I look in the job market, almost all of the employers want you to have a second language.” said School Board Vice-Chair Angela Thompson. “I think this is another asset for our students. I’m really excited to see what this program does in the district.” 

Families will be able to select this option during the kindergarten registration process. Enrollment information will be mailed to all incoming kindergarten families in December 2024, with the enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year opening on December 16, 2024. Priority placement will be given to district students, with open enrollment applications considered after January 15, 2025.

“This program addresses the needs of families seeking unique educational options, including immersion programs, and it supports multiple goals in our district’s strategic plan,” said Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, Superintendent of White Bear Lake Area Schools. “We're committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment for all students, personalizing education, and helping each student recognize and develop their unique talents.”

For information and updates about the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, families and community members can visit www.isd624.org/immersion. That web page also contains a form that families can complete to ensure they receive the district’s kindergarten mailings and registration information.