News Summary
The Rock Hill Schools district’s Dual Language Immersion Program successfully integrates language learning into the academic curriculum, focusing on bilingualism and biliteracy for students starting from kindergarten. With offerings in Spanish and French, students engage with subjects in their chosen language, preparing them for advanced courses and careers. The program’s seamless transition enhances post-secondary education prospects, fostering cross-cultural connections and academic excellence.
Rock Hill, South Carolina – Students in the Rock Hill Schools district are thriving in the Dual Language Immersion Program, which integrates language learning into the academic curriculum. The initiative, aimed at fostering bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism, prepares students to graduate with a minor in their chosen language.
The program begins as early as kindergarten, strategically designed to promote early language acquisition. Students partake in subjects such as math, science, and social studies taught in either Spanish or French, with English used for literature and presentations. This immersive approach not only enhances language skills but also builds a solid foundation in other academic subjects.
By the time they reach eighth grade, students have the opportunity to enter high school with up to four honors-level courses. This pathway is particularly appealing for students like Collins McFadden, an eighth-grader with aspirations of utilizing his bilingual abilities in a future medical career. The program highlights the strong link between bilingualism and increased academic opportunities, especially in global fields.
Cherry Park Elementary School of Language Immersion, which opened in 2019, continues to thrive as a center for language education. This institution was established to consolidate existing language programs from three elementary schools: Richmond Drive, Rosewood, and Ebinport. At Cherry Park, students can choose between Spanish and French immersion pathways, dedicating half of their school day to learning in English and half in their chosen language. In the 2024-25 school year, approximately 810 students were enrolled, with two-thirds participating in Spanish immersion and the remaining enrolled in French immersion.
Moving into Sullivan Middle School, students who participated in the immersion program continue their language education by taking advanced language and culture courses. The structure enables learners to enroll in honors and advanced courses, as well as dual-credit courses in collaboration with Winthrop University during high school. This seamless transition greatly enhances the students’ post-secondary education prospects, as exemplified by graduates like Lydia Chisolm, Joseph Pilcher, and Sonya Martinez, who are pursing degrees in fields that require strong bilingual skills.
The roots of the immersion program can be traced to a model from Utah, with inspiration drawn from successful language programs across South Carolina. Despite facing budget cuts in the late 2000s, the program adapted by implementing a practical 50/50 learning model. This model serves both English speakers and native speakers of Spanish and French, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages cross-cultural connections. Teachers at Cherry Park emphasize the value of language proficiency in building meaningful relationships among different cultures.
The first group of Cherry Park graduates completed their educational journey in May 2025, marking a significant milestone in the program’s development. After successfully leading the school and the immersion program since its inception, Principal Pat Maness announced her retirement, reflecting on the lasting impact of the initiative on the school community.
FAQs
What is the Dual Language Immersion Program?
The Dual Language Immersion Program integrates language learning into the academic curriculum, helping students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural by the time they graduate.
When does the program begin?
The program begins in kindergarten, allowing for early language acquisition.
What subjects are taught in the immersion language?
Subjects such as math, science, and social studies are taught in either Spanish or French, while literature and presentations are conducted in English.
How many students are enrolled in the program?
In the 2024-25 school year, approximately 810 students were enrolled in the program, with two-thirds in Spanish immersion and one-third in French immersion.
What opportunities are available to students in high school?
Students can opt for up to four honors-level classes, dual-credit courses with Winthrop University, and advanced language courses in Spanish or French.
Key Features of Rock Hill School’s Dual Language Immersion Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Level | Kindergarten |
| Languages Offered | Spanish and French |
| Subjects in Immersion Language | Math, Science, Social Studies |
| English Used For | Literature and Presentations |
| Number of Students (2024-25) | Approximately 810 |
| High School Opportunities | Up to four honors-level courses & dual-credit options |
| Inception Year | 2019 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Winthrop University Launches Sustainability Initiative
Rock Hill Schools Launch Dual Language Immersion Program
Rock Hill Schools’ Immersion Program Fuels Success
Rock Hill High School Class of 2025 Celebrates Language Immersion Graduation
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Empowering Students through Language Immersion in Rock Hill Schools
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Language Immersion Program
- Community Impact: Round Rock ISD Hiring Fairs
- Jsonline: Waukesha School District Plans Closures
- Kron4: Closures and Consolidations of Alum Rock Schools
- Wikipedia: Dual Language Education
- Google Search: Language Immersion Program
- Google Scholar: Language Immersion Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Language Immersion
- Google News: Language Immersion News
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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