Secondary Spanish Immersion

Our Spanish immersion program gives our students the tools to live fully into our mission of equipping minds and nurturing hearts to transform the world for Jesus Christ.

By learning a second language, students have the ability to grow in empathy and understanding, furthering their ability to learn from others, and love others well for God’s glory.

We have named ourselves La Familia because our desire is that our students feel they are part of a family here at Holland Christian. We celebrate the opportunity that they have to learn a second language and want to support them as they continue to develop their language skills in order to be better equipped to engage with others in our local and global communities.

Program Overview

Who can enroll?

Students who have completed a K-8 Spanish Immersion Program
Native and heritage speakers
Students who have scored in advanced levels on a recognized proficiency test (STAMP, AAPPL, OPI)

What we offer:

A program designed to give more flexibility in student schedules
Content courses and electives designed for Spanish Immersion students
Three course options per semester (minimum two courses required for program participants)
AP Spanish Language and Literature and alternative Language Proficiency Testing
Michigan Seal of Biliteracy application submission
Calvin University’s Dual Enrollment Program classes

What can you expect from our graduates?

Students will be both bilingual and biliterate, performing on or above grade level in both languages.
Students will achieve a high level of proficiency (advanced mid to advanced high) by their senior year.
Students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors, and cultural competency.

What makes our program stand out?

We have developed a program that gives increased opportunity and flexibility for student schedules. By rotating courses, offering content area courses, and giving three course options each semester, we are able to ensure that more students are able to take performing arts electives and AP classes, all while still fitting two Spanish courses into their schedule each semester. Program participation requires two courses per semester; however, because we know that students need more time in the target language to maintain and advance their proficiency, students have the option to take up to three courses each semester.

We also offer a senior capstone internship at a variety of local businesses, so that seniors have an opportunity to grow in their Spanish vocabulary in the field of their choice, while also gaining work experience. Read more about our Spanish Immersion internships in this recent article in our alumni magazine, Connections.

Read about our Spanish Immersion Internships!

What courses are offered?

The following courses in the table below are taught at Holland Christian High School through the Spanish Secondary Continuing Immersion Program. Juniors and seniors are invited to apply for Calvin University’s Dual Enrollment Program which gives them an opportunity to earn college credit at a discounted rate.

Grade Level	Offered Every Year	22-23 School Year Rotating Courses	23-24 School Year Rotating Courses	Rotating Electives
9th Grade	English 1	US History	Global Civilizations & Bible 1	Offered to 9th-12th grade Immersion Students and Advanced World Language Students (Course titles to change) 2022-2023 Applied Vocabulary Interpretation 23-24 Survey of Spanish Speaking Countries Community Connections 24-25 Translation Performing Arts 25-26 Hispanic Culinary Culture Hispanic Film and Arts
10th Grade	AP Spanish	US History	Global Civilizations & Bible 1	Offered to 9th-12th grade Immersion Students and Advanced World Language Students (Course titles to change) 2022-2023 Applied Vocabulary Interpretation 23-24 Survey of Spanish Speaking Countries Community Connections 24-25 Translation Performing Arts 25-26 Hispanic Culinary Culture Hispanic Film and Arts
11th Grade	Calvin University Dual Enrollment	Global Research & Eng3 Communications	US Government & Eng 3 Global Literature	Offered to 9th-12th grade Immersion Students and Advanced World Language Students (Course titles to change) 2022-2023 Applied Vocabulary Interpretation 23-24 Survey of Spanish Speaking Countries Community Connections 24-25 Translation Performing Arts 25-26 Hispanic Culinary Culture Hispanic Film and Arts
12th Grade	Senior Internship & Calvin University Dual Enrollment	Global Research & Eng 3 Communications	US Government & Eng 3 Global Literature	Offered to 9th-12th grade Immersion Students and Advanced World Language Students (Course titles to change) 2022-2023 Applied Vocabulary Interpretation 23-24 Survey of Spanish Speaking Countries Community Connections 24-25 Translation Performing Arts 25-26 Hispanic Culinary Culture Hispanic Film and Arts

Secondary Spanish Immersion FAQs

How do we get involved in our local community?

We believe that it is important for students to have authentic language experience, and we have access to an amazing Hispanic community locally. As part of our program, students are connected with individuals and professionals in our local community to give students the opportunity to learn from those in our greater community, all while using their second language. In addition, they have the opportunity to do internships as seniors that allow them to use their Spanish in professional settings.

How will being in the Spanish Immersion program affect my schedule?

Our program design allows for greater flexibility in student schedules. Some core Language Arts and Social Studies required courses are offered in Spanish each year, giving students space in their schedule for electives such as band or choir. By offering three courses per semester, students will still be able to take two courses in Spanish per semester, even if they decide to opt out of a Spanish Immersion content area course for an AP equivalent.

What travel opportunities are there?

Holland Christian has a partnership with Faces & Our Cultures, a student exchange program connecting students from Guatemala with Holland Christian students. Holland Christian students have the opportunity to host Guatemalan students during the school year as well as visit Guatemala in the summer.

What if my child does not want to continue in immersion?

If your child does not want to participate in the full immersion program, there are still opportunities for him or her. By taking the Freshman Spanish Language Arts class, they can prepare to take AP Spanish their sophomore year. In addition, they are always permitted to join in Spanish Immersion elective classes to stay in the language.

What is the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy?

Students who place intermediate high or higher on a standardized proficiency test and take a sufficient number of courses in the target language qualify for the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy. Holland Christian facilitates AAPPL and AP language testing, both of which are approved proficiency tests. We assist seniors in the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy application process.

What support for college planning do you give?

We understand that each college and university is unique. Therefore we guide students through college decisions, explaining the details regarding proficiency testing and credit transfer for AP scores and Hope College course credits.

”HC has recognized all of our kiddos’ unique and distinctive differences and allowed them to soar.
Kate DirkseHolland Christian parent

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”Having a partnership with Holland Christian means we are not on our own here--because they are helping us raise children who can think critically about the world, and about their faith.
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Have Questions?

We look forward to meeting you and your family and introducing you to the fresh, creative, personalized education at Holland Christian! We are here to help! Get in touch using the contact form linked below or call us at 616.820.2805.

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