FLAIM FAQs
What is immersion?
Immersion is a teaching method in which the teacher teaches the foreign language (immersion language) and the academic subjects at the same time. Students do not attend a foreign language class. Instead, the language is used as a tool to teach the content subjects. The immersion teaching method immerses children in the immersion language throughout the day. This successful way of learning a foreign language in an authentic, meaningful way mimics the way a child learned their native language.
What are the differences between Foreign Language Immersion Programs and the Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) Program?
In a foreign language immersion setting, students are instructed in content subjects in the immersion language. Immersion students do not attend a "foreign language" class. Instead, they are immersed in the language throughout the day. In a FLES class, students attend a foreign language class where the foreign language itself is the subject of instruction.
Immersion students develop higher competency in the immersion language for several reasons. First, the sheer number of minutes spent in the immersion language as compared to the limited number of minutes spent in a FLES program. Second, immersion students are learning the immersion language in order to communicate and maneuver throughout their day. This creates a meaning and purpose for students to learn the language.
What does immersion look like at FLAIM?
FLAIM students receive math, science, and social studies instruction in their immersion language by French, Mandarin, or Spanish speaking teachers. In order to further ensure strong language acquisition, they also have immersion language arts lessons where concentrated teaching of grammar, reading, and writing skills occurs.
FLAIM teachers use body language, gestures, exaggerated voice, realia, authentic cultural materials, repetition, music, art, hands-on activities, modeling, and role playing to teach the content subjects as well as the mechanics and syntax of the target language itself.
FLAIM students spend 60-70% of their school day in their immersion language.
Who are FLAIM teachers?
As an immersion school with three foreign languages (French, Mandarin, and Spanish) FLAIM is in the wonderfully unique position to have teachers from around the world. We have teachers that are from Belgium, France, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Venezuela, Taiwan, and the United States.
Not only do they provide quality academic instruction, they also provide cultural awareness of their home country.
FLAIM’s English Language Arts (ELA) teachers are native English-speaking teachers.
Can I tour the school?
FLAIM offers school tours on Monday and Wednesday year-round. If you are interested in a school tour, please contact:
Ms. Louque
Magnet Site Coordinator
225-343-6630
jlouque1@ebrschools.org.
How can I help my child with homework if I don't know the immersion language?
Homework is given to reinforce the learning completed in class. Parents do not need an understanding of the immersion language in order to help their children with homework. At the lower levels, most homework goes home in English. As the students gain a stronger command of the immersion language more of the homework goes home in the language.
Kindergarten and 1st Grade - Most of the homework will go home in English.
2nd Grade - 5th Grade - Most of the homework will go home in the immersion language.
Watch our video where a parent gives her answer to this question.
Do students need to know the immersion language to apply?
Students applying for kindergarten and 1st grade DO NOT need to know the language.
Students applying for 2nd through 5th grade need to be transferring from an immersion school or be a heritage speaker.
Due to this requirement, the application portal needs to be opened on a case-by-case basis for 2nd through 5th grade applicants. Please call 343-6630 or email jlouque1@ebrschools.org for further information on applying to 2nd through 5th grade.
How old do children need to be to start kindergarten?
To begin kindergarten, children must be 5 years old by September 30th of their kindergarten year.
What is the tuition cost for FLAIM?
Zéro, 零, Cero - FLAIM is a tuition free, public school in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
How many kindergarten classes does FLAIM have?
FLAIM has 1 Mandarin, 2 French, and 3 Spanish kindergarten classes.
Do FLAIM students have bus services?
FLAIM students (except for PreK3 students) are provided bus services.
Does FLAIM have Extended Day services?
FLAIM offers Extended Day services for morning and afternoon care. Students in afternoon Extended Day receive homework help by immersion teachers.
What ancillary classes does FLAIM offer?
FLAIM ancillary classes include PE, Music, Visual Art, and Library.