Frequently Asked Questions
About Immersion Programs in Portland Public Schools
Q: What is an immersion program?
A: An immersion program is a form of dual language education that provides an enriched education by teaching students core academic content in two languages: English and the targeted immersion language (PPS: Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese). The goal is for all students to become bilingual and bi-literate while achieving at a high academic level and developing deeper cultural awareness. The percentage of time spent in each language depends on the program model. Two Way immersion programs aim to serve both minority language and majority language students utilizing both groups as native speakers models. One Way or Foreign Language immersion programs primarily serve English native speakers.
Q: Is the immersion program available at grades K-12?
A: Yes. Students can continue in the immersion program at middle and high school, in the established "feeder pattern". Families must be aware that they are making a K-12 commitment to the immersion program.
Q: How does a family apply for an immersion program?
A: Families must submit a School Choice Application, by the deadline: on-line application at www.schoolchoice.pps.k12.or.us or submit a paper School Choice Application to the Enrollment and Transfer Center - 501 North Dixon, first floor, room 140. Families can also drop off School Choice application at the Family Support Centers located at: North Side - Kenton elementary school at 7528 N Fenwick St. Portables 1, 2 or East Side - next to Kelly elementary school 9015 SE Rural St. Some programs have other requirements.
Q: What are the requirements to be considered for an immersion program?
A:
- Submit a School Choice Application, by the deadline;
- Attend a Mandatory Meeting & Sign a Statement of Understanding - for elementary programs;
- Students applying for "late entry" (after kindergarten) must contact the school for assessment information. Meeting information is available at www.schoolchoice.pps.k12.or.us, schools, or the Enrollment and Transfer Center.
Q: What if we can't make it to the mandatory informational session?
A: Please contact the school prior to the School Choice application deadline.
Q: What if I have a student attending the immersion program and I want a sibling(s) to attend the same program?
A: Co-enrolled preference will be given to students who have siblings enrolled in the same immersion program.
Q: My 3rd grade student is attending the neighborhood program (non-immersion) and we want to request the immersion program for our child entering kindergarten at the same school. Will our child receive sibling preference?
A: No. Sibling preference only applies to children with a sibling enrolled in the same immersion program.
Q: Do I need to complete a School Choice Application if my student will be moving from elementary to middle or middle to high school?
A: No. They will be automatically promoted to the next level, if they are continuing in the immersion program.
Q: What if my student does not want to continue in the immersion program?
A: Students who do not want to continue in the immersion program will be assigned to their neighborhood school and must complete a School Choice Application during the annual School Choice transfer cycle to attend the school of the program they are currently enrolled in, or any other district school.
Q: How does a student enter the immersion program after kindergarten? A: Students requesting entrance into an immersion program after kindergarten is referred to as "late entry." Late entry is possible at any grade, if space is available, in the program at the school requested and IF the student meets minimum oral and
A: written language proficiency requirements. To determine whether or not your student meets minimum language proficiency requirements please contact the school directly for assessment, at least two weeks prior to the School Choice application deadline.
Q: Does living in the school's neighborhood help my child's chances of gaining entrance into the program?
A: Most immersion programs set neighborhood families as a priority in the lottery process. However Ainsworth and Atkinson both reserve slots for out of neighborhood families as well. The Richmond Japanese School does not have a neighborhood attendance area.
Q: Can a "nonresident" family who lives outside the Portland District in another school district, city, state or country during the School Choice transfer cycle, for the following school year?
A: Yes. Families who are not Portland District residents during the School Choice transfer cycle can apply to an immersion program or any school in the district, but district families will be considered first, in the lottery. If selected, the student would be conditionally approved until the resident district approves an interdistrict transfer or tuition is paid.
Q: What if I do not currently reside in the Portland District but plan to move within the district boundaries before the first day of school - will I be considered a "resident" in the School Choice lottery process?
A: There are circumstances that would allow a family to be considered "resident" in the School Choice process, but the student could only be "conditionally" approved, if selected in the lottery. The family must:
- complete a School Choice Application, by the application deadline
- provide proof of address in the Portland District (have secured a residence), by the application deadline if the student is selected in the lottery, the family must:
- provide proof of residency in the Portland District (currently resides) before the first day of school / before the student can be enrolled
Q: What languages are offered, and where are the programs located?
| Elementary School | Language | Middle School | High School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ainsworth*** | Spanish | West Sylvan | Lincoln |
| Atkinson | Spanish | Hosford IMS | Cleveland |
| Beach | Spanish | (Beach K-8) | Jefferson |
| Bridger | Spanish | TBD** | TBD** |
| Clarendon | Spanish | Portsmouth | Roosevelt |
| Kelly | Russian | TBD** | Franklin |
| Lent | Spanish | TBD** | TBD** |
| Richmond*** | Japanese | Mt. Tabor | Grant |
| Rigler | Spanish | TBD** | TBD** |
| Woodstock*** | Mandarin | Hosford IMS | Cleveland |
*Families will be notified when Jefferson Cluster decisions are final
** Middle and High Schools are not yet determined
*** These schools charge tuition to parent/guardian for kindergarten for the 2nd half of the day
Q: What is the timeline for the School Choice student transfer process?
| Important Dates | Start Date/Time | End Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
| High School Transfer Application Cycle | January 25, 2008, 8:00 a.m. | February 22, 2008, 5:00 p.m. |
| Elementary/Middle School Transfer Application Cycle | February 2, 2008, 8:00 a.m. | March 7, 2008, 5:00 p.m. |
You can apply online www.schoolchoice.pps.k12.or.us at home, any Multnomah County Library, or Housing Authority office, or the Enrollment and Transfer Center at 501 North Dixon, first floor, room 140. Assistance is also available at the Family Support Centers. Paper applications will be available at schools, the Enrollment and Transfer Center.
School Choice Lottery Results Notification will be 4-6 weeks after deadline.
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