An immersion education at Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School is rewarding and rigorous.
Children develop math and literacy skills, acquire knowledge in diverse subjects, and become proficient readers, writers, and speakers in two languages. MSIS staff understand no two children learn the same way. They collaborate across grades and subjects to get to know students and support their academic growth in both languages, starting with Spanish.
Educators teach all lessons in Spanish from K4 through first grade for a true immersion experience.
- English-language instruction starts in second grade, during literacy lessons and activities. Spanish is the language of instruction in all other subjects.
- Students entering MSIS at grade two or above must have prior Spanish-language
experience. Please contact MPS Lau Compliance Center to schedule an eligibility test. - Fifth graders follow an 80/20 model, learning 80 percent of their material in Spanish and the remainder in English.
An MSIS education combines high-quality, Spanish-language instruction, a standards-based curriculum, and art, music, and physical education classes.
Ambitious Instruction Plan
The Milwaukee Public Schools Ambitious Instruction Plan recognizes and celebrates that our students come from many cultures and backgrounds. This plan focuses on high-quality, culturally appropriate teaching and learning. Our goal is to ensure that every student develops reading, writing, and math skills in ways that are meaningful to their individual lives and experiences. Our staff works together to understand each learner and find appropriate ways to assess and improve their progress. We then make sure that students can apply what they have learned in productive ways in school and in their community.
Common Core State Standards
The curriculum in Milwaukee Public Schools is based on Common Core State Standards. These standards were developed with teachers, school administrators, and experts to prepare all children for college and the workforce.
Curriculum
Art, Music, and Physical Education
Specialist teachers lead art, music, and physical education classes. Students learn about mind-body wellness, beautify our upper and lower campus with their creations, and study and perform the music of Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.
A residency with Bembé Drum & Dance enhances the MSIS music and physical education curriculum. Bembé artist-educators teach students traditional dances from African-based cultures.
English Language Arts
Teachers provide 90 minutes of reading, writing, and oral language instruction per school day. Children build literacy skills by exploring print and multimedia texts from diverse genres. New technology and online learning tools are part of the experience. Students learn to think critically and to express complex ideas in their own voice when writing, speaking, or performing.
Act 20: Milwaukee Reads
Teaching students to read requires skill and science. Act 20: Milwaukee Reads takes a science-based approach to literacy from K4 to third grade. Students are screened and receive additional support as needed to strengthen early-literacy skills like combining letters and sounds to create words, building vocabulary, and reading and writing with expression and clarity. Act 20: Milwaukee Reads support includes evidence-based instruction, assessments, and a personal reading plan so students become capable, confident readers.
Interventions
Learning every subject is easier when students read proficiently and at grade level. Students in any grade who need more support building their Spanish- or English-language literacy skills can receive academic interventions and resources during and beyond the school day.
Math
Educators implement effective teaching practices so students learn, practice, and apply critical math skills. Grade-level standards and assessments help students accumulate mathematical knowledge and skills that prepare them for success in middle and high school.
Social and Emotional Learning
Educating the whole child means providing equal opportunities so all MSIS students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Teachers develop classroom routines, and model healthy communication and calming skills to help students feel secure in school, manage the big emotions of childhood, and refocus on lessons when necessary.
Special Education
MPS serves all children with disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, hearing, learning, physical, speech, and vision disabilities. The school’s special education teachers, regular education teachers, school social worker, school psychologist, and administration work together to meet students’ needs.
If you think your child has special education needs, ask your child’s teacher or principal for an evaluation. For general questions about special education or specialized services, please call (414) 874-8493.