What are the Saint Louis Language Immersion Schools?

In 2009, St. Louis Language Immersion Schools Inc. opened the first two schools in its network: The French School and The Spanish School in the City of St. Louis. Each school began enrollment with Kindergarten and First Grade classes and will grow a grade level each year to Fifth Grade. The Chinese School was opened in the fall of 2012 with Kindergarten and First Grade and will also add a grade level each year. The SLLIS network will grow to include 8 elementary schools, and a secondary school. The International School, starting with grade 6 is planned to open in the fall of 2014. All schools in the SLLIS network will implement the International Baccalaureate curricular frameworks in addition to local and national achievement measures.

Early language immersion improves overall academic achievement. It enhances brain development, memory and cognitive learning. World language learning increases social awareness and achievement in basic skills such as communication and listening. Immersion students become more flexible thinkers and exhibit greater nonverbal problem-solving abilities.