Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the structure of immersion programs?

Immersion programs begin at the first grade level for World Immersion and at kindergarten
for two-way immersion programs. Students learn grade level content in both English and the
target language. In World Immersion programs specifically, students learn math, science,
and health in the target language and other subjects in English. In two-way immersion
programs, content-area skills are taught in both languages and not limited by subject.
2) I want to enter my child in an immersion program, but he or she is not in kindergarten. Can I
still enroll my child in an immersion program?
The answer is simply that it depends. Enrollment in immersion programs after kindergarten
or the first grade requires the student to have strong language skills in the target language
and approval to enroll from the principal.
3) What are school pyramids?
School pyramids are the path of the public school programs from elementary to high school
based on geographic location. Multiple elementary schools feed into a smaller number of
middle schools and then generally only one or two high schools. From a top level
perspective, this structure resembles a pyramid. Listings of school pyramids, by school and
by region are available here: http://www.fcps.edu/regions/.
In the context of language learning, the school pyramid for immersion programs is the path
designed for students to study the target language from elementary to high school to the
point where they can successfully take classes at the AP level. Each immersion program in
elementary school (K-6) has a designated feeder program in middle school (7-8) and
students in immersion programs are guaranteed placement in their associated feeder
program.
It should be noted that Baileys Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson High School for
Science and Technology are magnet programs and have a special application process for
admission.
4) Can my child switch feeder middle school programs?
You can certainly apply to do so, however space in the non-designated feeder program will
not be guaranteed. Space in a feeder program is only guaranteed for the middle school
associated with the elementary program your child is enrolled in. Please keep this in mind if
you are considering that option.
5) What transportation options are available to me?
Busing is available to schools within the boundary where you live. If your child attends a
program outside of where they would normally go based on your geographic location, it is
the responsibility of the parents to provide transportation.
6) Are there any additional costs to immersion programs?

There are no additional costs to taking part in an in-school immersion program. After school
programs do have associated fees.

7) Some of these programs are listed as K-2, or K-1. Why is that?

This designates that the program is relatively new and the inaugural class has not completed
the first or second grade at this time. Thus, there are no offerings beyond these levels at
present, however they will be available once the inaugural class moves up in grade level. If

your child begins an immersion program at the kindergarten level, they will not be limited to
those grade levels.
8) My student learned a foreign language at another institution or country before starting at FCPS.
Is there a way for them to get credit for that language?
Yes, however they must be in grades 7-12 to take the credit exam. Tests are offered twice a
year, once in fall and once in spring. Successfully passing an exam will confer high school
credit to the student for the given language and level. Two levels of the exam are offered
per language and may be used to count toward the Advanced Studies diploma requirements.
Students are only able to take the test twice.
FCPS currently offers 24 languages including Arabic, Bengali, Mandarin, Farsi, Russian,
Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese. For a full list of available languages and
procedures, please visit http://www.fcps.edu/is/worldlanguages/creditexam/index.shtml.
9) How do I know what school my student is slated to attend?
Generally, this is based on where you live. For the purposes of immersion programs, you are
free to enter the lottery for schools with county-wide lotteries. You must live in the
boundaries of elementary schools with school-based lotteries, however there are only four of
these schools. Baileys Elementary has a separate application process and is not part of the
regular lottery.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for transporting your child to and from school if they
attend schools outside of your boundary. A map of the regions can be found here:
http://www.fcps.edu/fts/planning/maps/boundary2014-15/regions.pdf.
10) Are there any opportunities outside of the classroom for enrichment?
At the elementary level, there are two programs designed to increase language exposure
called GLOBAL and FLEX which are described in more detail in the after-school programs
section. At the secondary level, there may be opportunities for exchange depending on the
age of the student and language outside of outside of clubs and honor societies. To provide
several examples with Japanese, 4-H has historically had summer exchanges with students
in elementary school and the High School Diplomats program brings American and Japanese
students together for cultural exchange. There is also a yearly cherry blossom festival in
Washington, D.C.
Given the size and multicultural makeup of the Greater Washington, D.C.-area, there should
be additional opportunities outside of FCPS. Parents are encouraged to do their own
research for such programs and should know that FCPS does not have relationship with

external programs and providers. However, any effort to improve the quality of a students
education is always appreciated.
11) What other resources are available to students outside of FCPS for language learning?
Like the previous question, the answer is that it is highly dependent on the language and the
community of speakers of the target language. There may be opportunities for weekend
classes with native speakers or more simplistic methods like Rosetta Stone. At the high
school level, the State Department offers competitive scholarships to learn languages in the
summer that are deemed critical to US national security needs through the National Security
Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y). NSLI-Y and other programs may have a competitive
process for participation and FCPS does not provide support for the application process.
Concordia College offers summer language villages as well, however there may be fees
associated with participation.
Parents are encouraged to do their own research for such programs and should know that
FCPS does not have relationship with external programs and providers. Again, any effort to
improve the quality of a students education is always appreciated.
12) Are there any safety concerns with these programs?
We do not anticipate any safety concerns with these programs outside of the normal
concerns relating to attending public school. There is no added risk to your child for taking
part in language immersion programs.