Each family and teacher at Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School brings their own unique set of experiences, perspectives and hopes to create our one-of-a-kind school culture that can’t be replicated. Our inclusive community is built upon the diversity of our families and the shared goal of growing bilingual students. We are proud of our vibrant multicultural community that works together and grows together.

While exciting, joining a new multicultural setting may also cause a bit of tension at the start. Just as traveling or moving to a new country can create culture shock, some families may experience a similar adjustment period when enrolling in a school community that is different from the way they were taught or raised. You and your child will encounter new ways of doing things, new people, and new languages. These new experiences are both challenging and rewarding. As you move through your first year at our multicultural school, here are a few ideas that might ease the transition.  

Expect things to be done differently.

Good teaching is both an art and science: a blend of skill and creativity that creates an indefinable quality of connection and meaning. At Arco Iris, we hire certified, highly-qualified teachers who hail from around the world, bringing with them a variety of instructional techniques and communication styles. Our teachers align with our curriculum and goals, but how they achieve these goals is the art we leave up to them: there are many paths to the same destination. 

At Arco Iris, your child may learn differently than you did. It can be uncomfortable to try something new, but this is where the growth happens for not only students, but also sometimes the whole family. Learning in a multicultural setting enhances our learning by building flexible, open-minded and persevering minds.

Support your child at home.

We teach our students to respect and appreciate different customs, traditions, and perspectives. At home, you can also encourage your child to embrace diversity and develop empathy towards peers from different backgrounds. Don’t speak your child’s new language, but want to help your child at home? You can show your enthusiasm for your child’s new endeavor by watching movies or reading books in Spanish and seeking out opportunities to interact with Spanish native speakers outside of school. 

Communicate with your child’s teacher.

Have a question or want to know more? Send us a note! We want you to feel comfortable seeking answers and to be informed. We highly value open and respectful communication.  Remembering that we are all on the same team, with the same goal, can help you, and us, frame our conversations to be supportive and constructive. 

Convey your confidence to your child.

Be your child’s biggest cheerleader as you both adjust to your new school setting. This type of learning takes courage and your child may look to you for reassurance. You might even want to take up a new skill or hobby so you can experience the thrill and challenge of new learning alongside your child. Most importantly, it’s okay to make mistakes when learning a new skill. Modeling a growth mindset can support your child to take risks and persevere. 

Expect a strong classroom community.

One of the many beautiful benefits of our immersion program is the special bond your child will build with his/her classmates. Just as no two students are alike, neither will their classrooms be the same. Each is its own unique family with joys and challenges and meaningful connection. Classmates, especially those new to our program, rely on each other as they learn the language—they gain empathy, collaboration, and leadership skills along with a strong classroom community. 

We want you and your child to feel encouraged, enriched and welcomed as you navigate your new school home. Lean on us or join in our active PTO to find a way to make Arco Iris feel like home. Still need to enroll? We have a few spots available for Fall 2023–contact us or visit our enrollment page to get started. 

About Arco Iris

Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. Come see why we’ve earned the title Oregon’s #1 charter school. We’re enrolling for Fall 2023-24.