Spanish immersion means your child is surrounded by the Spanish language as soon as they enter the door. Instead of sitting down and memorizing grammar and vocabulary, they hear, speak, and play in Spanish. It's the most natural way to learn—just like they learned their first language!
What is Spanish immersion?
Do children need to know any Spanish to participate?
¡No! Our programs are designed for all levels—including complete beginners. We use a play-based, immersive approach that helps children understand and participate through visuals, movement, songs, repetition, and context. Whether your child is brand new to Spanish or already has some exposure, they’ll feel welcome, included, and engaged.
How will my child understand what’s going on if they don’t speak Spanish?
We use gestures, props, facial expressions, repetition, and clear routines to help children understand. Kids are incredibly good at picking up meaning from context, and they quickly start recognizing and using Spanish words.
Is this a good fit for kids with learning differences or shy kids?
Yes! Our play-based and multi-sensory approach works well for different learning styles. We focus on creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child can participate at their own pace.
How many students are in each class?
We keep our classes small—no more than 10 children per teacher—so every child gets attention and has space to participate.
Will CóMo Estás meet learning standards?
¡Si! We will be applying the World Languages Standards developed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in all of our classes. These standards are based on the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and are aimed at helping children develop the skills they need to communicate in other languages in the real-world in a way that highlights their understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
How is culture used in your Spanish immersion program?
Culture is at the heart of how we teach Spanish! Language and culture go hand-in-hand, so we bring in songs, stories, traditions, foods, celebrations, and art from across the Spanish-speaking world. Instead of just learning words, children experience how Spanish is used in real life—in music, games, holidays, and daily routines. This makes the language more meaningful, fun, and memorable.
By exploring culture, kids also build curiosity, empathy, and an appreciation for people who live and speak differently from them. It’s more than language—it’s a window into the world.
Our programs are designed for children ages 6 to 12, and we use mixed-age groups in our classes. That means children of different ages learn and play together in the same group. Research shows that mixed-age learning environments can be especially beneficial:
Younger children learn by watching and interacting with older peers.
Older children build confidence and leadership skills by helping younger ones.
Everyone gets to learn at their own pace, without pressure to be at the same level.
We carefully plan our activities so that all ages are engaged, challenged, and supported. It’s one of the things that makes our program special!
What ages do you serve?
Our half-day summer camps cost $150/week and run from 8:30-11:30am. Our full-day summer camp costs $250/week and runs from 8:30am-3:30pm.
We offer a sibling discount! When one child is enrolled, each additional sibling receives 10% off.
How much does it cost?
Upon registration, you’ll be asked to complete a form that requires the following information:
Emergency contact
Medical information
Liability waiver
Participation and behavior agreement
Photo release
This form must be submitted in order to enroll your child. In addition, if your child is enrolled in summer camp for 2 or more weeks, you will need to fill out a Missouri State Child Care Enrollment Form as well as a Missouri State School-Age Child Health Report Form.
What forms will I need to fill out?
Our summer camps will take place in the indoor and outdoor spaces at Escuelita Alegria, centrally located in downtown Columbia, Missouri. You’ll receive parking details and arrival instructions upon registration.
Where are classes held?
Due to licensing requirements, parents/guardians are not able to stay during camp sessions. We understand this can be an adjustment, and our team is experienced in helping children feel comfortable and supported as they settle in.
Can parents/guardians stay during summer camps?
While we don’t offer make-up classes, we’ll provide a short summary of what was covered and suggestions for reinforcement at home.
What if my child misses a class?
After camp, we will provide simple at-home practice ideas such as:
Key vocabulary words
Links to songs or videos used in class
Printable activities or crafts
Conversation starters or phrases to try together
Practicing even a few minutes each week helps build confidence and retention.
How can we practice Spanish at home?
Currently, we focus exclusively on Spanish. Our backgrounds and expertise are deeply rooted in Latin American cultures, and we are committed to providing the highest quality Spanish enrichment experience. We may consider additional languages in the future.
Do you offer other languages?
Do you offer classes for older kids or adults?
Not yet—but this is something we’re actively considering! If you're interested in programs for older children or adults, please reach out and let us know. Hearing from you helps us gauge interest and plan for future offerings.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss your needs and see if it’s a good fit—we’ll do our best to make it possible!