FAQs
Spanish Immersion
What is dual language immersion?
It is a method of educating students in an instructional setting that allows them to acquire a second language through subject content instruction, educational discourse, and social interaction in the second language for at least 50 % of the academic day (Cloud et al., 2000).
What are the goals of an immersion program?
We have a threefold goal of 1) cross-cultural competence, 2) academic achievement and 3) high proficiency in English and Spanish (in the four areas of usage: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding).
What are the benefits of an immersion program?
A quality immersion program will help equip students for our modern, global world in both the workplace and in ministry.
By teaching a rigourous curriculum in Spanish first, and later in English throughout a student’s academic trajectory, students will graduate able to navigate social, academic, and professional settings with cultural intelligence and bilingual/bi-literate proficiency.
What is RLCA’s plan for immersion?
We are implementing the early-total-one-way model of dual language immersion where students receive 100% of their daily academic instruction in Spanish. Beginning in third grade, students will receive some direct English instruction, adding more each year. From middle school through high school, the goal will be for students to receive approximately half of their instruction in each language.
We currently offer Spanish immersion for grades K-3. We plan on growing our program as the students advance to the next grade each year.
Won’t my native English speaking child fall behind compared to his/her peers?
Absolutely not. It is important to keep a long-term perspective on the outcomes of the immersion program. Studies show that in four to five years, students enrolled in a dual-language program not only do well but often outperform their peers in English only programs.
What about standardized tests?
We have data to demonstrate that students learning in immersion programs following researched guidelines, score as well as, and most often better than their traditionally-educated peers on the same standardized tests in English (3rd grade and beyond).
General
Can I use my Esa to attend royal legacy?
Royal Legacy is an accredited non public school. Families are able to use ESA monies to pay for tuition and fees to attend school. To find out more information on how to apply, click here.
Where is the school located?
Our address is 620 West 5th Street in Waterloo, IA. Most know it as the old Sacred Heart school building.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
Click here for our Statement of Faith.
How much is tuition?
Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year is $7,323 including all fees. Families who have been approved for the ESA can come at no cost. For families that are new to the state, we would be happy to talk to you about payment plans and/or scholarships.
HOW MANY GRADE LEVELS ARE THERE?
For the 2023-2024 school year, we offer grades K-6. Our long term plan is to add a grade each year until we reach 12th grade.
Do you limit class sizes?
We do limit class sizes to 15 students. It is important to us to keep our student to teacher ratios low to optimize learning and foster relationships and community within the classroom.
how can I support the school?
In order for students in the Cedar Valley to have access to affordable, Christ-centered education, the community must support with prayers, financial resources, and by volunteering. God working through YOU will sustain a thriving, life-giving school with excellence in education. Click here to learn more about how to support.
How do i enroll my student?
You may download an application below. Once we receive your completed paperwork via email or drop off, someone from our office will review your information and call you to set up an interview.
Our school day
What is the school schedule?
The school year begins Sept. 5th and ends May 24th for 2023-2024. The school day begins at 8:00 am every morning and ends at 3:15 pm. Parents can drop students off as early as 7:45 am and must pick students up no later than 3:20 pm. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 on Fridays (the daycare is open 5 days a week). We also have before and afterschool care available as early at 6:30 am to 6 pm every school day.
How can i enroll my kid in the afterschool program?
Call the school and sign up for Capoeira Kids today. There is limited space available. We have both weekly and drop in rates available.
How are snow days and other inclement weather handled?
In the event that there is a snow day, we will communicate with parents via text and email.
Do you provide transportation to and from school?
Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school. All families who live more than 2 miles are eligible for transportation reimbursement. First semester forms are due no later than December 1st and second semester forms are due by May 1st. Click here for the form.
