Fairmount is in the process of converting to an all two-way Spanish/English Immersion program, beginning with all three kindergarten classes in the 2007-2008 academic year.

By 2012, the conversion process will be complete. In the meantime, students currently in the English-only program will continue at Fairmount through 5th grade graduation.

General Education Program/English Language Development (ELD)
Aim: students leave 5th grade proficient in all academic areas and fluent in English.

Extra academic and language learning support is provided to help ensure success.

Two-way Spanish Immersion Program
Aim: students leave 5th grade literate in both English and Spanish and proficient in all academic areas.

Spanish-English ratio: More Spanish is spoken in earlier grades, establishing less dominant language. 50/50 by grade 3.
Careful attention is provided to ensure Spanish-speaking children get to grade level in English reading.

Bi-cultural understanding modeled and taught.
Both Spanish and English speaking children learn together to become literate in both languages and to learn about cultures in both language traditions.

Inclusion/Special Education/Special Day Program
The Fairmount program is among the largest in the district and students receive special classes and/or support in joining the other two programs.

Focus Areas

Literacy For All
All students should read and write with fluency and purpose.
Teachers continually improve instruction and assessment through structured collaboration.

Two literacy specialists provide extra assistance to small groups and individuals.

Science
A comprehensive environmental science curriculum is taught for the 4th and 5th grade students.

A hands-on and minds-on method is employed.

The curriculum culminates in an overnight retreat at a local environmental center.

Science through gardening for Kindergarten through 3rd grade is taught utilizing our expanding school garden.

Arts
All children learn important skills and concepts in art. A passion for and learning in the arts boosts students’ achievement in other academic areas. School day and after-school opportunities are available.

Specialists provide:
Chorus
Dance
Drama
Visual arts
Guitar
Orchestra
Special performances

Classroom teachers use the arts as a way to teach other academic subjects.