La Escuelita, located on the Upper West Side, follows a 90:10 model in which children who start preschool during their 2s or 2/3s are immersed entirely in Spanish, while the 3s, 3/4s and 4s classes spend 90 percent of class time in Spanish and 10 percent in English. This dual immersion model draws on the strengths of children from both English and Spanish dominant homes. The school's goal is that students new to Spanish achieve fluency by the time they are ready to start kindergarten.

La Escuelita also focuses on play-based learning, and the school year is organized around themes (dinosaurs, space, China, etc.)—four to six week units that incorporate subjects such as literacy, math, art, dramatic play and music. For example, students studying buses can do anything from read books about buses and measure the length of an actual bus to plan bus routes using a map, take a ride on a bus and interview the driver.

Parent involvement is a major component at La Escuelita, so moms and dads receive a letter at the beginning of each theme detailing the goals of the unit, with songs and specific vocabulary that will be integrated. And each theme ends with a party at which parents can listen to their children sing songs, tell group stories and show off projects.

Need more info? Parents are encouraged to attend one of La Escuelita's open houses on October 21 at 9:15 am, November 3 at 7pm and December 16 at 9:15 am. In addition, the school is also offering a series of talks on Language and Learning in Early Childhood at the JCC Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Avenue). Check out La Escuelita’s website for additional info.