Spanish Bilingual

• Are consistent with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Aim for students’ high academic achievement and strong communicative skills in both Spanish and English
• Strive to enrich and complement students’ first language
• Place a strong emphasis on faith, language, and culture
• Celebrate our faith with an annual gathering of all Spanish Bilingual students to honour Our Lady of Guadalupe
• Provide French as a second language in grades 4 and upward
• Employ dedicated professional staff and administration
• Offer international proficiency exams as an official testing centre accredited by the Cervantes Institute of Spain

What does an International Spanish Academy include?

• Support from the Ministry of Education of Spain
• Visiting teachers from Spain
• Language and culture assistant programs
• Spanish Language Advisor at Alberta Education
• Supplemental materials and resources
• Cultural contacts with Spain
• Annual seminars for educators
• The opportunity to obtain the DELE Spanish Proficiency Certificate

For more information, please visit the the International Spanish Academy Program.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two entry points for the Spanish Bilingual program. No knowledge of Spanish is required for these entry points.

Families wishing to register their child(ren) in the Spanish Bilingual program after Grade 1 should contact the school principal. Registration is considered on an individual basis.

ECSD is here to support our families and students throughout their language learning journey. We have a helpful video series, Language Learning Myths and Misconceptions, which is a dedicated resource to support families considering enrolling their children into a language program, and an in-depth video, Supporting Your Language Learner.

What are the benefits of learning Spanish?

• Information on the International Spanish Academy Program
• Bilingualism is at the core of Canada’s national identity;
• Learning a second language has been shown to bring cognitive and academic benefits;
• Learning a second language can open up many additional opportunities such as employment; and
• Research has shown that learning a second language could have a positive effect on first language development.

What if I don’t speak Spanish– how can I support my child’s learning?  
Edmonton Catholic Schools language programs are designed for families who may not speak the language they want their child(ren) to study. Several resources are available to assist your child(ren) in their language learning journey. These can be found in the resources section above.  

Will communications from the school be in English or Spanish?  
Communications from the school and Edmonton Catholic Schools will be in English.

Can my child enter the Spanish Bilingual program beyond Kindergarten or Grade 1?  
Kindergarten and Grade 1 are the two points of entry for the Spanish Bilingual program. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required for these entry points. Families wishing to register their children in the Spanish Bilingual program after Grade 1 should contact the school principal. Registration is considered on an individual basis.

Can my child continue in the Spanish Bilingual program from Kindergarten to Grade 12?  
Yes! Edmonton Catholic Schools offers the Spanish Bilingual program in all grades. 

What options are available for my child to get to the school with our chosen language program?  
Students attending their designated school may be eligible for yellow bus service if they are:

• Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live at least 1 km from their designated school.
• Grades 7 to 12 who live at least 2 km from their designated school and Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) is unavailable.

Please visit this page for more information about transportation to and from Edmonton Catholic Schools.

What schools offer the Spanish Bilingual program?
To find which schools offer the language of your choice, please visit the list above ECSD Spanish Bilingual Schools.

What are the benefits of a language program?  
Learning a second language has been shown to bring cognitive and academic benefits, and can open up many additional opportunities such as employment. Research has shown that learning a second language can positively affect first language development.

Can my child challenge a language course? 
Yes. Current Edmonton Catholic Schools high school students have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency (culture, speaking, reading, writing) in one of six languages Filipino, French, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Please visit our second language course challenge page for more information. 

To register your child(ren), please visit our registration page for more information.

 Students attending their designated school may be eligible for yellow bus service if they are:

• Kindergarten to Grade 6 who live at least 1 km from their designated school.
• Grades 7 to 12 who live at least 2 km from their designated school and Edmonton Transit Services (ETS) is unavailable. 

For more information about transportation to and from Edmonton Catholic Schools, please visit this page.

Student exchange programs are a great way to learn how to communicate and collaborate with diverse cultures, learn more about international communities, and become active global citizens.

Students in ECSD can apply to study abroad in Mexico and Spain through Alberta Education.

Learn more here. 

Edmonton Catholic Schools welcomes families from around the world. We encourage you to call One World . . . One Centre at 780-441-6060 for inquiries about having your children begin school with Edmonton Catholic Schools.