Schmitt prioritizes native language instruction because research shows that students that are literate in their home language are more likely to be fluent in a second language. We encourage families that speak Spanish as their first language to opt in for Spanish instruction. At Schmitt this means direct Spanish literacy instruction for ECE-2nd grade and biliteracy from 3rd-5th grade, this happens in a resource or pull-out classroom. Interventions are provided in literacy for foundational skills in K-2nd grades, English interventions start in 3rd grade.
Math instruction happens in the main classroom and is in English with Spanish-speaking Paraprofessionals to support as needed. This may mean bridging some vocabulary or concepts in Spanish or providing small group instruction that is entirely in Spanish. This is determined by the English proficiency level.