junior kindergarten
operating millage renewal
Screening Events
Now enrolling 2025-26
Now enrolling 2025-26
Top high schools
PlayPause
previous arrow
previous arrow
next arrow
next arrow
Home > Departments > Instruction Department > Language Immersion Education > Spanish Immersion > Spanish Immersion Road Map

Spanish Immersion Road Map

A roadmap with a road depicting the Spanish Immersion program, with stops at Ada Vista Elementary, Northern trails, Northern Hills Middle and Finally Northern High

You may also download a PDF version of the Spanish Immersion Road Map.

Overview

The Forest Hills Public Schools Spanish immersion program is open to all students residing within the Forest Hills Public School District. This program is not open to Schools of Choice applicants. Transportation is available to Spanish immersion students who reside within the FHPS district and may be provided utilizing regional bus stops. Students in the Spanish immersion program experience an early-total one-way immersion model in grades kindergarten through six. In seventh grade, the program shifts to a 50/50 one-way immersion model with two of the four core classes taught in Spanish. The immersion application process for in-district families usually occurs in the winter of the year prior to a student entering kindergarten. The application process is outlined on the Dual Language Immersion Enrollment page, and is available by calling Ada Vista Elementary School, 616-493-8970.

Entrance

How does a child enter the Spanish immersion program?

  1. Through siblings currently enrolled.
  2. Through a lottery system.

The Spanish immersion program is available only to families who reside within the FHPS district.

Please see our Immersion Enrollment page for more information.

Elementary

photo of the Ada Vista Elementary building

Ada Vista Elementary School: Grades K-4

  • Building-wide Spanish immersion.
  • No entrance proficiency testing for K-1.
  • Grades K-1 taught in Spanish.
  • Grades 2-4 limited English each day; used only to teach English-specific skills.
  • Some special classes (e.g., music) may be taught in English.

5/6 School

photo of the Northern Trails 5th and 6th grade building

Northern Trails 5/6 School

  • Spanish and English language arts taught in their respective languages.
  • Remainder of core classes taught in Spanish.
  • Same electives as other 5/6 buildings, taught in English.
  • Spanish immersion students do not participate in world language Spanish elective.

Middle School

photo of the northern hills middle school building

Northern Hills Middle School

  • Social studies and language arts taught in Spanish.
  • Math and science taught in English.
  • Electives taught in English.
  • One semester required elective replacement in Comparative Languages in both 7th and 8th grades.

High School

Image of Northern high main entrance

Northern High School

  • Spanish immersion (SI) students who graduate meeting certain requirements may earn a Spanish immersion endorsement on their diploma.

Intense Study

  • Selecting two, full-year SI courses in language arts and social studies taught in Spanish in grades 9, 10, 11, 12.
  • Additional Spanish AP courses and/or SI electives may be available.

Moderate Study

  • Selecting fewer SI classes throughout high school.
  • Additional Spanish AP courses and/or SI electives may be available.

Additional Opportunities

  • May include costs to families
  • Dual-enrollment, travel, internships, and/or proficiency testing.

New Areas of Study

  • Pursue interest outside of Spanish.