Immersion and Multilingual Learners

At Spring Lake Park High School, a variety of multilingual learning opportunities support students in acquiring language skills, becoming multilingual and multiliterate graduates and even earning college credit and bilingual seals.

Here is an overview of specific programs and supports available to students on their road to becoming multilingual and multiliterate.

Spanish Immersion programming

Students who have been involved in the Spring Lake Park Schools Spanish Immersion and Juntos programming are welcomed to Spring Lake Park High School (SLPHS) with a series of rigorous and engaging courses instructed in the target language of Spanish. Unique to our immersion programming journey, high school courses provide an opportunity to meet and extend student's language acquisition.

Placement in high school courses: In the spring of the 8th grade year, students take the AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages). Based on results, students are placed in college-level Spanish classes at the high school.
High school schedule: Students can opt into a class in the target language of Spanish each year at the high school, based on placement test scores. There is also an art elective offered in Spanish as well as internship opportunities.
College credits: Through our partnership with Minnesota State Mankato, students may earn MNSCU college credits for College Intermediate Spanish 201, 202 and 210. Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture is also offered for college credit potential. Based on results, students may be able to earn college credits as early as 9th grade in college-level Spanish classes at the high school.
Bilingual seals and certificates: Beginning in 10th grade, students have an opportunity to earn a bilingual seal or certificate from the state of Minnesota to recognize their proficiency in Spanish. This recognition may result in college-level credits at specific Minnesota colleges and universities.
Internship opportunities: In the 12th grade, students have access to additional opportunities for Spanish-speaking internships within the SLP pathways for teacher training, Opportunities in Emergency Care, and business.

Explore course offerings at the high school.

Heritage Spanish speakers

Students who have been involved in the Spanish Immersion and Juntos programming are welcomed to Spring Lake Park High School (SLPHS) with a series of rigorous and engaging courses instructed in the target language of Spanish. Unique to our immersion programming journey, high school courses provide an opportunity to meet and extend student's language acquisition.

Placement in high school courses: In the spring of the 8th grade year, students take the AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages). Based on results, students are placed in college-level Spanish classes at the high school.
High school schedule: Students can opt into a class in the target language of Spanish each year at the high school, based on placement test scores. There is also an art elective offered in Spanish as well as internship opportunities.
College credits: Through our partnership with Minnesota State Mankato, students may earn MNSCU college credits for College Intermediate Spanish 201, 202 and 210. Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture is also offered for college credit potential. Based on results, students may be able to earn college credits as early as 9th grade in college-level Spanish classes at the high school.
Bilingual seals and certificates: Beginning in 10th grade, students have an opportunity to earn a bilingual seal or certificate from the state of Minnesota to recognize their proficiency in Spanish. This recognition may result in college-level credits at specific Minnesota colleges and universities.
Internship opportunities: In the 12th grade, students have access to additional opportunities for Spanish-speaking internships within the SLP pathways for teacher training, Opportunities in Emergency Care, and business.

Explore course offerings at the high school.

English Language Learners programming

At Spring Lake Park High School, we believe that multilingualism is an asset. For students whose primary language is not English, we personalize learning to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities, while honoring the unique languages and cultures students bring to our schools.

Through personalized instruction, we work to ensure that students who enter school with a background in a language other than English, aligned with criteria from the state, are prepared for the language demands of their classes.

Learn more about English Language Learners programming.

World languages courses (Spanish and German)

Bilingual seals and certificates

Minnesota offers bilingual and multilingual seals and World Language Proficiency Certificates that recognize proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing specific languages other than English. Students with a bilingual seal or certificate may earn college credits at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Bilingual recognition may provide other post-secondary advantages on a student’s college and career path.

To be eligible to earn a seal or certificate, high school students must meet the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation.

Even if a student is not taking a formal course, they may be eligible to earn a seal or certificate. Students interested in pursuing this should ask the high school administration team.