“High-level academics,” “well-rounded students,” “supportive teachers” and “an engaged community” are just some of the phrases that describe East Baton Rouge Parish’s Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet, or FLAIM, program.
FLAIM has students in kindergarten through grade 5. All classes except English language arts are taught in a major language of choice — French, Spanish or Mandarin — to immerse students in the language so they are fluent by the end of elementary school.
The program is seeing increased popularity. “Nowadays young families are understanding how small the world is and how knowing [only] one language really does limit your capabilities to succeed in the world,” Principal Cheryl Miller says. This year the program is so popular it will be on two campuses: the original FLAIM campus on Mayflower Street for grades K-2 and Polk Elementary for grades 3-5.
We talked with Miller, former PTO President Matt Diez and parent Erin Bendily to learn more about FLAIM and why parents are choosing this immersion program.
Providing a Well-Rounded Education
FLAIM students perform well overall academically, in addition to learning another language.
Bendily says that when she was looking for an elementary school for her son three years ago, one of her top priorities was high academic achievement, and FLAIM fit the bill. “It’s important that an immersion program not only teaches another language but is strong academically, too,” she says. “FLAIM is certified by the state as an A school in English, math, science and social studies based the students’ scores on the end-of-year LEAP tests.This means that not only are students working on their core subjects in another language, they’re excelling at the material.”
Diez, who has two children in FLAIM, says he considers the program one of the best elementary schools in the East Baton Rouge School System.
Miller says the FLAIM approach helps students’ academic performance. “Learning another language broadens the mind,” she says. “It affects how students look at things, solve problems, meet people and communicate, and it gives them an edge.”
Supporting a Community of Learners
Students at FLAIM are supported by a group of dedicated teachers and parents. “The success of this school is a team effort,” Miller says.
Teachers work extra hours to ensure that students understand the material. “My teachers will try anything to get the concept across,” Miller says. “Sometimes when we speak in English we assume that children understand what we mean, but they really don’t. If [other] teachers used some of the strategies my immersion teachers do, then they would be sure there was a solid understanding.” The teachers help students with homework before and after school on extended days, Miller says.
Educators work closely with parents, too. “The teachers are top notch and always there to help,” Bendily says. Teachers send folders home every day with each child’s daily report, homework and overall plan for the week, and teachers have an open-door policy, she says. Parents can talk to teachers at any time to check on their child’s progress and even sit in class, she says.
The school also has a strong Parent Teacher Organization that organizes fundraisers and events, advocates for the school and helps form a community for parents, guardians and students. “Everyone comes from every corner of the parish, from many different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and we support one another because this is a completely different kind of school,” Diez says.
Nurturing Global Citizens
FLAIM teaches students how to be a strong part of a shrinking world. “This program makes them first-rate international citizens who compete globally,” Diez says. “They speak as well as natives, can have jobs in dozens of countries and are sought after by universities and employers worldwide.”
The school also teaches citizenship through diversity. “We have a wide range of families from various socioeconomic backgrounds,” Miller says. “Our kids learn to accept people from wherever they are. They aren’t scared of someone who’s different.”
Through academics, community and languages, FLAIM gives students limitless possibilities for the future. “The future is a world of communication, and it’s crucial for students to learn more than one language,” Miller says. “If you are looking for the future of your child, look into immersion.”
