“Partial Immersion” differs from traditional instructional approaches in which foreign languages are taught as separate subjects. In this program children are “immersed” in Russian language for half of the school day. English-speaking children learn to understand, speak, read and write the target language by hearing and using it constantly during normal classroom activities. Care is taken to ease students into the new language and to ensure comprehension. Progress and performance are carefully measured.

This program is one of only a handful in the country that offers the unique opportunity for students to learn a second language in an immersion environment and the only school in the U.S. to offer Russian. The immersion philosophy is used in many other countries as an effective method of language instruction and learning.

MIR Brochure 2007

Enrollment
Entry into this program is in kindergarten and the first semester of first grade. Enrollment is determined by the ASD lottery system. Preference is given to students in the Turnagain Elementary attendance area and the siblings of current students..

Tours
If you have not gone to an orientation or taken a tour please do one, it is worthwhile even if your child is already in the program.   Please contact the Turnagain Elementary School office staff at (907)742-7200 for dates and times of tours and orientation meetings

Curriculum