Pre-K Students Learning Spanish Through Immersion Program

Somos Amigos --which translates to “we are friends”-- is a Spanish immersion academy in midtown that offers Spanish courses all year long.

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Oct 17, 2011 at 12:23 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Oct 17, 2011 at 12:23 PM AKDT

Every year, hundreds of Anchorage families take their children to preschools across the city, which includes a Spanish immersion school option.

Somos Amigos --which translates to “we are friends”-- is a Spanish immersion academy in midtown that offers Spanish courses all year long.

It’s a preschool and an after school program that's taught strictly in Spanish. And, for many families, it’s about broadening their children’s horizons.

“To see the different cultures and to see how other people live, and for them to see that it really expands their knowledge for other people,” said Melanie Hoff, a mother of two sons who are learning Spanish.

Colton, 10, and Maddox, 7, have been part of the program since they were toddlers.

“If I was in a foreign country knowing the language would help to figure out where to go, and what to do,” said Colton.

But for the Mondragon family, the class is a way for their 4-year-old daughter, Maria, to learn about her Mexican heritage.

“Not everybody knows how to speak Spanish. It seems like a lot of the Hispanics have forgotten their culture once they've gotten to this country,” said Steve Mondragon, Maria’s father.

Her parents say making Spanish language a priority can be tough.

“It is challenging, it is hard. We try to keep our family and kids in touch with where we used to live,” said Araceli Mondragon, Maria’s mother.

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