Questions About Learning at iBis?

Focus and self-management skills help children manage their own learning and behavior. They include planning, focus, working memory, impulse control, cognitive flexibility, and goal-setting. Research consistently shows these skills are among the strongest predictors of long-term academic success and life outcomes. At iBis, focus and self-management development is not a separate subject — it is embedded into every lesson, activity, and interaction throughout the day.

A constructivist approach means children learn by doing and by building their own understanding rather than passively receiving information. At iBis, students ask questions, solve problems, and work together under the guidance of a certified teacher. This approach is grounded in the research of developmental theorists including Lev Vygotsky, whose work forms the foundation of our instructional model.

Scaffolding is when a teacher provides targeted support to help a student grasp a concept just beyond their current ability. Gradually, as the student builds mastery, the teacher reduces that support until the child can succeed independently. Scaffolding ensures every child is working in their growth zone rather than being bored by material that is too easy or frustrated by material that is too hard.

The Zone of Proximal Development, a concept developed by Lev Vygotsky, describes the space between what a child can do independently and what they can do with guided support. There are three zones in every learning process: Too Easy (the child has already mastered the skill and may disengage from boredom), the Zone of Proximal Development (the child cannot yet do it alone but can succeed with support — this is where the most meaningful learning happens), and Too Hard (the material is beyond the child's current ability and may lead to frustration). At iBis, our teachers design instruction to keep every child in their Zone of Proximal Development as much as possible.

Inquiry-based learning is an approach in which students construct knowledge by actively exploring meaningful questions, real-world problems, and cross-disciplinary challenges. Rather than receiving information passively, children investigate, analyze, create, and communicate their learning. At iBis, inquiry is not an occasional project format — it is a continuous way of thinking and learning that runs through every subject area.

Yes. Many iBis families come to us looking for a way to continue the dual language foundation their child started in preschool, and our program is specifically designed to bridge that transition. Whether you enroll full-time or use our hybrid homeschool options, iBis gives your child structured English-Spanish instruction from a certified bilingual teacher so the language keeps growing rather than fading.

Children who develop genuine bilingual skills gain cognitive flexibility, stronger problem-solving abilities, improved academic performance across subjects, deeper cultural understanding, and enhanced neurological development. Bilingualism is also increasingly valued in professional contexts, giving children broader opportunities throughout their lives.

In Pre-K4 through First Grade, Reading and Language Arts instruction is provided in the student's home language (L1). Science and Math are provided in English. When the literacy foundation is strong enough — typically by the end of First Grade — we transition to the second language (L2). By then, we provide 50/50 instruction for Reading and Language Arts in both languages. During recess, lunch, breaks, independent work, and transitions, we promote the use of the "Language of Focus" (LOF), which alternates every other day. This daily switching gives children sustained immersion in each language and fosters cognitive flexibility.

The iBis Dual Language Enrichment Model in 2nd grade marks a major shift in Language Arts instruction. From Pre-K through 1st grade, students receive Language Arts instruction exclusively in their native language. Beginning in 2nd grade, all students start receiving two separate Language Arts classes — one taught in English and one taught in Spanish — to address the greater academic demands of upper grades and the students' maturing bilingualism.

Yes. Oral language and play are always flexible at iBis. We actively encourage natural translanguaging during centers, recess, and informal conversations. Children may use both languages depending on their needs and comfort. Family gatherings and school celebrations also celebrate both languages together. However, we encourage students and our team to follow our Language of Focus (LOF) schedule during structured learning time.

There are several meaningful ways families can support their child's bilingual growth: read books in both English and Spanish; ask your child to share what they learned each day in either language; celebrate progress in both languages rather than comparing them; and use both languages naturally in daily conversation.

No prior Spanish is required. Children at all language levels are welcome at iBis. Children develop bilingual skills naturally through immersion, storytelling, and purposeful daily practice. Our mixed-age classroom also means children at different language stages learn from and support each other.

iBis serves children ages 4 through 9, from Pre-K4 through 3rd grade. As current students advance, the program is extending through 5th grade. Homeschool families and full-enrollment families are welcome across all age bands.

Yes. iBis offers flexible part-time options for families who want mornings only, afternoons only, Fridays only, or a combination. This is particularly well-suited for homeschool families. Contact us and we will help you build the right schedule.

We use developmental screeners and ongoing observations at the beginning, middle, and end of each trimester to track language development, academic skills, and self-management growth. Families receive regular progress updates and have ongoing communication with the teacher throughout the year.

iBis maintains a maximum of 12 students per class. This small class size is central to our model and ensures every child receives genuine individualized attention every day.