The Welcome Class at the International School of Denver might just be Denver’s best-kept secret. Designed for students with little or no background in Spanish or French entering grades 3-5, this unique program offers a nurturing, language-rich environment where learners can thrive. Through best pedagogical practices, the IB Primary Years Programme, and a dual-language immersion model, students fast-track their language acquisition while building confidence and community.

What is the Welcome Class all about?

True to its name, the Welcome Class is a space of inclusion, support, and opportunity. The Welcome Class was born six years ago out of a need to help newly arrived international students in grades 3-5 take their first steps in a new language and educational system. These students often join ISDenver at a point when their peers have already developed foundational reading and writing skills in the school’s language of instruction. The Welcome Class bridges that gap, offering a safe, encouraging space where students can build literacy, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

The Welcome Class is intentionally designed to ease the transition for students new to the school’s language of instruction. Language acquisition is the central focus, with instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Through hands-on activities, visual aids, and culturally relevant materials, students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

But the support goes beyond academics. Teachers help students establish routines, build social-emotional resilience, and adjust to a new school culture. Strategies like small-group instruction, thematic vocabulary, and visual scaffolding ensure that each learner progresses at their own pace, preparing them to integrate confidently into regular classrooms when ready.

The Welcome Class has consistently fulfilled the vision for which it was created. Since its launch, we’ve seen students make remarkable progress, many transitioning into regular classrooms (meaning with already language proficient students)  mid-year or advancing into intermediate and advanced language tracks by middle school.

“The Welcome Class has been very successful from the beginning. We’ve had many students graduate into regular classes mid-year or move into intermediate-advanced classes the following year.” — Alberto Pereda, Spanish Faculty and founding teacher of the Welcome Class program at ISDenver

What is the instructional model?

Rather than being tied to grade level, the Welcome Class groups students based on their language proficiency. The instructional model focuses on developing the four core language skills: 

1. Reading comprehension, 

2. Listening, 

3. Speaking, and 

4. Writing. 

French faculty and Welcome Class teacher, Sarah Delandre, shares, "In French class, we follow the IB Unit by adapting the content and lines of inquiry to suit French as a second language. The focus is on building sentence structure, vocabulary, grammar, and verb conjugation. Instruction is tailored to each student's specific needs, based on diagnostic assessments conducted at the beginning of the year. The Welcome class takes place both in the designated Welcome classroom and within the main classroom through a push-in model."

This flexible, student-centered approach ensures that learners receive the right support at the right time.

How is progress measured?

Student progress is monitored through a combination of formative and summative assessments, including:

• Oral presentations and performance-based tasks

• Creative projects that demonstrate language growth

• Daily teacher observations and anecdotal notes

• Periodic evaluations of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills

There is also a feedback loop with continuous communication and collaboration with the homeroom teachers. This approach is supported by regular observations in the classroom to ensure the learning remains aligned and responsive to each student’s progress.

These tools help educators determine when a student is ready to transition into the regular classroom and celebrate the milestones along the way.

"I'm thrilled to share that one of my students has graduated from the French Welcome class after just one incredible year! She’ll be joining her regular class full-time starting this November—what an amazing achievement! – Sarah Delandre, French Faculty and Welcome Class Teacher

Who might consider the Welcome Class at ISDenver?

We’d love for you to learn more about our Welcome Class because for many families, it’s the perfect fit.

There are so many reasons why the Welcome Class might be right for your child:

• You’ve recently moved from overseas and want to continue your child’s education in an IB, international school that values global citizenship and academic excellence.

• You’re considering ISDenver for a younger child and thought dual-language education wasn’t an option for your older child. Good news. It absolutely is! The Welcome Class makes it possible for students with little or no prior language experience to join our community and thrive. The Welcome Class opens the door for siblings to learn together under one roof, even if one is just beginning their language journey.

• Your child is bright but not feeling challenged in a traditional classroom environment. Sometimes, adding a second language is exactly what they need to reignite their curiosity and deepen their learning.

“One of the most exciting aspects of our admissions process is the opportunity we now offer for students in grades 1 through 5 to join ISDenver without any prior experience in French or Spanish. No language background is no longer a barrier to entry in Primary, which means families who value the IB and immersion model can find a welcoming, dynamic entry point here. If a child is a great fit for ISDenver, we’re ready to meet them where they are and help them thrive.”

— Katrina Austin, Associate Director of Admissions

Join us for an upcoming open house or schedule a 1:1 tour. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how our language-rich, globally minded program can support your child’s journey. We’d love to meet you and share what makes the Welcome Class so special.