Characteristics of Good Immersion Schools

School Climate

  Successful schools usually:  

• have clearly defined values; 
• have clearly articulated goals;
• are safe places to learn and work for students and staff;
• are free of physical and psychological abuse;
• are democratic;
• give equal status to both the immersion and non-immersion languages (e.g., both languages used during assemblies and on all signage);
• have a balanced parent council (i.e., immersion and non-immersion parents represented equally);
• are focused on learning; 
• have clearly defined high standards.       

School Staff

  Entire staff (secretaries, teachers, custodians etc.):

• understand school values and goals;
• support the maintenance of a safe environment;
• are equally supportive of immersion and non-immersion programs;
• operate as a team; 
• are interested in their own professional growth;
• are ideally bilingual.