Ask any 5th grader at Arco Iris what they're most excited about, and "getting a locker!" will almost always top the list. These highly coveted metal rectangles become canvases for self-expression—decorated with photos of friends, magnetic mirrors, organizers, and sometimes even feather boas and twinkling lights. To a 5th grader, lockers represent something bigger: independence, responsibility, and the trust to manage their own space and belongings.
Of course, 5th grade is about more than lockers. Lockers are just one way to ensure our students are prepared for middle school. It is just a small step towards meeting their needs here at Arco Iris. Our oldest students step into leadership roles, enjoy special field trips, and mentor younger buddies. While they're enjoying these elementary milestones, they're also working hard on the academics and skills that will ensure they're ready to spread their wings in middle school.
One question we often hear from parents is: "How will my child transition to a new middle school after graduating from Arco Iris?" To start, our rigorous curriculum is aligned with Oregon state standards, eliminating any sequence or knowledge gaps when moving on to Oregon middle schools. In fact, our alumni report that middle school was easier than anticipated because of the high expectations of our teachers and curriculum. Singapore Math and standards-based social studies and science give students a strong foundation that prepares them to thrive at any school.
But academic preparation is just one piece of the puzzle. Thanks to our Spanish immersion program, our students graduate with exceptional biliteracy and bilingual skills. The bilingual brain they've developed makes them nimble learners who can adapt to new challenges with ease. Executive functioning skills—like problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and the confidence to navigate new situations—are all benefits of a bilingual education that support students as they thrive in middle school.
And the benefits extend well beyond middle school. Many of our alumni go on to enroll in rigorous AP Spanish courses in high school, earning college credit while still in their teens. Others continue to use their Spanish skills in meaningful ways as they study, work, and travel around the world. The character and leadership skills they've built through our monthly values lessons and student-led events like spirit week serve them well as they navigate the social dynamics of middle school and beyond.
At the end of every school year, our 5th grade promotion ceremony is equal parts celebration and happy tears. Watching our students walk across that stage, prepared to move on to their middle school chapter, always leaves us a little choked up. But we're proud to know that our graduates depart as confident, capable, and culturally aware individuals ready for all the challenges that middle school holds. And of course, we send them off with a very serious Silly String battle to cap off our time together.
Enrollment for tuition-free Spanish immersion (with 5th grade lockers!) is open for the 2026-27 school year. Visit our enrollment page or call us at (503) 372-6052 to learn more about joining the Arco Iris family.
About Arco Iris:
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. Get to know us on Instagram @arcoiris_spanishimmersion and on the web at www.arcoirisschool.org. We’re enrolling for Fall 2026-27.