Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a family. It’s essential that you feel confident and supported along the way. To help you get started, we rounded up some of the top questions prospective families ask about life at Arco Iris and on becoming part of the Arco Iris Jaguar family!

How do I enroll my student?

Getting started at Arco Iris is easier than you might think! Enrollment for K–5 students is currently open until March 6, 2026. To apply, simply complete our online Open Enrollment Application through our website. You'll receive an email confirmation as soon as we receive it.

If you happen to miss the enrollment window, don't worry! You can still apply on a first-come, first-served basis or join our waitlist. We also host informational Zoom sessions where you can learn more about our school and ask questions, or take our virtual tour.

What is the Lottery and How Does it Work? 

Once our open enrollment closes, we hold a public lottery to fairly determine placement. Every family who submits an application by the enrollment deadline will be entered, and after the lottery, you'll be notified by email whether your child has been accepted or placed on the waitlist. This year, the lottery will be held on March 18th.

If your child lands on the waitlist, don't give up! Spots open up throughout the year. We'll reach out as soon as one becomes available. The key is to get your application in before the deadline.

Is Arco Iris Tuition Free? 

Yes! Arco Iris is a free public charter school funded through public education dollars, just like your neighborhood school. There is no tuition, no hidden fees, and no income requirements. Families in the Beaverton area receive priority, and we are open to anyone in the state.

If Arco Iris Is Free, Then What’s The Gap Donation?

As a public charter school, Arco Iris receives 85% of the per-pupil funding that traditional public schools get which means we work creatively to make every dollar count. To help bridge that gap, we ask each family to contribute $1,000 per student per year through direct donation, fundraising, or a combination of both.

We call it the Gap Donation, and it's truly a community effort. It's what helps us keep class sizes small, technology current, and the Arco Iris experience everything it should be for your child. It is not a required fee, and no family will ever be turned away for being unable to contribute. 

How Is Arco Iris Different From Other Beaverton Public Schools? 

As one of Oregon's top charter schools, we focus on rigorous academics alongside two powerful pillars: a full Spanish immersion program within a diverse setting.  

The biggest difference is choice and what that entails. At a traditional public school, your child is assigned to a school based on where you live. At Arco Iris, families actively choose us, which creates a culture of deeply invested parents and a tight-knit community.

What are the benefits of my student attending a Spanish immersion school? 

Acro Iris knows that elementary school is the optimal window for language acquisition, and a Spanish immersion education does far more than add a second language to your child's skill set.

Managing two languages daily builds:

• stronger focus 
• sharper problem-solving
• flexible thinking 
• deeper empathy

The long-term payoff is real: bilingual graduates are in high demand across nearly every field, and Arco Iris alumni have gone on to study abroad, earn college credit in AP Spanish, and land jobs where their fluency sets them apart from day one.

My Child Doesn't Speak Spanish. Can They Still Succeed at Arco Iris? 

This is a common wonder for most families, especially as students start kindergarten. By mid-year, most students are comfortable listening and speaking in Spanish. Students learn all subjects in the target language, with between 70–80% of the instructional day delivered in Spanish, and they develop greater linguistic awareness and mental flexibility along the way. 

Arco Iris expects that many families do not speak Spanish at home, and our immersive language environment and qualified teachers provide the support students need to succeed. Our experienced, multicultural staff are skilled at guiding every child through that journey with care and confidence.

What does an average day look like for a student? 

Our students are on the go the moment doors open at 8:10 a.m. The majority of the instructional day is delivered in Spanish. From rigorous math lessons to science, social studies, and English Language Arts, every subject is woven into a rich, engaging bilingual experience with connections to arts and music.

All students receive 30 to 45 minutes of PE instruction each day at Arco Iris, plus time for recess, lunch in their classrooms with their peers, and the kind of meaningful cultural learning that makes Arco Iris truly unique. 

Kindergarten and 1st grade students wrap up their day at 2:45 p.m., while students in grades 2 through 5 finish at 3:15 p.m. Before and after-school programs are also available. 

How Does Arco Iris Prepare Students for Middle School? 

Arco Iris prepares students for middle school from day one. We commit to bilingualism, biliteracy, cultural competence, and high academic performance, so by the time students complete 5th grade, they are equipped with a second language, strong problem-solving skills, and a deep sense of cultural awareness that sets them apart. 

Our oldest students step into leadership roles, mentor younger buddies, and enjoy special field trips, all while building the academic foundation they need to thrive in middle school. 

Our curriculum aligns with Oregon state standards, eliminating knowledge gaps when transitioning to middle school, and our alumni consistently report that middle school was easier than expected, thanks to the high expectations set by our teachers and curriculum. 

Many Arco Iris alumni go on to take AP Spanish in high school, earning college credit in their teens, and carry their language skills with them as they study, work, and travel the world. In-district students can continue their Spanish immersion journey through Beaverton School District's Spanish Immersion middle school programs, while out-of-district families are encouraged to explore options in their home district. 

Do Parents Volunteer? Is There A PTO? 

Arco Iris’ strength lies in our incredible community of families who come together to make our school the amazing place it is. From crosswalk duty and library support to grant writing and classroom assistance, there is truly a volunteering option for every schedule and interest. Many volunteer opportunities can even be done from home, making it easier than ever to contribute to your child's educational community. 

Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is open to everyone and helps with anything from fundraising to classroom celebrations, sending class emails, judging at Oregon Battle of the Books, or cheering students on at a school event. Every role matters and every family is welcome. We’d love to meet you so please consider submitting your application today.

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.