Your child got a spot at Arco Iris, or you're still deciding whether to apply. Either way, you have questions! We pulled the most common ones we hear from families considering Kindergarten at Arco Iris and answered them all here.

🌈The Basics

What does a typical Kindergarten day look like at Arco Iris?

Kindergarten days move through a steady, predictable rhythm that five-year-olds genuinely thrive in. Students arrive to a personalized greeting at the door (fist bump, hug, high-five, your child's call). From there, the day flows through morning meetings, subject-area learning, small group work, lunch, recess, PE, and a daily end-of-day routine where students take on a classroom job and pack their own backpacks.

Want the full tour? Read our deep dive into a Kindergarten day at Arco Iris.

What time does school start and end for Kindergartners?

Doors open at 8:10 a.m., and school starts at 8:30 a.m. Kindergarten dismissal runs a bit earlier than the rest of the school, at 2:45 p.m., which gives our youngest students a slightly shorter day as they find their footing. Grades 2-5 dismiss at 3:15 p.m.

Does Arco Iris have before and after-school care?

Yes. The Before and After School Program runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every school day. Spanish-speaking instructional assistants staff the program, and it includes homework help, recreational activities, and snacks. This is a fee-based program, separate from the school day itself.

🌈The Immersion Program

My child doesn't speak Spanish. Will they be okay?

Yes! The majority of Arco Iris families do not speak Spanish at home. Kindergarten is actually the ideal entry point for language immersion because young children absorb language with remarkable speed, especially when it surrounds them for most of the day.

Expect an adjustment period in the early weeks. Students may feel frustrated when they don't understand everything right away. That's completely normal and doesn't last long. By mid-year, most Kindergartners are listening and responding in Spanish with growing confidence. Learn more about how our immersion program works.

How much of the day happens in Spanish?

In Kindergarten, 80% of the school day happens in Spanish. That means science, math, social studies, morning meetings, and most classroom conversations all happen in Spanish. Students receive 45 to 60 minutes of English instruction each day. By 1st through 5th grade, the ratio shifts to 65% Spanish and 35% English.

That high level of Spanish immersion is intentional. Language acquisition takes time and immersion, and we give it both.

Will learning in Spanish affect my child's ability to read and write in English?

This is one of the most reassuring things research on bilingual education tells us: learning to read and write in one language builds the foundation for literacy in the other. Students do not get confused between languages in ways that hold them back. The cognitive work of managing two languages actually strengthens overall literacy skills. Arco Iris students learn to read and write in both Spanish and English, and they do it well. Our immersion program page has more details on how this unfolds across grade levels.

Will my child mix Spanish and English together, or keep them separate?

Some mixing, often called code-switching, is a completely normal part of becoming bilingual. Young children move between languages as they build vocabulary in both, and it reflects real cognitive flexibility rather than confusion. Over time, students develop the ability to keep languages separate when the context calls for it. Arco Iris teachers model clear language boundaries in the classroom, which helps students learn when and how to use each language intentionally.

How easily will my child adapt with no Spanish background at all?

Children without any Spanish exposure adapt, and they do it faster than most parents expect. The immersive environment does the heavy lifting. When Spanish is simply the language of the classroom, of learning, of friendships forming, children step into it naturally. The first few weeks involve a lot of listening and absorbing before speaking, and that silent period is a healthy and necessary part of the process. Most Kindergartners are noticeably more comfortable by the winter break.

As a non-Spanish-speaking parent, how do I best support my child at home?

A few things make a real difference:

• Read with your child every day in English, since strong first-language literacy supports second-language acquisition. 
• Ask your child to teach you a Spanish word they learned that day. Celebrate their progress out loud and often. 
• Stay in close contact with their teacher, who can share specific resources and strategies tailored to your child's development. 

And trust the process. Arco Iris teachers have guided hundreds of non-Spanish-speaking families through exactly this experience. You are not expected to become fluent in Spanish. You are expected to show up for your child, and you are already doing that!

My child will eventually go to an English-speaking middle school. Will learning math and science in Spanish put them behind?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the research consistently points in the same direction: immersion graduates do not fall behind. Students who learn math and science in a second language develop strong conceptual understanding that transfers across languages. By the time Arco Iris students reach middle school, they have developed real fluency, genuine academic confidence, and the cognitive flexibility that bilingual education fosters. Our alumni prove it year after year.

Do I need to speak Spanish at home to support my child's learning?

You do not. Teachers do not expect families to speak Spanish at home, and homework assignments reflect that reality. If your child hits a struggle point, reach out directly to their teacher. The school does not offer tutoring in Spanish acquisition, but teachers can point families toward books and online resources that help at home.

What if my child's homework is in Spanish, and I can't help?

Contact the teacher. Arco Iris teachers know that most families navigate homework without Spanish fluency, and they will work with you. Families do not have to go it alone.

🌈Communication and Progress Updates

How often do families receive reports and progress updates?

Arco Iris follows the Beaverton School District calendar for progress reporting. Families receive formal progress reports at set points throughout the year, aligned with BSD's reporting schedule. Teachers also send home regular updates and use the school communication platform to keep families informed about classroom life.

For day-to-day questions and concerns, teachers welcome direct contact. Our small school size means your child's teacher knows your family well, and that connection makes communication more personal and more responsive than you'd find in a larger school setting.

How easy is it to reach my child's teacher directly?

Yes. Arco Iris teachers communicate with families through the school's messaging platform and make themselves available to address concerns as they arise.The school's small size is a genuine advantage here. Teachers, the director, and staff all know students by name, which means you're never navigating a maze to get to the right person. You can also always reach the school office directly at (503) 372-6052.

🌈What Kindergartners Wear

Does Arco Iris have a uniform for Kindergartners?

Yes. All students, including Kindergartners, follow the school dress code. The one highlight of the week: every Friday is spirit gear day, and students swap their uniforms for brightly colored Arco Iris gear.

Where do families buy affordable uniforms?

The Arco Iris Parent Teacher Organization runs an annual uniform exchange program to help families reduce uniform costs. This is one of the most practical perks of connecting with the PTO early. For new uniform purchases, the dress code page lists approved options and guidance on where to shop.

🌈Academics

What curriculum does Arco Iris use in Kindergarten?

Kindergartners start Singapore Math from day one, a curriculum that builds deep mathematical understanding through concrete, visual, and abstract problem-solving rather than memorization. The same curriculum runs through 5th grade, and Arco Iris students consistently score above state averages in math as a result.

Academic learning follows Common Core State Standards in math and language arts and Oregon Department of Education standards in science and social studies, all delivered through the lens of Spanish immersion.

Does Arco Iris offer art, music, or other specials?

PE runs 30 minutes every single day. Art weaves through classroom activities throughout the week rather than as a standalone class. Music is incorporated into cultural and classroom learning. Students visit the school's library regularly. Kindergartners also enjoy field trips throughout the year, including visits to the Oregon Zoo and a local pumpkin patch, all completely free for every student.

🌈Tips from Families Who've Been Here

What do families wish they had known before starting?

A few things come up consistently:

The first few weeks can feel bumpy. Students who have never heard Spanish spoken all day long experience a period of adjustment, and some show real frustration early on. This does not mean the program is wrong for your child. It means the acquisition process is working. Stay the course and stay in communication with the teacher.

Routine is your best friend. Arco Iris Kindergarten runs on a consistent daily rhythm, and students settle into it quickly. Morning drop-off goes more smoothly when home routines mirror school routines, like consistent wake times, a good breakfast, and a calm goodbye.

Plug into the community early. The PTO, volunteer opportunities, and school events give families a genuine way to connect with other Arco Iris families. A school this size rewards that investment. Learn more about volunteering at Arco Iris.

What challenges should families prepare for?

Language adjustment in the early months is the most common challenge, especially for children without any Spanish exposure at home. Beyond that, families who juggle multiple school drop-offs (a sibling at a different school, for example) should plan their logistics carefully, since Arco Iris does not provide bus service.

🌈Enrollment

How do I enroll my child in Kindergarten?

Kindergarten has 81 spots available each year, with priority given first to siblings of current students. After siblings, in-district students receive priority, followed by out-of-district students. When applications exceed available spots, state law requires a lottery.

Visit the enrollment page to check current application dates and get started. Applications do not carry over from year to year, so families on the waitlist need to reapply each year.

Does Arco Iris cost anything?

No tuition. Arco Iris is a public charter school, which means every family has full access to this program at no cost. The school asks each family to contribute $1,000 annually toward a Gap donation (through fundraising or a direct donation) to help close the gap between state funding and operating costs.Fundraising opportunities throughout the year make that goal accessible for families at every income level.

Can my child attend if we live outside the Beaverton School District?

Yes. Arco Iris welcomes students from across the greater Portland area, including SW Portland, Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, and beyond. In-district students receive lottery priority, but out-of-district families regularly earn spots. And if you live in or near Tigard, there's more good news: Arco Iris is actively exploring expansion in Tigard.

Still have questions? The full Arco Iris FAQ page goes deeper on logistics, curriculum, and special services. And if you're ready to see the school in person, sign up for a tour. Nothing answers a question faster than walking through the door. We're enrolling for Fall 2026-27. Start your application here.

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.