FAQs

Core Program Information:

What age groups and grade levels are accommodated at Jump Immersion School?

Jump Immersion School accepts students from preschool (age 2.5 years old) through elementary school (currently through Grade 5 with plans to expand to Grade 8).

What are the school hours, and is there a before- or after-care program available?

Our school day operates from 9AM to 3PM. Before Care starts at 7:30AM and our After Care aftercare program runs from 3PM until 6 PM, providing a safe and engaging environment for students after the regular school day ends.

Are meals provided, or do students need to bring their own lunch and snacks?

Families are responsible for packing snacks and lunch for their children. However, we also provide an option to order meals through FoodDays. These meals are delivered fresh every morning and offer a variety of nutritious foods.

Curriculum:

What language immersion tracks does Jump Immersion School offer?

Jump Immersion School offers immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.

How does the curriculum support bilingualism and biliteracy in both languages offered?

Our immersive curriculum ensures students are exposed to the target language throughout the day in all subjects. We utilize various teaching methods that promote language acquisition and literacy development in English, Spanish, or Mandarin.

How does Jump Immersion School help elementary students who are just starting to learn a new language, while others are already fluent by kindergarten?

Jump Immersion School employs a structured approach to supporting students at different proficiency levels in learning a new language. By initially offering basic-level language arts classes initially and then gradually integrating immersive experiences into various subjects, Jump Immersion School effectively supports students at different stages of language learning. This holistic approach not only builds language proficiency but also nurtures critical thinking skills and cultural awareness among students.
1. Basic Level Language Arts Classes: For new learners of the target language, Jump Immersion School may offer specialized language arts classes. These classes focus on building foundational skills such as basic vocabulary, grammar, and essential language structures. This helps beginners gain confidence and proficiency in the language before fully integrating into immersive classes.
2. Integration into Regular Language Arts (LA) Lessons: As students progress in their language skills, they gradually join regular language arts lessons with their peers. During these sessions, teachers incorporate strategies to accommodate varying proficiency levels. Beginners may receive additional support, such as simplified texts or targeted vocabulary exercises, while more advanced students engage in more complex reading, writing, and comprehension activities.
3. Immersive Experience in Other Subjects: Beyond language arts, Jump Immersion School integrates the target language into subjects like science, social studies, and CWPS (Creating Writing & Public Speaking). This immersive approach allows students to apply their language skills in real-world contexts and across different disciplines.
4. Differentiated Instruction: During science and social studies classes, teachers likely employ differentiated instruction techniques. They may provide adapted materials, offer bilingual support, or scaffold learning activities to ensure that all students, regardless of their language proficiency level, can actively participate and learn effectively.

How do you support students who need reinforcement in certain areas?

For learners who need reinforcement, we provide one-on-one support and tailor accommodations to meet their specific needs. Our approach includes targeted interventions, individualized learning plans, and ongoing assessments to monitor progress. Teachers maintain regular communication with families to keep them informed and involved in their child’s learning journey. This supportive environment ensures that every student receives the help they need to succeed.
Our instructional coaches and teachers work together to identify areas where students may need additional help and design strategies to address these needs. This includes extra tutoring sessions, modified assignments, and the use of educational tools and resources to strengthen understanding. Our goal is to create a nurturing and effective learning environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their starting point.

If my child is advanced in math, how does differentiation take place at Jump Immersion School?

We recognize that each student has unique learning needs and paces. The first months of the school year are dedicated to adaptation, observation, and assessments. Once we identify their needs, we offer differentiated instruction for advanced learners that includes more challenging problems, projects, and opportunities for deeper exploration of concepts, which is reflected in both classwork and homework.
Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide personalized attention. Our instructional coaches work closely with teachers to design and implement customized learning plans that keep advanced learners continuously engaged and challenged. We utilize a variety of enrichment activities, such as advanced math workshops, problem-solving sessions, and math clubs, to ensure that students are always stimulated and motivated.

What extracurricular activities and enrichment programs are available to students

Jump Immersion School offers a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs that promote cultural exploration, creativity, and physical development. These include Spanish Club (for Mandarin students) and Mandarin Club (for Spanish students), Dance, Karate, Little Ballers (sports activities for younger children), and more! We are continually working on designing new clubs to offer even more exciting opportunities for our students. Stay tuned for updates!

Student Assessment:

What assessments does Jump Immersion School use to measure student progress?

Jump Immersion School employs the Learning Inventory of Need (LION) for kindergarten through 2nd grade and the Educational Records Bureau’s Comprehensive Testing Program (ERB/CTP) for 3rd and 4th grades. These assessments provide valuable data to inform our instruction and ensure student success.

How do these assessments benefit Jump students?

LION results guide personalized instruction for our youngest learners, tailoring education to individual strengths and needs. ERB/CTP testing benchmarks our 3rd and 4th graders against national standards, informing curriculum adjustments to enhance student achievement.

How did Jump Immersion School students perform on the 2024 assessments?

Jump Immersion School is proud to report exceptional 2024 assessment results. Our K-2nd graders demonstrated strong proficiency, with 87% at or above grade level in English reading and 97% of Spanish K-1st graders at or above grade level in math. Our 3rd graders achieved impressive results in key areas, with 78% at or above the independent school norm in reading, writing, and math. Fourth graders excelled in reading comprehension and science, with 86% scoring at or above the independent school norm. in writing concepts and skills. These results underscore our commitment to bilingual education and student success.

Our Teachers and Educational Strategy:

Are the teachers at Jump Immersion School certified?

Our teachers are highly qualified educators with extensive experience in their respective age groups. While state certification is not a requirement, we prioritize hiring professionals who demonstrate exceptional teaching skills and a passion for bilingual education.

What qualifications do your Preschool - Kindergarten teachers have?

Our Preschool – Kindergarten teachers at Jump Immersion School bring a mix of extensive experience and fresh perspectives. Here’s an overview:
● Diverse Experience: Our team includes both veteran educators with over 6 years of experience and newer teachers with less than 3 years, all with prior experience in preschool, elementary, and high school settings. Some teachers come from international backgrounds.
● Native Speakers: All head teachers are native speakers of the language they teach (Spanish or Mandarin).
● Professional Development: Many teachers have participated in professional development activities in the past five years, including courses in math strategies, social-emotional learning, and teaching English Language Learners (ELL).
● Varied Teaching Methods: Teachers are familiar with various teaching methods, including TPR (Total Physical Response), student-centered learning, project-based learning, Montessori method, positive discipline, game-based learning, and social-emotional learning (SEL).

What are the qualifications of your Elementary teachers?

Our Elementary teachers possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. Here’s what you can expect:
● Experience Range: Our teachers have 1 to 6 years of experience at Jump Immersion School.
● Educational Backgrounds: They hold diverse educational backgrounds, including bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, Education, Accounting, and Science in Education. One teacher has a master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, and another is currently pursuing certification.
● Diverse Experiences: Before joining Jump, our teachers had varied experiences, including teaching English as a Foreign Language, teaching in countries like Ecuador and Colombia, teaching Chinese, working in Montessori schools, and serving in Americorps.
● Language Proficiency: We have native Spanish speakers and a native Mandarin speaker among our elementary teachers. Several hold bachelor’s degrees in education, and one is pursuing certification.
● Professional Development: Many teachers have participated in professional development activities in the past five years.

How does Jump Immersion School incorporate cultural learning into its curriculum?

Cultural learning is a cornerstone of our program at Jump Immersion School. We enrich daily lessons with music, art, holidays, and traditions from the target language’s culture to foster deep understanding and appreciation.

School Environment and Community:

What is the mission and educational philosophy of Jump Immersion School?

Jump Immersion School empowers children to become fluent in a second language, excel academically, develop self-confidence, a global perspective, and the social skills to succeed in life – all within a nurturing, diverse and supportive learning environment.

What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios at Jump Immersion School?

We pride ourselves on maintaining small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios. This allows us to provide personalized attention and create optimal opportunities for language acquisition.

Where do children typically go when they leave Jump Immersion School?

Our students transition to a variety of educational settings after leaving Jump Immersion School, including both public and private institutions. Many of our graduates go on to attend prestigious prep schools such as Newark Academy and The Pingry School. We are proud to see them accepted into these top-tier middle and high schools, where they continue to excel academically. The strong foundation they receive here, particularly in language skills and personalized learning, prepares them well for future educational success. Our focus on comprehensive development ensures that they are well-equipped to thrive in any environment they pursue.

How does Jump Immersion School ensure a safe and supportive learning environment?

At Jump Immersion School, we prioritize student safety and well-being. Our small class sizes, dedicated staff, and positive discipline approach create a nurturing environment. We also have robust safety protocols and encourage open communication to ensure a supportive learning experience for all.