Lucia Alvarez
Kindergarten Teacher
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Lucia teaches kindergarten, where early reading in Spanish and English takes hold through stories and hands-on projects.
Academics · Grades 1–3
Bright Minds
First through third grade is where Spanish literacy takes root and English grows alongside it. Strong readers, writers, and thinkers in two languages — grounded in inquiry, the arts, and the relationships that make a small school feel like home.
1st Grade
Phonics, decoding, and early fluency in Spanish. Children who have been listening and speaking now learn to read the language they already live in.
2nd Grade
The literacy handoff into English begins. Teachers watch for the moment Spanish decoding is ready to transfer, then build English reading on that foundation.
3rd Grade
Independent readers and writers in both languages, using Spanish and English across math, science, and social studies.
Learning to read — in Spanish first
In Bright Minds, children build their foundational reading skills in Spanish, the language in which they've had the deepest immersion. Spanish is phonetically transparent, which makes early decoding faster and builds confidence. Those literacy skills transfer directly to English when it is layered in more formally.
Math and science in Spanish, small cohorts
Math and science instruction continues primarily in Spanish during these grades, reinforcing academic vocabulary alongside literacy. Self-contained classrooms keep cohorts together with teachers who know each child well — a level of attention reflected in our 98.7% coverage rate on the November DRA reading assessment.
Community and culture
Bright Minds students take part in school-wide celebrations, family gatherings, field trips, and service learning that bring the curriculum to life and root children in the broader Amistad community.
Growing fast
Families are noticing: 1st grade enrollment has grown 71% and 2nd grade 89% over the past three years, as more Seattle families discover what a strong, joyful start in bilingual literacy looks like.
The Path
Why the full path changes everything
What families gain by staying in bilingual immersion through 8th grade →
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Bright Minds in action
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Grades 1–3
Meet the teachers
The team your child sees every day at this stage.
Thania Chicas
1st Grade Teacher
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Thania builds strong readers and writers in 1st grade, balancing structure with plenty of room for curiosity.
Erika Gaona
2nd Grade Teacher
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Erika completed her degree internship at Amistad and worked with our TICA students. A UW graduate and Seal of Biliteracy holder, she is now pursuing a master's in education policy.
Francisca Gastelum
3rd Grade Teacher
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Francisca leads 3rd grade, where students move from learning to read toward reading to learn — in two languages.
Mabel Gonzalez
4th/5th Grade Teacher
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Mabel teaches 4th and 5th grade, guiding older students through research, discussion, and academic Spanish.
Lorena Mercado
Middle School Teacher & Advisory Coordinator
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Lorena has more than twenty years of teaching experience across three countries, with a Master of Arts in Writing. As Advisory Coordinator, she builds connection and belonging in the upper grades.
Rafael Rodriguez
Math Teacher
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Rafael teaches math across grade levels, emphasizing reasoning and problem-solving over memorization.
Alfredo De La Hoz
K–8th PE Teacher
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Alfredo leads physical education from kindergarten through 8th grade, building teamwork, coordination, and joy in movement for every age.
Elizabeth Lara
K–3rd English Teacher & TICA Lead
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Elizabeth returns to Amistad with more than a decade teaching young learners in New York, Florida, and Seattle, and an M.A. in TESOL from Columbia. She also leads our TICA after-school program.
Shelly Sibert
Art Teacher
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Shelly runs the art studio, where students explore materials, culture, and self-expression across the year.
Silvio Dos Reis
Capoeira Teacher
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Silvio teaches capoeira, blending music, movement, and Afro-Brazilian tradition into our specials rotation.
The language model
From 90/10 to 50/50
Spanish carries the day when children acquire language most naturally, then English grows year by year until the day is evenly balanced — one continuous model from 12 months through 8th grade.
- 12 months – Pre-KLittle Learners90/10 Spanish / English
- KindergartenFoundations90/10 Spanish / English
- Grades 1–3Bright Minds80/20 Spanish / English
- Grades 4–5Bridge Years50/50 Spanish / English
- Grades 6–8Middle School50/50 Spanish / English
Bright Minds · 80/20 — Spanish still leads, and formal English literacy joins the day — the share of English grows each year from 1st through 3rd grade.
Bright Minds
Parents FAQ
Why do children learn to read in Spanish before English?+
Spanish is phonetically transparent, so early decoding comes faster and builds confidence. Those reading skills — phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension strategy — transfer directly to English once it is layered in.
When does English literacy begin?+
The formal handoff into English reading typically begins in 2nd grade, when teachers see that Spanish decoding is secure. By 3rd grade students are reading and writing independently in both languages.
Can we join Amistad in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade without Spanish?+
Mid-stage entry is possible and depends on space and language readiness. We assess each applicant individually and are honest with families about what support a later start requires.
How large are the classes?+
Classrooms are small and self-contained, keeping cohorts together with teachers who know each child well — one reason our reading assessment coverage runs at 98.7%.
Connect with a Current Parent
Talk with a Bright Minds family
We'll match you with a current Amistad parent whose child is in Grades 1–3 — no pressure, no sales pitch, just an honest conversation about what these years actually look like.
Continue along The Path
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