Curriculum
Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things, but learning another way to think about things
Flora Lewis
Seattle Amistad School offers a range of unique and exciting academic, linguistic, and cultural opportunities for native Spanish speakers, native English speakers, and bilingual students. Our diverse and inclusive environment is designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning.
For native Spanish speakers:
At Seattle Amistad School, native Spanish speakers have the opportunity to maintain and continue their Spanish language development in the context of their regular academic program. All students receive academic instruction in Spanish first, and then they build upon their skills to develop full literacy in both languages. Home culture and language are utilized as the basis for solid academic and literacy development, and spanish-speaking children are introduced to English in a supported, relaxed way, gradually building up to full literacy in English by the time they finish middle school.,
For native English speakers:
Our early learning program is taught entirely in Spanish. Starting in Kindergarten, English is woven into the school day, with progressively more time spent in English in each grade. Students learn to read in Spanish first, then build on that literacy with English literacy.
For all students:
Native Spanish and English speakers, as well as students who enter Amistad as bilingual students, all become fully bilingual and biliterate, grounded in family and community and skilled at navigating the wider world.
Amistad students participate in a dynamic, rigorous academic program that includes readers’ and writers’ workshops, math, inquiry-based in science and social studies, and physical education and health. Seattle Amistad School also works with the local Latino community to provide a holistic arts experience for students. Music, dance, performing arts, and visual arts traditions are presented to students within their respective cultural and historical traditions. Additionally, teachers build lessons around children’s lives, histories, and experiences, ensuring that instruction is as culturally responsive and academically strong.
Seattle Amistad School equips students with the critical thinking skills needed to examine their lives and the larger society, preparing students to become the bold and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Learn more:
Decades of research have shown that students, particularly those in two-way immersion programs, consistently demonstrate academic performance equal to or higher than their counterparts in mono-lingual programs. Studies such as the ones linked below are a testament to the effectiveness of the dual language approach used at our school:
Academics
At Amistad, we embrace the transformative power of knowledge as the foundation for student success. We are committed to providing an academically rigorous education that consistently exceeds Washington State standards—uniquely delivered in both Spanish and English.
Our goal of 100% grade-level proficiency across all core subjects—Spanish literacy, English literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies—reflects our unwavering belief in every student’s potential. This comprehensive bilingual approach equips our students with both the academic knowledge and linguistic versatility needed to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through intentional instructional design, we create learning environments where students develop deep understanding rather than surface-level knowledge, positioning them for success in advanced academic pursuits and meaningful civic engagement.
Literacy
At Seattle Amistad School, we use the Readers and Writers Workshop model from Columbia University’s Teachers College, a leader in literacy education. Our approach integrates language development, vocabulary building, and oral fluency into all aspects of learning.
Rooted in students’ experiences, literacy becomes a tool for understanding and shaping the world, empowering young readers and writers to think critically and create meaningful change.
Math
Our math program, Investigations, is designed to help children develop a deep understanding of math concepts through games, manipulatives, and problem-solving activities. It aligns with Common Core and Washington State Math Standards, emphasizing reasoning, communication, and critical thinking. This approach complements our focus on language development by encouraging students to express and discuss their math ideas clearly.
Bilingual Approach:
Starting in 2nd grade, students learn math in English and science in Spanish. Each year, we alternate languages for these subjects, ensuring students develop strong skills and vocabulary in both languages.
Sciences
We use the FOSS (Full Option Science System) program, developed by UC Berkeley, which prioritizes hands-on exploration and scientific thinking. Students build knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis while expanding their vocabulary and language skills.
Bilingual Approach:
Starting in 2nd grade, students learn math in English and science in Spanish. Each year, we alternate languages for these subjects, ensuring students develop strong skills and vocabulary in both languages.
Physical Education and Health
Seattle Amistad School uses the Rights, Respect, Responsibility curriculum, developed by Advocates for Youth, to teach health and sexuality in a developmentally appropriate and child-friendly way.
From PreK to 7th grade, themes include families, relationships, gender, the life cycle, sexuality, and personal safety. Lessons provide factual information while encouraging students to reflect on their values and family beliefs in a supportive and respectful environment.
This approach ensures that children learn essential life skills while fostering self-awareness and respect for others.
Arts
We believe music, dance, visual, and performing arts are essential tools for learning language, building community, and understanding culture. The arts are not treated as a separate subject but as a core part of our learning experience, enriching every area of education and life.
We actively connect with Seattle’s vibrant artistic and cultural community, bringing the arts into our school and encouraging students to engage as full participants in the community. Through the arts, our students gain a deeper appreciation of culture and a powerful means of self-expression.
Social Studies
At Seattle Amistad School, our teachers and staff have developed a social studies curriculum that reflects our community values, educational philosophy, and OSPI State Standards. Each grade level explores an essential question, aligned with state standards, through the lenses of geography, civics, history, economics, demographics, and social movements.
The curriculum includes:
- Personal Identity: Students reflect on their own identities and experiences.
- Cultural Exploration: Artistic expressions and cultural traditions related to the content are studied.
- Connection to Context: Students examine how the material relates to their own lives.
- Active Engagement: Learning culminates in a community project, action, or creative response driven by students’ exploration of the material.
This approach encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and active participation, empowering students to connect with the world around them in meaningful ways.