4J offers five K-12 language immersion programs, enabling students to become, biliterate in English and their chosen second language, develop strong cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, utilize higher-level thinking skills, and become productive global citizens. Families must secure a transfer using the district’s school choice process to enroll their student in one of these schools.
Buena Vista Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Buena Vista is a 90/10 descending Spanish immersion program. Kindergartens spend 90% of their school day learning Spanish, with the remaining 10% reserved for English instruction with the time spent on Spanish instruction that decreases each subsequent grade. The levels of immersion by grade are as follows: 90:10 in kindergarten and first grade; 80:20 in second grade; 70:30 in third grade; 60:40 in fourth grade; and 50:50 in fifth grade. The Spanish immersion program continues for grade 6-8 at Monroe Middle School, and for grades 9-12 at Sheldon High School.
Charlemagne French Immersion Elementary School
Charlemagne is one of the most established immersion elementary schools in Eugene and in the state of Oregon, dedicated to students reaping the benefits of developing oral and written fluency in French and English. The French immersion program continues for grades 6-8 at Roosevelt Middle School. From there, students enter the immersion program at the Eugene International High School at South Eugene for grades 9–12. Successful completion of Eugene IHS at South earns immersion students a special medallion, a unique graduation ceremony, and a chance to demonstrate French language proficiency by earning the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy.
Chinese Immersion School
The Chinese Language Immersion School provides a rigorous and supportive Mandarin immersion program that enables students to become biliterate in Mandarin, the mostly widely spoken language in the world, and English. The program also provides them opportunities to develop strong cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture in part through community partnerships and multicultural events. The Chinese immersion program continues for grade 6-8 at Kennedy Middle School, and for grades 9-12 at Churchill High School.
NEW! The school board will approve Chinese Immersion School’s new official name on June 6, 2025. Learn more about the four finalist names and the naming process on this webpage.
River Road/Camino del Rio Dual Immersion Elementary School
Dual immersion at the school offers a unique opportunity for native English and Spanish speakers to work together to become biiterate and bicultural. All 1st through 5th students receive instruction in both languages, with half of the school day spent in each language. Kindergartners spend 70% of their day learning Spanish. The school aims to balance classes with equal numbers of native Spanish and English speakers.
Yujin Gakuen Japanese Immersion Elementary School
The school, the nation’s first public elementary Japanese language immersion program, offers a unique K-12 bilingual education in English and Japanese language and culture, enriching their learning with activities that include Taiko drumming, traditional fan dances, origami, and many others. All 1st through 5th students receive instruction in both languages, with half of the school day spent in each language. Many of YG’s educators were born and educated in Japan and its classroom instruction is supplemented with schoolwide events and grade-level cultural learning opportunities.
NEW! The Japanese language immersion program is relocating to the South Eugene region. The details of the transition are available on this webpage.
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