Parent Connect - NJ Campus
Learn more about HudsonWay Immersion School and our Mandarin or Spanish language immersion tracks. We will connect you with a parent to get your questions answered and learn how our program is differentiated from other independent schools.
Carter B.
Target Language: Spanish
Languages Spoken at Home: English, Spanish
Town of Residence: Bernardsville
County of Residence: Somerset
Grades of Children at HWIS (entry grades): Preschool 2s, 1st (PreK), 2nd (K)
Interests / Extracurriculars Outside School: Tennis, hockey, reading, getting together with family and friends
Why Immersion? To enable our children to be bridge builders between different cultures and give them a deep understanding and enjoyment of another culture.
Memorable HWIS Moment: My son Edward surprised us with a poem in Spanish at his PreK graduation. He did not practice at home so he had memorized it at school and gave a wonderful performance.
Nina L.
Target Language: Mandarin
Languages Spoken at Home: English, some Mandarin
Distance to School: 15 miles
County of Residence: Essex
Grades of Children at HWIS (entry grades): 4th (Preschool 3s / 2nd), PreK (Preschool 3s)
Interests / Extracurriculars Outside School: Gymnastics, swimming, wushu kung fu, stop motion video, writing, drawing, building, hiking, outdoor education and animal care
Why Immersion? I am the first US-born daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. While Mandarin was all I spoke until I started public school, I did not receive any formal lessons until I took a couple "Chinese for Mandarin Speakers" classes in college. After I had children, I quickly found that I didn't have the vocabulary to teach them all the train and animal words they wanted to know. From my upbringing, I knew that immersion is the best way to learn a language. Most importantly, I wanted my children to be able to communicate with their grandparents and sustain a true connection with their heritage.
Memorable HWIS Moment: One of many: My son's preschool class performed a traditional Chinese song at the top of their lungs in the annual Lunar New Year show.
Christie M.
Target Language: Spanish
Languages Spoken at Home: English, Spanish with grandparents
Town of Residence: Morristown
County of Residence: Morris
Grades of Children at HWIS (entry grades): 2nd (PreK)
Interests / Extracurriculars Outside School: Dance, tennis, skiing
Why Immersion? Immersion is proven to be a highly effective way to learn a language and have it “stick” for the long term. Learning a language early and through immersion expands children’s minds and helps them to appreciate global cultures and celebrate the differences among people globally.
Memorable HWIS Moment: Hearing my daughter say the morning announcements and pledge of allegiance in Spanish with clarity and in accurate Spanish.
Jessica P.
Target Language: Spanish
Languages Spoken at Home: English, some Spanish
Town of Residence: Bernardsville
County of Residence: Somerset
Grades of Children at HWIS (entry grades): 2nd (K), 5th (3rd)
Interests / Extracurriculars Outside School: Softball, baseball, basketball, golf, swimming, arts & crafts, sculpture
Why Immersion? My husband is from the Dominican Republic and without knowing the language, my kids wouldn't be able to communicate with their family. Although we tried to speak Spanish at home, we always defaulted to English and the kids resisted Spanish altogether. We knew that they would only be bilingual if we incorporated Spanish into their daily lives in a natural way. The education they are receiving has exceeded our expectations. Not only do they speak freely with their family, but they can read and write in Spanish as well as English. Spanish has become a part of who my children are as opposed to a skill that they have acquired and we are truly grateful!
Memorable HWIS Moment: I can't choose! The Spanish show brought tears to my eyes watching all of our kids perform plays and sing fluently in Spanish and dance to latin rhythms with such joy and enthusiasm. The Celebration of Learning event left me speechless when the 4th graders gave an in-depth presentation about refugees in Spanish. Their language ability and depth of knowledge of the subject was simply astonishing.
Sarah T.
Target Language: Spanish
Languages Spoken at Home: English
Town of Residence: Millburn
County of Residence: Essex
Grades of Children at HWIS (entry grades): Preschool 2s and PreK (Preschool2s)
Interests / Extracurriculars Outside School: Swimming, tennis, art, hiking
Why Immersion? Throughout my career in education, I worked in school districts that offered dual language programs. I saw firsthand the impact this education could have on a young child’s development and knew I wanted this education for my children. Together with my own exposure to the Spanish language throughout my education and travel, when I discovered HWIS, the decision was simple! My children are thriving exactly as I expected. They are fluent in Spanish with hardly any Spanish-speaking at home. As a parent, I know I am providing them with an education that will benefit them throughout their lives, in an ever-changing and increasingly multilingual world.
Memorable HWIS Moment: During our daughter’s first year at HWIS, she uncharacteristically volunteered to read a book she wrote in Spanish in front of the entire preschool program. We were amazed at her confidence and pride publicly speaking in a language that was so new to her.
Nikki G.
Target Language: Mandarin
Languages Spoken at Home: English
Town of Residence: Newark
County of Residence: Essex
Grades of Children at HWIS (entry grades): 4th (3rd), 2nd (1st)
Interests / Extracurriculars Outside School: Tumbling, swimming
Why Immersion? Because I could never provide it on my own for my children.
Memorable HWIS Moment: The family is having great experiences here.
I've enjoyed the way the older brother has enjoyed rising to the challenges of the class. We learned when he started 3rd grade that there was a lot of vocabulary he needed to acquire. Because it was his first year at HWIS, we were concerned, but he rose to the challenge and excelled.
The younger brother has steadily progressed. We are excited to see his energy for school. Most notable lately is his practice for the Chinese New Year show coming up. I enjoy hearing him sing the song.