Transferring from one Spanish Immersion to another

We're currently living in Petaluma but are planning to move to Oakland next summer. My kids are in a Spanish Immersion program here and we are hoping to transfer into one of the Spanish Immersion programs in Oakland. They will be in 3rd and 5th grade when we move. Does anyone know what the process is like? I'm assuming there's some testing for them to transfer? Is it just the normal application process? I've tried reaching out to the school but it's the end of the year and I'm sure there busy so I haven't heard back. Has anyone does anything like this and have any insight? I'd appreciate any and all info! We're currently hoping to get into Melrose Leadership Academy because I like that it goes to 8th grade. Thanks! 

Parent Replies

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Most OUSD Spanish immersion schools don't have a special process or testing, unless you want to enter as a Spanish-primary student. Then there is a testing process. I'd suggest contacting the district rather than the individual schools as school ended before Memorial Day and I'm not sure there's anyone around at individual schools. There is a Student Welcome Center that might be a good place to start. 

MLA is very popular and while you might get lucky, make sure you have a back up plan. My kids are at Greenleaf, which also runs through 8th grade. We've been very happy there. International  Community School and Manzinita Seed werethe other ones we considered, though they just run through 5th.

It's a pretty straightforward process--when you apply, the Enrollment Office will contact you to determine language proficiency. The good news is that MLA and other Spanish immersion schools often have space in the upper grades because it's challenging to fill open seats if kids don't have a dual language background. Call the Enrollment Office, which is open through the summer--Oakland handles enrollment centrally so the school won't be able to enroll you directly (though they can answer questions you might have).