Growing Young Global Citizens at The Language Tree

Sponsored by The Language Tree

Imagine your preschooler singing songs, creating art, playing games, and chatting with friends while naturally learning Spanish along the way. At The Language Tree, language learning is woven into the everyday experiences that already make early childhood education fun.

Established in 2012, The Language Tree is Columbia’s original Spanish immersion school. The nonprofit preschool provides a warm, engaging environment where children can build the academic, social, emotional, and communication skills they will need for kindergarten while developing a meaningful connection to a second language.

What does language immersion look like for preschoolers?

Rather than teaching Spanish as a separate subject, The Language Tree incorporates it throughout the school day. Lessons, songs, games, art projects, social interactions, and even snack time become opportunities for children to hear and use the language.

Teachers support students as they begin recognizing vocabulary, expressing their thoughts, and gradually building phrases and sentences in Spanish. Because the language is connected to familiar activities and routines, children can learn through play, repetition, movement, and everyday conversation.

Families do not need to speak Spanish at home, and children do not need any previous experience with the language before enrolling.

More than language lessons

Full-day students also participate in enrichment programming that reinforces preschool standards in English and introduces them to cultures and traditions from around the world. The school’s teachers bring a variety of cultural and language backgrounds into the classroom, helping children develop curiosity, appreciation, and respect for global diversity.

Music and physical education classes add even more opportunities for children to move, create, collaborate, and build confidence. Whether they are playing a rhythm game, singing, practicing coordination, or learning to take turns as part of a group, students are developing skills that support the whole child. These classes are taught by community members, most of which are parents of current TLT students! This offers a true investment in the success of every class for the children. 

A community-centered approach

The Language Tree was originally established by local families seeking a nurturing environment for early language learning. That sense of community continues today through close partnerships among families, teachers, school leadership, and the organization’s board.

Director Leslie Elam brings 12 years of public-school classroom experience to The Language Tree. Her approach focuses on creating a place where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn while supporting their individual social, emotional, and academic growth.

Come see Spanish immersion in action

The Language Tree offers year-round enrollment, with midyear openings available when space allows. The best way to understand what immersion looks and sounds like is to visit a classroom and experience it firsthand.

Families interested in learning more can visit The Language Tree online or contact the school to schedule a tour.

The Language Tree
2311 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201
573-424-2517
information@languagetreeimmersion.com