BUENOS DIAS NINOS

Spanish-Only Preschools Create Bilingual Option in Boise

By Headwaters News, 8-31-06

Idaho’s population is diversifying, as a growing percentage of residents are Hispanic. And out of that trend comes the opening of two new preschools that focus on helping young children become bilingual.

The Associated Press a few weeks ago reported that Idaho’s Hispanic population has climbed to 9.1 percent, or about 130,000 of the state’s 1.4 million residents. Census numbers also show that the Hispanic population increased 4.8 percent over last year, twice the rate of the state’s overall population increase.

That increase in Hispanic population has led to the opening of two Spanish-only preschools in Boise. The Idaho Statesman reports today that the schools will offer longer-than-normal Spanish language classes and focus on Hispanic culture.

The Hispanic population in Ada County grew 40 percent between 2000 and 2005 while the Hispanic population in Canyon County jumped 36.5 percent during that period. Together, the population is more than 52,000 people.

The schools are open to all children. But many of the area’s immigrant parents want their kids to attend so that they can learn Spanish beyond just hearing it at home. They also say the focus on Hispanic culture was an important factor in selecting the preschools for their children.

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