Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School

PSI is a school that is very culturally diverse and draws from the entire Saint Louis Park Community. It is a school that promotes diversity and teaches the whole child. The teaching staff is very dedicated and works hard to ensure the learning of EVERY student. My experience of a parent of a child that went through K-5th grade, was nothing short of exceptional! The PSI Community values not only the education of their child, but of all those in attendance. The language immersion piece is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

allows and condones discrimination against students of color. Uses unfair practices amongst children without correction even after they recognize the problem. Bullying is allowed if the victim is a child of color. Children of color are only seen as the aggressors at psi even if they are being jumped 3 to 1.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the writer who is complaining of a staff of no African Americans at PSI...may want to do some research before speaking. How many african american spanish speaking applicants have they had? We had a terrific teacher, african american, who actually won teacher of the year while at the school and then decided to leave. There is a teacher from cuba, although don't know her ethnic background, don't care, she is an incredible teacher. The rest of the staff has been around for a long time, not a lot of turnover. That is a more important statistic. The school gave my children an incredible education. They have continued with their spanish and maintain straight A's in middle and high school. I wouldn't care if their teachers, janitors, secretaries, librarians were white, black, grey or purple, I want a good, solid education for them and that is what we got!
—Submitted by a parent

I loved this school! When I went to that school my principle greeted me in the morning, the teachers where absolutely lovely, I got some of the best grades in ENGLISH, and I am now fluent in Spanish. The first time I had discussed our past teachers with my fellow students at the junior high, I was surprised at how much they disliked them! I loved all of teachers at PSI, including the ones I didn't have! I will always remember all of the memories that I have enjoyed at this school, and to all of the teachers at the school: Thank you for being some of the greatest influences in my life!

I was part of PSI's first graduating class, and from a former student's perspective, I think PSI is an excellent school that provided a great and unique academic and cultural experience. Every teacher I had at PSI was fantastic and the Spanish language skills I learned are invaluable. For me and my peers, PSI was more than just an elementary education; it still effects our lives today. The majority of my graduating class has studied abroad in Spanish speaking countries and/or are majoring in Spanish or Latin American Studies. Many of us --including myself--will use Spanish as a critical tool in our careers after graduating college next year.

PSI has a long-standing reputation as an excellent Spanish immersion school. The teachers and administration have high standards, and it shows in the achievement and behavior of the students. Parents are very active in their child's education, and it shows through the multitude of volunteers in the school, and the tireless hours that they put into fund-raising and serving on school committees. I have two children attending PSI, and they have always received the individual attention and kind words of encouragement from their teachers and the principal. The school really has a community feel to it, and I've been amazed at how well everyone watches out for each other. As a teacher in another district for many years, I would highly recommend PSI for those seeking an immersion school.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disorganized! The children learn spanish well only! I wanted more for my child, she was waaaay behind in math, spelling, social studies and every other area except spanish (speaking only! They don't do well teaching grammar/spelling!). They kept me hanging on for 3 yrs. claiming that students are caught up with their peers from other shools by the 4th grade...BALONEY! I switched my daughter to Peter Holbert and it's ridiculous how far behind she was. I got a Spanish tutor so that she can keep up w/the language and put her at a school that takes pride in teaching more than just Spanish. Also, the prinical did a very poor job disciplining students fairly. I give this school a D+
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school wants little Stepford children. (Robots who are perfect) So if you have a student who is creative, has a mind of their own and has a personality this might not be the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I think my school is really cool and fun to be at. The teachers are awesome, and everyday I leave feeling accomplished.
—Submitted by a student

This school has a great K-2 program. During these primary years the teachers do a great job of nurturing the whole child. They are in a positive structured environment that teaches them social skills along with academics - not to mention Spanish! Once the children hit 3rd grade, social teaching goes out the window in lieu of preparation soley for stadardized testing. Respect is a major theme of the school however the principal has had difficulty leading parents and students by example.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had two children at PSI for five years. Speaking for my own family, PSI has definitely not been the perfect school we thought it would be. Prospective parents must really consider whether the immersion method will work for their child. Every year several students leave the school because of this and it is so hard on the children. Don't only listen to the glowing PR from the school. I would caution prospective parents even more strongly, however, about a school climate I would describe as high-pressure and clique-y. The school climate reflects the control-oriented management style of the Principal. My children have received a good education, but it was much more of a struggle than it should have been.
—Submitted by a parent

We happened upon PSI in one of its first years. Our own parents, as former teachers,questioned our decision to send our children to a language immersion school. Foreign language has always opened up the world and its people to me, so we took the chance. We now have a child in 5th grade and one in 6th at PSI and have found the experience amazing. The academic excellence, the great leadership from a principal that cares enough to keep impeccable standards for her teachers and students, teachers filled with love and care for each and every student and amazing, welcoming, globally aware and active families have made this a first rate choice for our family. Our children have received a true Blue Ribbon education in our local public school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with very high standards and a great program that includes all learners. The lunches are terrible so pack your own. The principle leaves a bad taste in my daughters mouth but I think that she has good old-fashioned standards. Amazing art and music program.
—Submitted by a parent

PSI has been a great experience for my child our family. The opportunity offered to my child to learn a second language in an immersion setting is fantastic. We have found the teaching staff and administration to be very open to parental feedback. The PTO is very strong in not just organizing social events, but by also being actively involved in curriculum selection and changes. PSI staff and faculty seem to understand that a quality education requires the cooperation of all involved parties. This school in St. Louis Park treats the students and parents like they are part of the village. As a parent I hope to return the favor by making education a top priority.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student in one of the first classes, I believe that the staff is great, the idea is great and the money is going toward great things. I learned a lot there. However, The principal can't make commitments to students and was dissapointing to me.
—Submitted by a former student

Absolutely a dream school for new-to-this parents and the feeling of community has astounded us, thank you PSI!
—Submitted by Marit Brynildson, a parent