I think an immersion academy is the best way a student could become fluent quickly and effectively. It is a wonderful gift to have a one right here in our area! And it's a great bargain considering college credit can be earned.
- Leslie Cleveland, World Language Chair, Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke, VA
What some of our academy students say:The friends I made and the Spanish and culture I learned made it an awesome experience!
I realized after the first day that I had nothing to worry about because all of us there were trying to improve our speaking skills, so we all helped each other.
I absolutely loved my time at Martí! I was never bored, I made lots of friends, and I reached my goal of improving my Spanish-speaking skills.
It's a great way to improve your Spanish. When you have to do everything in the language, it helps you to learn more at a faster rate.
It greatly improved my Spanish speaking, but I feel almost like I'm worse in English now!
It's a great experience! My Spanish improved, and it was like summer camp in the movies: good food, good fun, and great people!
I wish I could have stayed longer!
What I really loved about the academy was that the atmosphere was so friendly and relaxed…everyone worked, helped each other, and we all got along fantastically.
I improved my Spanish and can explain myself and use much more complicated grammar than before. (Before I mostly understood, but now I can actually use Spanish.)
I have a much greater command of Spanish.
Initially I had some doubts about my ability to speak Spanish, as I rarely use it outside the classroom; these doubts were nullified when I arrived and began listening and speaking. Everyone is on the same page. Each person helps the other, and of course there is Mrs. Gottstein who is very helpful, patient, and kind.
I feel like before this experience I couldn’t think on my feet in Spanish, but now I can.
It felt like a family.
My fluency and general knowledge of the mechanics of Spanish have increased significantly while I’ve been having the time of my life. What more could I ask for?
It is the fastest way to learn Spanish, but it is fun at the same time.
I wanted to be sure I would be prepared for Spanish in college and am sure I will be one of the highest-level speakers.
My listening and speaking greatly improved, and my vocabulary significantly expanded.
I would love to come back to learn more, keep my fluency, and have more fun with people my age who are friendly and have similar interests and dreams.
What I really loved about the academy was that the atmosphere was so friendly and relaxed…everyone worked, helped each other, and we all got along fantastically.
I improved my Spanish and can explain myself and use much more complicated grammar than before. (Before I mostly understood, but now I can actually use Spanish.)
I have a much greater command of Spanish.
Initially I had some doubts about my ability to speak Spanish, as I rarely use it outside the classroom; these doubts were nullified when I arrived and began listening and speaking. Everyone is on the same page. Each person helps the other, and of course there is Mrs. Gottstein who is very helpful, patient, and kind.
I feel like before this experience I couldn’t think on my feet in Spanish, but now I can.
It felt like a family.
My fluency and general knowledge of the mechanics of Spanish have increased significantly while I’ve been having the time of my life. What more could I ask for?
It is the fastest way to learn Spanish, but it is fun at the same time.
I wanted to be sure I would be prepared for Spanish in college and am sure I will be one of the highest-level speakers.
My listening and speaking greatly improved, and my vocabulary significantly expanded.
I would love to come back to learn more, keep my fluency, and have more fun with people my age who are friendly and have similar interests and dreams.
-Remarks from students’ anonymous final evaluation forms
I wish I were in high school again so I could go!
- April Wilkerson, Spanish Teacher, Washington & Lee High School, Westmoreland County, VA
The Martí Spanish Academy will give students an opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and language without having to travel abroad. What a great option for young language learners to have now, rather than having to wait until they are in college!
- Irma Stritesky, Spanish Teacher, Lord Botetourt High School, Daleville, VA
I wish a program like this had existed when I was in high school!
- Lisa Saperstein, Spanish Teacher, Christiansburg High School, Christiansburg, VA
