Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) first independent Spanish bilingual Pre-K through 8th grade school in northern California

Oakland, CA, October 6, 2006 – Distinguished members of the Latino community and EBI families will gather in Rockridge on Friday, October 6th for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a brand new independent pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade Spanish-English bilingual school.

Escuela Bilingüe Internacional, housed in the former St. Augustine School site on 410 Alcatraz Avenue, is the first independent Spanish-English dual-immersion program in northern California and the first of its kind in Oakland.

Last month, the school opened with 80 children in its pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes. It will add additional grades as the students progress in their studies. The school is currently accepting applications for its 2007/2008 preschool, Kindergarten and first grade classes. Financial aid is available based on need.

"So many doors have opened for me because I speak Spanish," said journalist, EBI parent and board member Elisa Batista. "When I heard about EBI, I jumped at the chance to enroll my son. In a global economy, speaking Spanish is no longer simply a plus, but a necessity."

In a dual immersion setting, the children are in a Spanish-only environment in preschool. They receive one hour of English instruction in Kindergarten and 1st grade, and two hours in 2nd grade, after, which they will be taught half their subjects in Spanish and the rest in English. The program ensures that children gain native fluency in both languages by the 8th grade. Children will learn Mandarin beginning in the 3rd grade.

Said Board Chair Liza Sanchez: "It truly is amazing that there aren't more schools of this kind given the overwhelming demand for Spanish bilingual programs. The few other Spanish bilingual schools that exist have long waiting lists. Escuela Bilingüe Internacional is filling an important gap in our educational offerings. We hope that EBI will serve as a catalyst to encourage the growth of more bilingual schools."

EBI's inauguration takes place at the school on Friday, October 6 at 5 p.m.. This festive occasion will include speeches from staff, a ribbon cutting, food, music, face painting and a tour of the school. To RSVP, please call Elisa Batista at (415) 305-6217 or e-mail her at elisa.batista.com@gmail.com.

For more information on EBI, please visit our website at www.ebinternacional.org.