A Parent’s Guide to Language Immersion Preschool in Cary, NC — Even If You Only Speak English at Home

June 12, 2025

Thinking about enrolling your child in a language immersion preschool, but unsure if it’s the right fit because your family only speaks English? You’re not alone. Many families across Cary, North Carolina, including neighborhoods like Dutchman, Holly Springs, Apex, Raleigh, and nearby parts of Durham, are curious about the benefits of a bilingual education but wonder if their child will thrive without support at home. The good news? You don’t need to be bilingual for your child to succeed in a bilingual preschool. In this guide, we’ll explain how language immersion works, what it looks like at L’Academy Preschool in Cary, NC where we offer both Spanish or Mandarin immersion, and how we support both language learning and English readiness from day one.

Why Language Immersion Works in the Early Years

Children’s brains are built to absorb language, especially during the first six years of life. This period, often called a “critical window,” is when they naturally develop the building blocks for:

At L’Academy, language learning is built into everyday life through circle time, story time, songs, and play. Children learn Spanish or Mandarin naturally, just like they learn English.

Benefits of Language Immersion at L’Academy Cary

Don't Live in a Bilingual Household?

Many of the families we serve in Cary and surrounding North Carolina communities speak only English at home. And that’s perfectly okay. Our language immersive classrooms are designed to help children:

And yes, English readiness is also built into our curriculum. Children in our program develop strong communication skills, pre-literacy, and social-emotional growth that prepares them for kindergarten, regardless of what languages are spoken at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How does language immersion work, and is it tailored to individual children?
Children learn through daily exposure to Spanish or Mandarin during play, routines, and activities. Teachers use visuals, gestures, and repetition to support understanding. The curriculum is tailored to each child’s individual needs and teachers adjust their approach so every child feels confident, supported, and ready to thrive in both languages.

2) What languages do you offer, and how are they taught?
We offer Spanish and Mandarin immersion programs taught by fluent or native-speaking teachers. Language is woven into the day through circle time, activities, mealtime, one-on-one conversations, and outdoor play.

3) Can my child join if we only speak English at home? Will they be confused by learning a second language?
Yes, absolutely. Most children start with no background in Spanish or Mandarin. Mixing languages at first is completely normal and part of healthy bilingual development. Our teachers use songs, stories, and structured routines to support your child’s natural language learning without confusion.

4) What does a typical day look like in a language immersion classroom?
Each day includes circle time, music, art, outdoor play, and hands-on learning, led primarily in Spanish or Mandarin. English is used naturally during transitions like lunch or naptime. In general, the classroom day is about 60% immersion and 40% English, giving children exposure to both languages in a way that supports bilingual development and school readiness.

What Local Parents Are Saying

“[My daughter] knows so much Spanish! The teachers are warm and provide a stimulating environment.”
— Lauren W.

“Our daughter has absorbed so much Mandarin—songs, phrases, and more. The teachers have been so patient.”
— Leslie E.

“We love the smaller class sizes, caring staff, and the language immersion environment.”
— Rebecca W.

“We don’t speak a second language, and this school is a wonderful opportunity. The owner and teachers clearly care.”
— Tori S.

How We Support Parents Along the Way

At L’Academy, we make sure parents feel informed and included—whether or not they speak a second language. We offer:

More Than Just Language — A Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Our program isn’t just about learning a second language. It’s about helping children build:

Visit Our Language Immersion Preschool in Cary, North Carolina

L’Academy is located at 150 Preston Executive Drive, Cary, North Carolina 27513, conveniently located just off the Northwest Cary Parkway and close to Dutchman, Holly Springs, Apex, Raleigh, and nearby parts of Durham.

We offer full-time, year-round programs for children ages 12 months to 6 years, including:

Whether you’re coming from 15 minutes away or live in Cary, we’re proud to be a trusted preschool option for North Carolina families seeking more than just daycare. To learn more about our Cary preschool location, schedule a tour today!