Our Iñupiaq language is the means by which our values and beliefs are expressed most clearly, effectively and eloquently. Our Immersion program is a response to the linguistic needs of the Iñupiaq community of Utqiaåvik. Immersion teachers provide solid academic and practical knowledge based from our unique worldview. We strive to establish an education that is firmly grounded in Iñupiaq values, language and culture while meeting the State standards.

Our mission is to educate children to become fuctionally proficient in the Iñupiaq language; to promote cultural identity through language learning; to ensure academic success; to develop a bonding of cultures; and enhance knowledge regarding the Iñupiaq people, their history, language and culture.

Questions and Answers

Is Immersion the right choice?
It is important to remember the opportunities offered to your child by exposure to another language and culture. Through immersion, your child will be provided the opportunity to become bilingual. Being in the immersion program can be an exciting and stimulating experience for your child.

Will my child achieve lower test scores than if he or she were enrolled in a regular classroom?
Research has shown that students in early immersion programs perform as well as, or better than, their English-only educated peers on tests of achievement in English and Math. The academic skills the students acquire through this program in their second language transfer to their first language, and vice versa.

Who can register for Immersion classes?
There is no screening process for the applications; the immersion program is for any child whose parents want to them to have the experience of learning the Iñupiaq language.

Can my child join Immersion at any grade level?
Individual consideration based upon a students fluency will be made for students desiring to transfer into the program after the first quarter of the first grade level.

What about my child s proficiency in the English language?
Mastery of more than one language language has many advantages, both cognitively and socially. A student who learns core academic subjects in the Iñupiaq language does not need to relearn the same concepts in English, but acquire an accurate English language vocabulary.

Are parents required to be fluent in Inupiaq?
Although the program was designed primarily for children in families who speak the Iñupiaq language, families who wish to build their Iñupiaq language skills are encouraged to become a part of the program.

Does Immersion cost anything?
No. Our program is provided by the North Slope Borough School District, and is free.

When did this program start?
Our first ECE class was introduced to Iñupiaq Immersion teaching during the 1994-95 school year.