When do children at Maple Bear schools become fluent in English?

How many hours a week does a child need to study English to start speaking it fluently?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask when looking for the best bilingual school for their child. There is no universal answer—every child is different. That’s why at Maple Bear, we take an individual approach and support children on their unique paths to acquiring a second language.

Children absorb English the same way they learn their native language: by listening to stories, engaging in conversations, reading books and textbooks, speaking, playing, writing, and interacting with their teachers and classmates. They are immersed in an English-speaking environment where the language develops much faster than through memorization of vocabulary or grammar rules. Over time, using English becomes increasingly natural, and the child becomes truly bilingual.

What do English lessons look like at Maple Bear schools?

It’s important to mention that at Maple Bear, we don’t only offer English language lessons. Other subjects are also taught in English using the immersion method. In math or science, children think, speak, count, and explore in English. In kindergarten, the entire program is conducted in English. At the elementary school level, students are also guided toward mastering Czech language, Czech history, geography, and cultural knowledge.

What is immersion-based English learning?

In an immersive learning environment, the child becomes an active participant in the educational process. The word "immersion" comes from the English verb “to immerse,” which perfectly captures how students are surrounded by the language.

Research confirms that immersion is one of the most effective methods for acquiring a second language. Children absorb the language as naturally as they learn their first language.

Rodney Briggs, our founder and CEO, answers the most common questions about immersion learning:

Will my child really become fluent in English? How long will it take?

Mastering any foreign language takes time. The key factors are quality instruction and motivation. At Maple Bear, we typically see progress within the first year. After just a few months, children begin to pick up the language and mimic their teachers. By the second semester and into the following year, they typically understand and use the language more consciously.

Children communicate with their teacher exclusively in English, and they become so accustomed to it that they don’t use any other language in class. This is especially true for younger children, who naturally adapt to their environment—including the language spoken around them.

Thanks to the immersive method, children quickly begin using new vocabulary and grammar in both classroom and everyday conversations. On the other hand, those who learn solely through memorization often struggle to formulate sentences in situations they haven’t rehearsed.

How can I help my child learn English if I don’t speak it myself?

Parents can support their child’s learning by taking an active interest in their education. Read to them, and create opportunities for them to use what they’ve learned at school in real life.

The fact that you’re reading this shows that your child’s education matters to you—and that’s fantastic. Learn more about immersion, educate yourself further, and encourage your child to use their new knowledge outside the classroom as well.

Will my child be fluent in both Czech and English?

Children learn as many languages as they need and have the opportunity to use. Encourage your child to speak English, praise their efforts to use the language in everyday situations, and provide materials to read and listen to in both languages.

Don’t worry—languages won’t get mixed up. Research shows that learning multiple languages is actually beneficial for children, and our own experience confirms this in practice.