Spanish Immersion Enrichment

Aventuras en Español (Rising Grades 6–12)

Mon.–Thurs. | 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Cost $325

July 6–9 | Short Stories with Discussion | Register here
July 13–16 | The Writing Process with Short Stories | Register here
July 20–23 | Jose Andres and Family in Spain | Register here
July 27–30 | Exploring Conversational Spanish | Register here
August 3–6 | Short Stories with Discussion | Register here
August 10–13 | The Writing Process with Short Stories | Register here

Aventuras en Español builds fluency through fun, literacy-rich activities and daily opportunities for authentic communication. This enrichment emphasizes speaking while integrating reading, writing, and listening through thematic, real-world topics that introduce practical vocabulary and grammar. Students explore Spanish-speaking culture, heritage, and history through research and project-based learning, and engage in multidisciplinary, hands-on activities—such as acting, cooking, sports, dance, storytelling, and group conversations—that make Spanish meaningful and relevant. Middle and high school students also discover cultural traditions, music, art, and current events from across the Spanish-speaking world, while collaborative projects, games, and creative challenges help them build confidence, communicate naturally, and form a supportive community. The goal is for every student to improve fluency, deepen cultural understanding, and enjoy a memorable, fully immersive Spanish experience.

Please note: Spanish Immersion Enrichment is designed for students rising into grades 6–12 who already have at least a beginner level of Spanish (completed Spanish I) OR are native speakers. The program will provide an immersive environment for students to strengthen their speaking skills and overall proficiency.

Meet Spanish Immersion Facilitators

Tony Escobedo

Anthony Escobedo

Tony Escobedo was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Florida International University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He currently serves as the Middle School Spanish teacher, bringing a wealth of experience from his work across PreK–12 classrooms and his previous role as a Curriculum Specialist. As a native Spanish speaker, Tony combines cultural authenticity with research-based instructional practices to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. His expertise includes designing curriculum, developing differentiated lessons that support diverse learners, and integrating technology to enhance language acquisition. He has traveled extensively throughout Spain, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Ecuador; experiences that deepen the cultural context and global perspective he brings to his classroom.

Mariana Cruz-Fernandez

Mariana Cruz-Fernandez is originally from Puerto Rico, where she completed a B.A. in Literature and Secondary Education. She earned a master’s degree in Hispanic Literature from the University of Notre Dame and later pursued doctoral studies in Comparative Literature at the same institution. She has taught students of all ages, from elementary school through undergraduate programs, but most of her professional experience has been at the high school level. Mariana enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling to new countries.

Laurel Vartabedian

Laurel Vartabedian grew up in Western Massachusetts and attended Wilbraham & Monson Academy, a global school, for seven years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Linguistics, with a minor in Education, from the University of New Hampshire and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Global Perspectives at Boston College. During her undergraduate, she studied abroad in Spain, living with a host family and completing coursework at the University of Granada. Laurel currently teaches Spanish in the Upper School as a Teaching Fellow. Having learned Spanish through formal study rather than as a native speaker, she intentionally incorporates second-language acquisition strategies into her classroom practices. Laurel aims to create an interactive and engaging learning environment that promotes students’ oral proficiency. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys coaching basketball and track and field, as well as traveling internationally.