What People Are Saying
School Administrators:
“Sombrero Time has become integral to our school. Our students and parents value it tremendously. The instructors and curriculum go way beyond teaching simply content; they teach human interaction. Providing these opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in a real setting is a great extension of the classroom and an enriching experience.”
Erika Sloane
Principal
Loomis Basin Charter School
An International Baccalaureate World School
“Brighton Schools is thrilled to partner with Sombrero Time to bring our students a fantastic Spanish program. Sombrero Time has revolutionized our expectations for and implementation of second language acquisition. They have created a totally intensive program that combines an immersive approach , creative environment and solid curriculum which provides each student with a solid Spanish experience. Sombrero Time instructors are thoroughly trained and bring amazing energy to the program every day. The children love Spanish and parents are thrilled that their students are involved in such an effective second language program. Thank you to Ruth and David for excellent program support, professionalism and organization. We truly value our Sombrero Time Spanish program and the benefit it brings to Brighton Schools.”
Christa Green
COO
Brighton Schools
“As part of our International Baccalaureate program, Sierra Elementary School has partnered with Sombrero Time to provide quality Spanish instruction to our K-6 students. Sombrero Time’s instructors are top-notch. They understand how to engage our students in the classroom and make Spanish instruction come alive. The training offered through Sombrero Time prepares the instructors well and the materials support and guide classroom instruction. Even in these tight budgetary times, Sombrero Time has worked with us to create a program that we are proud to offer our students! We couldn’t be happier!”
Karen Huffines
Principal
Sierra Elementary School
An International Baccalaureate World School
Parents:
“Sombrero Time is an excellent full immersion Spanish Language program for kids ages K-6 Grade. My daughter has been attending ST for 5 years and I am amazed at the Spanish she can speak, write, and understand.
We recently went on a family trip to Costa Rica and she was interacting the the locals and acting as our interpreter the entire time. The structure in the ST classroom (full immersion, no English spoken) enables the kids to think in Spanish as they learn, rather than translate the English words into the Spanish words in their brains. The teachers are all native speakers which means the kids are learning proper accents and enunciation.
The curriculum is tailored to the kids’ level and is clearly communicated to the parents at the beginning of the year and throughout the year. There are also several presentations per year where the kids present on various subjects, as well as progress reports given to parents.
Overall, a phenomenal program and I would highly recommend it.”
Paula Wolfe – Granite Bay, CA
“My daughter has participated in the after school program at Sierra Elementary for 3 years and is about to begin Spanish 4. She just turned 9 and I am amazed at her level of comprehension and ability to communicate in Spanish. As native speakers the instructors have the knowledge and background to teach Spanish in an immersion environment that encourages growth with a great deal of confidence. Consistent communication regarding curriculum and progress is provided and available. Sierra Elementary is an International Baccalaureate World School–all students benefit from the expertise provided by Sombrero Time as they attend class as part of their standard curriculum.
As PTC President for the past two years and current board member I have received consistent positive feedback from parents and faculty regarding Sombrero Time and the value this program brings to the kids. Under the guidance of Sombrero Time my child is learning Spanish at a level that will offer her increased opportunity as she progresses through her education at all levels.”
Deanna Hogenboom – Rocklin, CA
“My daughter attends Sierra Elementary and has been a part of Sombrero Time since first grade. She is now entering 4th grade and is looking forward to attending again this year.
I am so impressed with her level of learning. Spanish is only spoken in class and she finds it a lot of fun incorporating the teacher’s culture into the curriculum. The level of learning is amazing for her age. She is able to communicate in complete sentences and has a pretty remarkable accent for her age.
I am thankful she has the opportunity to learn a language at such a young age. It is very beneficial living in California and having many opportunities to speak spanish out side of class.
Thank you Sombrero Time for emersion style learning. And thank you for providing such high quality teachers.”
Mindy Musser – Rocklin, CA
“My son has been attending Sombrero Time since September 2011 as part of the Kinder Spanish program. We absolutely love them! It is the perfect environment for him to learn Spanish in an age appropriate way. They have circle time, play games, and do writing activities all in Spanish. I really like that the teacher does not speak any English to the kids and am always amazed when my son will spontaneously speak in Spanish. He is acquiring a huge vocabulary and is able to put together simple sentences.
He is also currently participating in the summer program and likes that as well. They have a different format than the school year program, but the class is twice as long. He is enjoying the activities — last week they competed in an Olympic course obstacle course. In regards to the other review about soda and chocolate – Sombrero Time is introducing authentic food and treats from Mexico. It was 2 oz of soda!!! In addition they’ve have healthy fruits, crackers, and any treats have been in extremely small amounts.
Lastly, the owners are extremely nice and approachable! We are looking forward to not only the rest of the summer session, but also the school year program starting up again in the Fall.”
Deanna Ponseti – Roseville, CA
“Sombrero Time is an amazing place for language instruction. As a former language major, I wanted to find the best instruction for my children. Sombrero Time’s emphasis on speaking Spanish throughout the entire class is a great start. In addition, they use lots of pictures and don’t rely on English translation ; the children have to figure out the meaning from the instructor speaking Spanish. My children are able to watch movies in Spanish and feel confident that they understand most everything they hear. Achieving fluency in another language takes time. We feel grateful that there is such an amazing place close to home. You can’t go wrong with Sombrero Time: beautiful location, wonderful enthusiastic teachers, well-run.”
Marry Anne Kapila – Granite Bay, CA
“We have two students in the Sombrero Time program and it’s really cool to see all the kids speaking Spanish in a real-world setting. The magic of Sombrero Time is that the children not only learn Spanish—they learn how to apply their language skills in a real-world setting. The evening at Más provides a great opportunity for the kids to test-drive what they’ve learned in a supportive, stress-free environment and it’s fun for the entire family.”
Lisa Bader – Granite Bay, CA
“Sombrero Time is great! I have 2 children (9 and 7) that have been in the program for 2 and 3 years. I am constantly amazed by how much they learn. We recently visited Mexico and they know/understand more Spanish than I do, and I took it in college. I will keep my kids in this program throughout school, can’t wait until the Ace high school Spanish! Thanks Sombrero Time!”
Leslie Wenstrom - Granite Bay, CA
“Hi Dave and Ruth- I just wanted to thank you so much for what your program has meant to Noah and Josh. I was waiting in the car line to pick up Noah today and had my Spanish worksheets so just started speaking (reading my worksheets as I am not very good yet) Spanish to Josh and he EASILY answered even hard questions with such ease (not even pausing with his answer when I asked him in Spanish what he would wear on hot days, etc). When we picked up Noah, he joined in as well. We actually kind of sounded like a bilingual family! So thank you for all your skill and hard work. Your program is the best! (And my boys adore señora marron!) “
Michelle Randolph – Granite Bay, CA
“Just wanted to say again how pleased we are with the program. Alex frequently says, Sombrero Time is the best part of her day. She is obviously learning and having fun at the same time. Thank you!”
Steph Miller - Granite Bay, CA
“Hi David and Ruth-
My daughter, Stephanie, is finishing her second year of Sombrero Time. Not only has she learned more than I ever imagined she would, but her confidence has also increased. A couple times per month in her regular third-grade class, they review Spanish, and her teacher told me that she always calls on Stephanie to help her with the lessons. The words seem to naturally flow from her. I believe this is from the immersion into the language 4 times per week and also due to the wonderful teaching that is provided in the program.
Thank you so much for giving my daughter this fun, priceless, educational opportunity. My youngest is going to start Sombrero Time next year as well. We cannot wait!”
Sincerely,
Kathy Fentzke - Rocklin, CA
“Dave and Ruth,
I have a sweet story, both our sons ages 10 and 6 take Sombrero time at Sierra. This is the second year for the oldest and the first year for our youngest. As with many families all of children learn and develops in their own way. Our oldest son is a strong academic student and masters concepts very quickly while our younger son masters things at his own pace and seems to be a much more relaxed child. Well our boys share a bedroom and have for many years even though we have the space for separate bedrooms they like talking and trading stories prior to bedtime. The best thing is now they go to their bedroom at bedtime and speak Spanish to each other the older helping the younger one with making funny stories up in Spanish.
This program is wonderful and the teacher is a very special person for as long as we can we will continue to send our boys to Sombrero Time.”
Thanks So Very Much,
The Roush Family – Rocklin, CA
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