Covenant Presbyterian Church (www.covenantpresbyterian.us) and The Spanish Academy (www.thespanishacademy.com) will host an Open House at the church on Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 10-11 a.m. to announce new daily preschool and Mothers’ Morning Out programs to be offered by The Spanish Academy at the church beginning fall 2013.  The Academy, founded in Atlanta in 2001, offers total immersion Spanish academic programs for young children as well as adults at locations throughout metro Atlanta.  The new program at Covenant Presbyterian Church will be the organization’s third location offering daily preschool, and Mother’s Morning Out programs.

DeShea Brooks, founder and director of The Spanish Academy, will provide information about the classes and answer questions at the Open House.  Several of the program’s teachers will attend to speak about the success they’ve experienced working with young children.

“Numerous studies have shown that the ideal time for a person to learn a new language is from birth to about age 8,” said Brooks.  “After 8, it’s more difficult to learn and retain language skills.  Our total immersion program mimics how we all learn our native languages, by active exposure through conversation, songs and written words, rather than rote memorization.”

“We are thrilled to welcome The Spanish Academy to our church as our newest community outreach partner,” said Dr. Ernie Hess, senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian.  “I strongly believe that learning a new language and exploring other cultures is a wonderful way to work towards peace and cooperation in our world.”

Brooks said she had been seeking a location in the heart of Buckhead for some time.  “We’ve had numerous inquiries from parents interested in daily language preschool in this area,” she said.  “Not only does Covenant Presbyterian Church offer an ideal location, but they have the classrooms available and have extended a very warm welcome to us.  I want to personally invite anyone who is interested or even just curious about our program to come to the Open House and see first-hand what it’s all about.  Children are welcome at the Open House, too.  My family and I live nearby, so I will supervise this new program on-site and my son is already signed up to attend.”

Covenant Presbyterian is located at 2461 Peachtree Road.  Free parking for the Open House is on the top deck of the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, immediately south of the church.