The Face of FOREIGN LANGUAGE IMMERSION EDUCATION St. George International School Tia LeBrun PHOTO CREDIT: BUTTERFLIES OF HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY A ` t St. George International School, language learning is about far more than vocabulary words and grammar lessons. Under lingual education. LeBrun, a longtime second-language educator who speaks French and has studied Spanish and Chinese, joined the school as head of school last year. For her, immersion education opens doors far beyond the classroom. “It
different ages. LeBrun says the benefits extend academically, socially, and personally. Research shows that multilingual learners often develop height- ened cognitive flexibility, stronger working memory, enhanced creative problem-solving skills, and improved time management as they learn to navigate multiple languages and ways of thinking. Students at St. George International School consistently perform well above grade level on standardized testing, while also developing confidence, curiosi- ty, and a genuine appreciation for cultures around the world. For LeBrun, the most rewarding part is watching children discover their potential. “This kind of education creates more connect- edness and more peace in the world,” she says. “Kids learn that people are far more alike than they are different.”
the leadership of Tia LeBrun, the school is helping students build cultural understand- ing, academic confidence, and meaningful global connections through multilingual immersion education. The school traces its roots back to Baton Rouge International School, a longtime program founded on the belief that children thrive when exposed to multiple languages early in life. When the original school faced closure, a group of dedicated parents stepped in to preserve its mission, creating what is now St. George International School. Today, it remains one of the only schools in Louisiana offering this type of globally focused, multi-
helps children connect with people on a deep- er level,” she explains, noting that multilingual students often develop stronger empathy, communication skills, and cultural awareness. At the school, students are immersed in languages naturally through conversation, ac- tivities, and daily instruction. Alongside core academics, children spend much of their day learning in French, Spanish, Chinese, with plans to introduce Arabic enrichment next year. The environment is intentionally hands- on and collaborative, with small multi-age classrooms, outdoor learning opportunities, and close relationships between students of
64 Faces & Places ® | Summer 2026
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