The Mount Saint Michael church was originally established in 1915 as a Jesuit school. The majestic Gothic Revival church was founded to serve the Native American populace in Spokane. There were numerous additions to the original structure over the years to accommodate facilities for students. The facilities were later taken over by the Congregation of Mary Immaculate for their activities.
The Little House of Different Cultures is a home-based French and Spanish Language Immersion School, open to people of all ages, from the youngest toddlers to the oldest great-grandparents! Children learn through creative games, stories, music, play-acting, and guided conversations. Adults also enjoy guided talks, while sipping tea around the table. The logistics of the languages are taught; however, the emphasis is on learning how to think and communicate orally in the new tongue(s), from the very beginning! This is made possible by the tiny size of the groups, which never go over 5 participants! The atmosphere is relaxed, non-intimidating, and extremely conducive to learning , as students dare to try expressing their thoughts, with the knowledge that they will be - gently! - corrected, if in error! Little by little, everyone develops confidence, and becomes more proficient. And doors open unto the world at large...
