Description of this type of school/schooling method:
A second language is slowly introduced in 2 years (kindergarten and first grades), in second grade the class is taught fully in the second language. By fourth grade, the student is fully bi-lingual. There are English classes, but the main stress is on the second language.

Advantages:
Studies have shown that people who are multi-lingual have higher IQ's than those who are monolingual. In Canada, the French Immersion program is offered in most school districts as an optional curriculum in the public school system.

Challenges:
If the teacher doesn't send a translation of the homework directions and pronunciation guides for spelling lists, helping your child with her homework can be a problem unless the parent is familiar with the language himself.

Tuition/Costs:
$2,500/year or less

Other comments regarding tuition/costs:
Since the program is included in the public school system in Canada, it is free. I heard of Language immersion schools in the Detroit region of Michigan, and it is to my understanding that they are private institutions.

Additional comments or suggestions:
If you plan on enrolling your child in a second-language program, I would highly recommend that you take a beginner's class in the same language and buy an English/second language dictionary.