Engaging Hearts, Equipping Minds
About Atlas Immersion Academy- Hawthorne!
Family-owned since 2010, Atlas Immersion Academy has grown from one French immersion childcare center, to now five different Language Immersion-based Child Development Centers in the greater Portland metro area. Our Hawthorne centers opened in 2015 & 2017 and provide French language immersion early education. The centers are divided into Les Petits, for children aged 3 months to 3 years, and Les Grands, for children aged 3 to 5 years.
In Atlas classrooms, the foundation for the immersion learning is…
Set through the physical environment, including books, visual aids, games and other materials from the target language/cultures.
Delivered through a native or near-native speaking teacher who engages with the children.
Aided by our well-tuned in-house curriculum, which is built upon years of experience and aligned to Oregon’s Early Learning Standards.
This framework ensures cohesion, engaging learners and maximizing their potential with the new language, as well as all other areas of early childhood learning.
Our Mission
To raise the next generation of culturally and linguistically competent global citizens, through language immersion early childhood education.
About Les Petits
When you visit us here at Atlas Immersion Academy, Silicon Forest, you’ll see firsthand what makes us different!
Hidden in Nature
Our Les Petits building is beautifully situated in the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood of Sunnyside, and it’s set apart from the street with vegetation and a classic “Portland” front porch. Inspiration is taken directly from our exterior as inside we decorate with calm, light colors and natural materials to provide a peaceful area in which our infants can begin to explore and grow.
Language Immersion from the Beginning
Before the age of 5, children have a unique ability to learn languages. Although our youngest children are only just learning their first language, immersing them in French provides them with a headstart when it comes to languages. Using the same part of their brain to learn both their first and second languages, they are more likely to be able to speak like a native, as well as aiding their communication skills throughout life.
Highly Qualified Teachers
Each caretaker who interacts with your child obtains 20 hours of annual professional development in early childhood education, which is five more than the state requires. Monthly staff meetings are an opportunity to review policies and improve practice, involving our teachers throughout the process to ensure changes are influenced by those who spend the most time with your child and understand how it will impact them.
Get Our Free Parent Pack
We’d love to send you a FREE parent pack, full of helpful information about Atlas Immersion Academy…
About Les Grands
When you visit us here at Atlas Immersion Academy, Silicon Forest, you’ll see firsthand what makes us different!
A Welcoming Neighborhood
Our charming school is situated in a residential neighborhood that provides a strong community feel and gives the children lots of opportunities to learn about the world around them. Neighborhood walks are a chance to see nature, wave hello to our neighbors, and explore a new area.
Outdoor Play Twice A Day
We have an on-site play area for our children where they are able to develop their motor skills and strengthen their muscles on our outdoor equipment. Tending to gardens also offers them the chance to learn about life cycles and have hands-on experience with nature.
Care and Community
Alongside our dedication to each child who enters our care, we are dedicated to supporting parents and families. From educational resources to culture-sharing classes, Atlas provides parents with a space that welcomes them and wants them to be involved in every step of their little one’s care.
Who We Are
After seeing how easily young children are able to learn multiple languages, and knowing the benefits gained by being able to communicate across cultures and linguistic boundaries, Atlas owners Dory and Jarod Hobbs, who both speak French as a non-native language, chose to immerse their own children in French at home.
When Dory’s personal search for a French immersion childcare accepting infants and toddlers turned up fruitless in 2010, she decided to lay the groundwork for opening a language immersion childcare center of her own. At the time she was teaching French at Portland Community College and needed care for her two young sons.
To Dory, who has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for language immersion, it was inconceivable that all French language immersion options in Portland began at age 3!
“By age 3, kids are already jabbering away in their first language!” she thought.
Fortunately, through a combination of previous college and graduate school coursework, lots of hard work and determination, and the support of her husband, Jarod, in 2011 Dory’s dream of opening up a language immersion childcare center came true at Atlas Gabriel Park.
Since then, we have opened four more centers, adding Spanish and Mandarin to our programs.
We believe our innovative approach gives children a bright and positive start in life as we encourage both exploration and discovery as well as emotional intelligence and friendship building. Immersing children in language and creating an anti-bias curriculum that covers the world’s varied and beautiful cultures, we are able to support children as they grow into conscientious people who embrace the differences that make us each unique.
Get Your Free Guide
We know how hard it can be choosing the perfect place for your little ones to learn and grow. So we have made it simple for you to find out exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect Child Development Center. Get your copy now…
What to Expect from Atlas Immersion Academy
Our mission is to provide the highest quality care in Portland and raise the next generation of culturally and linguistically competent global citizens, through language immersion early childhood education.
As part of our commitment, we provide all of our children with:
Enriching activities such as music, yoga, and dancing, all included as part of our regular learning program, teach self-expression and spark joy.
Events that allow children to learn about the whole world. We believe in an “all holidays” approach rather than “no holidays,” so expect many celebrations where you can partake with your child, meet other parents and staff, and have fun.
Tuition covers diapers and wipes, so you have one less thing to worry about or remember on busy mornings.
Healthy, home-cooked meals each day that meet dietary restrictions such as gluten- and dairy-free.
Outdoor play that teaches little ones how to respect and interact with nature in a meaningful way.
A diverse, all-inclusive environment where all cultures and traditions are honored and respected.
We would be thrilled to have you join our Atlas family in Hawthorne. Contact us with any questions at
971-238-9838 or click the button below to schedule a tour!
