How long does it take for a child to become fluent in a second language?

Fluency is a bit like learning to swim. Some kids dive right in, others wade slowly, and a few do cannonballs halfway through. On average, it can take 3 to 5 years for kids to reach academic fluency, especially if they’re getting consistent exposure both in and out of school. Conversational fluency often comes faster, within a year or two, especially if they’re chatting with classmates, watching shows, or using language apps. But just like swimming, practice makes a huge difference. A child learning a language only once a week may take longer, while one immersed daily will speed ahead. The good news? Kids pick up languages faster than adults, so they’re already ahead of the curve.