Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
The Dual Language Academy (DLA) begins in Kindergarten. Any student who is registered in Edison and entering Kindergarten is eligible to apply.
What kind of family/student commitment is required for a successful experience in a dual language program?
The willingness to commit to long-term participation in the Dual Language Academy is essential. Parents must commit to six years of participation (Grades K through 5). Parents should take advantage of the opportunities to learn about dual language immersion education by attending information sessions, parent meetings, and reading articles on our website.
Can I decide to enroll my child after the school year begins?
If there is space in the program and the child demonstrates the appropriate language proficiency level to join the class, registered Edison students in Grades K may request to transfer into the program. A language assessment will need to be scheduled. Contact nirav.lad@edison.k12.nj.us for more information.
Will there be a limited number of students allowed in each cohort?
Yes. Due to the anticipated popularity of the Dual Language Academy, cohorts will be carefully limited to ensure success of all students. PLEASE NOTE: *PLACEMENT IN THE PROGRAM IS NOT GUARANTEED* Based on the number of children registering, the district may choose to conduct a "lottery" system for admission.
Can I try it out for a year or two?
The benefits of a DLI program are accrued over several years. Language proficiency and cognitive benefits take time to develop. There is little benefit, and could even be a detriment, if a student is only in the program for a year or two. Those families who register their child(ren) for the program must commit for 6 years (Grades K-5).
Is there a fee for participation in the program?
No, the program is offered by the district at no extra cost.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes, students enrolled in the DLA will provided in-district transportation to Washington Elementary School.
Will my younger children be able to join the program?
Younger siblings of students who are currently enrolled in the DLA program will be given preference for entrance into the same language program as long as families enroll the sibling by the deadline.
Are there dual language programs anywhere else?
Currently, there are over 2,000 schools with dual language programs around the nation in over 30 states. New Jersey has dual language programs in very few school districts, offering Edison students with a unique linguistic and academic opportunity. We would like to extend our gratitude to local districts who assisted us with the planning and preparation of our Dual Language Academy: North Plainfield School District, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, and Princeton Public Schools.
What is the impact on the acquisition of English Language skills when students participate in Dual Language immersion programs?
Research shows that by 5th grade, students who participate in a dual language program score an average of 7 months AHEAD of their peers taught in English-only classrooms on standardized testing in English Language Arts and score almost a full academic year ahead by the end of 8th grade. (According to The State of Languages in the U.S.; A Statistical Report compiled by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on Language Learning) However, these students are on a different trajectory than monolingual students. This can mean some students may not be reading on the same level as English monolingual peers in early elementary school. The research shows that students not only catch up, but on average, surpass their monolingual peers in English Language Arts by 5th grade.
How can I help my child if my family does not speak the program language?
Do not worry, most families will not speak the program language at home! We recommend that you read with your child in your home language and stimulate your child’s natural curiosity! As they grow older, we encourage families to be a “guide on the side.” This means that families support effective study habits, like reviewing class resources for homework support, encouraging students to use manipulatives and other tools, helping students to access and practice with online resources, etc. If you need help supporting your child, ask your child’s teacher for advice! Remember, you can always practice academic skills in your home language. A child who can add in English or any other language will be able to add in Spanish - the child just needs to acquire the vocabulary to do so, and that’s what our teachers will help them to do!
What if my child doesn’t know any Spanish?
No prior knowledge of the language is required prior to Kindergarten. We aim to balance the composition of the classes so that there is a robust blend of prior speakers and new learners of the language.
Is Kindergarten a full-day program?
Yes, students in the Dual Language Academy will follow the same day-to-day schedule as their peers in Washington Elementary School.