How does DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION work?

The Dual Language Academy follows a research-based method called the “50-50” model.  This model works as follows:

1. Both English speakers and native-Spanish speakers are enrolled in each cohort

2. Two teachers who share the responsibility for teaching all subjects in the curriculum: a Bilingually-certified teacher will teach in Spanish, and the Elementary-certified teacher will teach the same curriculum in English

3. One class receives instruction in Spanish for the first half of the day, while the other class is simultaneously receiving instruction in English.  The classes switch for the second half of the day.  At the beginning of each week, the students “flip-flop” their schedule, so they will continue the previous week’s instruction as planned, however in the other target language. 

At the completion of elementary school, students will be on their way to becoming biliterate and bilingual in both Spanish and English.  Research has shown that this Dual Language model produces high rates of success in teaching grade-level content while developing impressive levels of language proficiency in students.

Students begin the program in Kindergarten and remain in it through Grade 5.  Because of the incremental development of fluency for children in the program, a limited number of students can be admitted into the program, especially in the early years.  The willingness to commit to long-term participation in the dual language program is essential.  Families must commit to six years of participation.