RcSD Dual Language

Empowering Learners to be Leaders - bilingual, Biliterate, Bicultural

Bilingual Programming in rochester, ny

Rochester’s first bilingual program was created in 1969 ahead of the Lau Vs. Nichols Decision of 1974. The community-designed, federally funded bilingual education program, called Adelante (Forward). We are now boasting eleven bilingual programs throughout Rochester’s School Zones. Father Tracy from St. Michaels Church, Juan Padilla, Relton Roland, Susan Costa, and many others were community organizers during the early years during the expansion of the Hispanic Community in Rochester. Rochester offers bilingual programming in all zones.


See Historical and Political Context of ELL Programs

elementary Program Models

The Rochester City School District offers three elementary program models for bilingual education at the elementary level that are offered at seven campuses. The program models are

Secondary schools

The Rochester City School District offers students opportunities to continue their bilingual education at three campuses while pursuing additional programming such as IB, AP, CTE, etc.

Each school is working to promote the Seal of Biliteracy for English Language Learners at our secondary schools with bilingual programs.