Bellevue School District’s choice schools and language programs offer a variety of learning environments and opportunities for students. Learn more about these schools and programs and what makes them unique.
Those interested in enrolling in choice schools and language programs for the 2023-2024 school year should submit an application by January 20, 2023. Learn more about the application period and how to apply.
Nonresident students who wish to enroll in BSD schools may submit waitlist applications. Learn more on the Inter District Transfer webpage.
Topics in This Section:
Choice Schools
- Bellevue Digital Discovery
- Big Picture School
- International School
- Jing Mei Elementary – Mandarin Dual Language
- Puesta del Sol – Spanish Immersion
Choice Language Programs
Choice Schools
Bellevue Digital Discovery School
School Overview
Bellevue Digital Discovery is the 30th School in Bellevue School District, which provides an online learning option for students.
Who Can Attend Bellevue Digital Discovery School?
- K-12 students who are residents of the Bellevue School District.
- Children of eligible nonresident employees of the Bellevue School District
- Nonresident students may apply and will be offered placement on a space-available basis.
What Makes Bellevue Digital Discovery Unique?
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Instruction with Support from BSD Teachers
Grades K-6 follow the Continuous Learning 2.0+ model. Students have BSD homeroom teachers and BSD elementary specialists. 70% of the school time is synchronous online instruction with real-time instruction between students and their BSD teachers. - Flexible and Alternative Learning
Grades 7-12 follow the Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) instructional model. Our 7-12 program includes a partnership with Imagine Edgenuity and allows significant flexibility in where and when students engage in their learning. Students also attend Academic Seminar with four synchronous lessons taught by BSD teachers per week. The BSD teacher checks in with students, answers any questions about the program and the curriculum, and evaluates their progress.
Learn More
Attend the Bellevue Digital Discovery Information Night:
- Date: Thursday, January 5, 2023
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Microsoft Teams meeting – Click here to join the meeting
- Who should attend? Incoming kindergarten through 12th grade families
Big Picture School
School Overview
Big Picture is a close-knit community of 6th through 12th grade students, staff and families that fosters inclusion for all students, personalized experiences and strong academic relationships. Bellevue Big Picture students are independent, driven, and self-motivated learners who focus on 21st century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, innovation, communication, personal and academic resiliency.
Who Can Attend Big Picture?
Students in grades 6 through 12 can attend Big Picture. The school accepts 75 students in each middle school grade. Admission spots are allocated equally to the four school attendance zones (25% each from East, West, South, and North), and consideration is given to free and reduced priced lunch status and gender.
What Makes Big Picture Unique?
- Advisory Classes
Big Picture students have an advisory class all seven years. In middle school, students have two advisors (one for 6th grade and one for 7/8th grade). In high school, students have one advisor 9th through 12th grade. In middle school, advisory focuses on goal setting, college and career exploration, community building, service learning, social emotional learning, and student-led conferences. In high school advisory — in addition to these areas — students receive guidance and support for internships, exhibitions and senior projects. Advisories take turns planning and leading the weekly pick me ups (PMUs), which are student-led community gatherings. In addition, 6th grade advisors lead the 6th grade August Welcome to Middle School Orientation. - Project-Based Learning
Big Picture students focus on and excel at project-based learning (PBL) where they inquire about a complex question, problem or challenge. During this process, students learn essential academic content, practice collaboration, communication and critical thinking and create authentic products and presentations. In the last two months of every school year, high school students design, create, and implement a Freedom Project centering on a topic of their choice. Seniors also complete a Senior Project. - Student Internships
Students are excited to discover their true passion by participating in internships in career fields that interest them all four years of high school, including coding, graphic arts, law, health care, architecture, animal care, and much, much more.
Learn More
- Big Picture School Website
- Big Picture School Application Process
- Hear what Big Picture is like from former 6th graders
Attend the Big Picture Middle School Information Night:
- Date: January 4, 2023
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Big Picture School Café
- Street Address: 14844 SE 22nd Street, Bellevue, WA 98007
Attend the Big Picture High School Information Night
- Date: January 5, 2023
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Big Picture School Café
- Street Address: 14844 SE 22nd Street, Bellevue, WA 98007
International School
School Overview
International School is a family of 6th through 12th grade students, staff and parents/guardians. International has a strong focus on academics with our seven-year core program and an extensive Senior Project, a capstone project that involves deep learning in an area of student’s choice, internships, service, and assessment by an expert panel.
Who Can Attend International School?
Students in grades 6 through 12.
What Makes International School Unique?
- 6th Grade Retreat and Focus Week
Each September, 6th grade students participate in a whole day 6th Grade Retreat to get to know one another and build relationships right away. In May, all students participate in Focus Week — a week of learning topics that are career-oriented and to your interest. - Peer Community Building
Every student belongs to a small community with grade-level peers that meets weekly to build relationships and engage in social activities with each other, in addition to learning about the school. Every 6th grade student has a high school “big” buddy that connects with them and provides guidance throughout the year. 6th grade students and their high school buddies have lunches together, play games, hang out and talk. - Student Organizations
Our Associated Student Body (ASB) and student organizations/clubs are very active. We currently have over 15 clubs (with more to come!) for middle school students to join. Our ASB hosts schoolwide assemblies and socials throughout the year. You may learn more about our clubs here: Student Organizations – International School.
Learn More
Attend the International School Information Night:
- Date: January 5, 2023
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: International School
- Street Address: 445 128th Ave SE, Bellevue WA 98005
- Who should attend? Incoming 6th grade families
Jing Mei Elementary – Mandarin Dual Language Program
School Overview
Jing Mei teaches Mandarin Chinese and English using dual language two-way immersion model. Two-way immersion means student enrollment in the classes is balanced between native Chinese speakers and students who speak other languages such as English, Spanish or Hindi.
Our goal at Jing Mei is for students to:
- Develop high levels of proficiency and literacy in both English and Mandarin
- Demonstrate high levels of academic achievement
- Develop an appreciation and understanding for diverse cultures
Who Can Attend Jing Mei?
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
What Makes Jing Mei Unique?
- High Proficiency Dual Language Model
We aim to ensure that all students develop high levels of proficiency in their first and second language. It is our goal that students will perform at or above grade level in both languages and that students demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors. - 90/10 Two-Way Mandarin-English Learning
We are the only school that offers 90/10 two-way Mandarin-English academic learning opportunities to each and every student school-wide in the greater Seattle Area. - Content-Enriched Integrated Curricula
Content knowledge is the goal; language is the tool. Students learn languages through content-enriched integrative curricula:
- Aligned with standards and assessment
- Meaningful and academically challenging and integrates higher order thinking
- Thematically integrated
- Aligned with the vision and goals of bilingualism, biliteracy, and multiculturalism, and includes language and literature across the curriculum
- Reflects and values students’ cultures
- Horizontally and vertically aligned
- Incorporates a variety of materials
- Integrates technology
- Reading and writing instruction commence from day one.
- Teachers speak in target language exclusively during instructional time.
Learn More
Attend the Mandarin Dual Language Kindergarten Information Session:
- Date: Saturday, January 7, 2023
- Time: 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Jing Mei Elementary Gymnasium
- Street Address: 12635 SE 56th St, Bellevue, WA 98006
- Who should attend? Incoming kindergarten families
Puesta del Sol Elementary – Spanish Immersion Program
School Overview
The Spanish Immersion Program at Puesta del Sol gives elementary students an opportunity to complete the Bellevue School District curriculum in a nontraditional and exciting way — by immersing them in the Spanish language and culture from kindergarten through 12th grade. Students in the program become proficient in both Spanish and English, while learning the same curriculum content as their peers outside the program.
Who Can Attend Puesta del Sol?
Students in kindergarten through 5th grade may attend Puesta del Sol. Students can continue the Spanish Immersion Program through 12th grade.
Most students enter the program in kindergarten. If openings occur in 1st through 5th grades, students may test into those grades. Entry is by test-in/evaluation only. Students must be at grade level in all areas and will take a written and oral test in Spanish.
Puesta del Sol will accept nonresident entry level applications. The applicants will be placed on a nonresident waitlist for consideration after all resident students have been placed.
What Makes Puesta del Sol Unique?
Students in the Spanish Immersion Program are taught the standard Bellevue School District curriculum but receive instruction in Spanish. They learn to understand, speak, read and write Spanish in addition to English. Classroom teachers have native or near-native ability in the Spanish language and are chosen for their skills and their commitment to the goals of the program. By 5th grade, students from Puesta del Sol test at average or above grade level in core academic areas.
- Spanish Immersion in K-12
- At the elementary level (K-5), students receive the majority of their instruction in Spanish. Teachers speak Spanish to the students, while making sure they understand instructions and receive answers to their questions.
- In middle school, students take two classes in Spanish each year, Social Studies and Spanish Language, Literature and Culture. Students receive high school elective credit for three years of Spanish Language, Literature and Culture.
- Students in high school take one Spanish Immersion class each year. Students can earn college credits for AP courses. Students completing the Spanish Immersion program will also receive an International Spanish Academies Diploma.
- Benefits of Multilingualism
Studies have found that learning a second language at an early age has many benefits:
- There is a positive effect on brain development and intellectual growth.
- Students gain flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
- It opens the door to other cultures and helps children understand and appreciate people from other countries.
- Students acquire Spanish language fluency.
- Spanish Immersion produces successful learners who perform well on tests (i.e., Washington Assessment of Student Learning, also known as WASL)
- Students have increased job opportunities in many careers where knowledge of another language is an asset.
Learn More
Attend the Puesta del Sol Information Night:
- Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2023
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: New Puesta del Sol building
- Street Address: 301 151st Pl NE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Who should attend? Incoming kindergarten families
Choice Language Programs
Arabic Language Program
Program Overview
Launching in September 2023, the Arabic Language Program provides opportunities for students to study the Arabic language as part of their regular school day at elementary and secondary school levels. Bellevue School District’s Arabic Language Program is a component of the larger Heritage Language Project, which expands multilingual programing to celebrate the strengths of our diverse community and promote multilingualism and social-cultural competence.
Locations
We plan to add one to three Arabic language elementary school classrooms in grades kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades to an existing BSD school community. The schools selected will be based on community demand.
Who Can Participate?
Incoming kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students may enroll in the elementary school program.
Class sections in grades 6-12 will be added through Bellevue Digital Discovery and available for registration during course selection in February 2023 for current students.
Resident students in grades 6-12 who are home-schooled or are attending private school may attend the Arabic Language class as a part time student. To attend part time, the student may not be attending another Washington State public school, and for private school students, Arabic must not be offered at their school. To request part time attendance, please refer to Procedure 3114P – Part-time, Home-based or Off-Campus Students.
Students residing outside of Bellevue School District boundaries are eligible to apply and will be accepted on a space-available basis.
What Makes the Arabic Language Program Unique?
- Arabic Literacy and Language Instruction
Students in the elementary program will engage in daily Arabic literacy and language instruction. The Arabic language will be used during other times of the day, such as the morning meeting and during transitions between content lessons in order to increase student exposure to the language. Students in the secondary program will take one class of Arabic as part of their class schedule. - Culture and Curriculum
In addition to the Arabic language, students will study math, science, English, social studies, computer science, physical education, SEL and arts as part of the BSD’s elementary curriculum. It is our goal to support Arabic literacy and language development, and to infuse culture throughout the school program. - Part-Time Attendance Offered for Non-Resident, Home-Schooled, and Private School Students
The Arabic Language Program welcomes students residing outside of Bellevue School District boundaries to apply. Non-resident students will be accepted on a space-available basis. Resident students in grades 6-12 who are home-schooled or are attending private school may attend the Arabic Language class as a part time student. See details above.
Learn More
Attend the Arabic Language Information Night:
- Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
- Time: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Wilburton Instructional Service Center – Building 1, Rainier Room
- Street Address: 12241 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005
- Online Option: RSVP here to attend online
- Who should attend? Incoming kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade families
Spanish Dual Language Program
Program Overview
In the Spanish Dual Language Program, students from different language backgrounds learn together while instruction is systematically delivered in two languages. Students read, write, listen and speak in both languages becoming bilingual, biliterate and bicultural while working toward grade level academic achievement. Dual language offers a chance for students to add another language while at the optimal age for language learning.
Locations
- Lake Hills Elementary – K-5
- Sherwood Forest Elementary – K-5
- Stevenson Elementary – K-5
- Highland Middle School – 6-8
- Sammamish High School – 9-11 (11th grade will be added in 2023-24)
Who Can Participate?
- Incoming kindergarteners: Anybody who lives within the boundaries of the Bellevue School District is eligible to apply.
The Spanish Dual Language Program will also accept nonresident entry level applications. The applicants will be placed on a nonresident waitlist for consideration after all resident students have been placed. - Students entering after the initial kindergarten application process: Any student could be considered as long as they meet the Spanish language requirements and there is capacity in the program.
What Makes the Spanish Dual Language Program Unique?
Students who join the program will see incredible benefits throughout their lives. Knowing two languages allows for greater success in university language classes and employment opportunities. Additionally, language skills open the door to other countries, cultures and people.
It is our goal that each student in the Spanish Dual Language Program achieves the following:
- Biliteracy
Students will be able to read and write at advanced levels in both English and Spanish. - Biculturalism
Students will develop positive cross-cultural attitudes to become competent global citizens. - Academic Achievement
Students will be able to achieve at or above grade level in academic subjects to be prepared for college and career.
Learn More
- Spanish Dual Language Program Website
- Spanish Dual Language PowerPoint Presentation
- Spanish Dual Language Brochure
Visit the Bellevue Family Hub for walk-in hours to ask questions about the Spanish Dual Language Program and receive support with the enrollment application:
- Date: Thursday, January 5, 2023
- Time: 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Bellevue Family Hub at Highland Middle School
- Street Address: 15027 NE Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007
- Who should attend? Incoming kindergarten families who want to enroll their student at the Puesta del Sol Spanish Immersion Program, or the Spanish Dual Language Programs at Lake Hills, Sherwood and Stevenson.
- If you are unable to attend this session and would like support with enrollment in the Spanish Language Programs, please call Marta at 425-456-4108 (English/Spanish).