Spanish Dual Language Program
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, bicultural while working towards grade level academic achievement. Dual language offers a chance for students to add another language while at the optimal age for language learning.
The Spanish Dual Language Program is ideal for any student. Young children have the ability to gain language faster with near native like language skills. And learning a language at a young age increases cognitive development, which allows for deeper levels of learning.
Students who join the program will see incredible benefits throughout their life. 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.
Locations
The Spanish Dual Language Program is open to all Bellevue School District families. Students are not required to live within the attendance area for a school that offers the program. However, students who do live within a school’s attendance area are given priority enrollment.
Lake Hills
14310 SE 12th Street
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 456-5300
Sherwood Forest
16411 NE 24th Street
Bellevue, WA 98008
(425) 456-5700
Stevenson
14220 NE 8th Street
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 456-6000
Highland
15027 NE Bel/Red Road
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 456-6400
Enrollment
Most students begin the Spanish Dual Language Program in Kindergarten. During the winter leading up to your student’s first day of Kindergarten, you must submit a Spanish Dual Language Application. This application will only be available from mid-January to mid-February. If you miss the Kindergarten application deadline, or you would like to join the waiting list for another grade, please contact Student Placement.
Elementary School Model
Our elementary program follows a 90:10 model during the early grades (K-1) with students beginning with a large percentage of the day in Spanish. As students rise in grade level the amount of English instructional time progresses to where English instruction becomes half of a child’s day.
| Grade | Language Arts | Math | Science | Social Studies | Daily Total in Spanish | Daily Total in English | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish | English | 215 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 90/10 |
| 1st | Spanish | Spanish | English | Spanish | 215 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 90/10 |
| 2nd | Spanish | Spanish | Spanish | English | 215 Minutes | 25 Minutes | 90/10 |
| 3rd | Spanish & English | English | Spanish | Spanish | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes | 50/50 |
| 4th | Spanish & English | Spanish | English | English | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes | 50/50 |
| 5th | Spanish & English | English | Spanish | Spanish | 120 Minutes | 120 Minutes | 50/50 |
Middle School Model
Our middle school program offers three classes per day in Spanish to further develop a student’s proficiency in Spanish while providing practical application and use of language through content area instruction.
In 6th grade, students will receive English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math in a block from a dedicated bilingual teacher as well as a Spanish Language Arts class from a dedicated Spanish teacher. In addition, students will receive Science, PE and electives in English.
| Grade | Spanish Courses | English Courses |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Spanish Language Arts Math Social Studies |
English Language Arts Science PE/Electives |
| 7th | Spanish Language Arts Math Science |
English Language Arts Social Studies PE/Electives |
| 8th | Spanish Language Arts Algebra Science |
English Language Arts Social Studies PE/Electives |
Mandarin Dual Language
Jing Mei Elementary is a choice school that 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. Learn more about the program by visiting the website.