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
Sammamish High School
100 140th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-7600
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. The Spanish Dual Language entry level kindergarten application will be available from mid-December to mid-January. If you miss the Kindergarten application deadline, or you would like to join the waitlist for another grade, please submit a waitlist application.
Elementary School Model
Our elementary program follows a 80:20 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.
View the Elementary Program 80:20 Plan (PDF)
Middle School Model
Our middle school program offers four or more 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. Students must be enrolled in at least three courses in Spanish in order to remain in the Dual Language Program.
| Grade | Spanish Courses | English Courses |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Spanish Language Arts Social Studies Science Mariachi I |
English Language Arts Math PE/Electives |
| 7th | Spanish Language Arts Science Social Studies Mariachi I AVID I |
English Language Arts Math PE/Electives |
| 8th | Spanish Language Arts Algebra Science Mariachi I AVID I AVID II |
English Language Arts Social Studies PE/Electives |
High School Model
Our high school program offers two 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.
| Grade | Spanish Courses |
|---|---|
| 9th | Spanish Language Arts 9 Algebra I Geometry |
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.