Spanish Dual Language Program

Contact Us

Phone Number

(425) 456-4135

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
(temporary location)

11650 SE 60th St
Bellevue, WA 98006
(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.