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Dual Language Programs

San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) offers several options for students to acquire a second language. Dual Language Programs promote bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement and multicultural awareness for all students. Students enrolled in these programs have the opportunity to earn the San Diego Unified Seal of Biliteracy.

Students in Dual Immersion Programs

The program's goals are:
  • Students will develop high levels of proficiency in their primary language and a second language.
  • Academic performance will be at or above grade level in all content areas.
  • Students will attain the Pathway to Biliteracy Awards in Kindergarten, 5th and 8th grade and the SDUSD Seal of Biliteracy in 12th grade.
  • Students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.

For additional information, please visit Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education.

Two-Way Dual Language Immersion

Two-Way Dual Language Immersion blends two language education models: An immersion program for English only speakers and a bilingual maintenance model for English learners. Students from two language groups attend classes together, learning from one another and supporting each others second language acquisition. Both groups of students develop linguistic and academic competence in two languages; their native language and one more. Schools in our district currently offering this program are:

  • Adams Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 90/10
  • Balboa Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
  • Boone Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 90/10
  • Burbank Elementary K, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50, transitioning from Dev. Bilingual to Two-Way Immersion
  • Chavez Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50, transitioning from Dev. Bilingual to Two-Way Immersion
  • Cherokee Point Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 90/10, transitioning from Dev. Bilingual to Two-Way Immersion
  • Encanto Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50, transitioning from Dev. Bilingual to Two-Way Immersion
  • Fay Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
  • Field Elementary K-6, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 90/10
  • Golden Hill Elementary K-8, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
  • Juarez Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
  • Kimbrough Elementary K, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
  • Language Academy K-8, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 90/10
  • Sherman Academy K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
  • Tierrsanta Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50

One-Way Foreign Language Immersion

Foreign language immersion programs, also referred to as One-Way Immersion programs, are designed for English speaking students to acquire a second language. They vary in intensity and structure according to the model implemented. Schools in our district currently offering this program are:

  • Barnard Elementary K-6, Mandarin Immersion
  • Gage Elementary K-5, Spanish Immersion
  • Language Academy K-8, French Immersion
  • Longfellow K-8, Spanish Immersion
  • Muir Language Academy K, Spanish Immersion

One Way Developmental Bilingual (Biliteracy)

SDUSD offers a Biliteracy program at a number of schools. Students learn in both English (through SDAIE and English Language Development instruction) and their primary language. Interactions with students in other programs are maintained. The primary language continues to be used at each grade level while the percentage of daily instruction in English increases over time. Schools in our district currently offering this program are:

  • Carson, K-5
  • Central, K-5
  • Edison, K-5
  • Hamilton, K-5
  • Linda Vista, K-5
  • Rosa Parks, K-5

Middle School Dual Language Pathway

SDUSD offers middle school coursework that supports elementary dual language programs. These are content courses taught in the target language of the feeder elementary dual language programs:

  • Bell Middle School - Spanish (Course: Spanish Language Immersion 6th)
  • Clark Middle School - Spanish (Courses: Spanish Language Development and Social Studies 7th)
  • Innovation Middle -
  • Millennial Tech Middle - Spanish
  • Montgomery Middle School - Spanish (Course: Spanish Language Immersion 6th)
  • Pacific Beach Middle - Mandarin (Courses: Social Studies, Mandarin 1-2)
  • Roosevelt International Baccalaureate - Spanish (Courses: Spanish Language Immersion 6th, 1-2, 3-4, Social Studies)
  • Wilson Middle School - Spanish (Courses: Social Studies 6th)

High School Dual/World Language Pathway

SDUSD offers high school coursework that supports elementary and middle school dual language pathways. These are courses taught in the target language of the feeder elementary and middle school dual language pathway:

  • Crawford High School - Spanish
  • Hoover High School - Spanish
  • Mission Bay High School - Mandarin
  • San Diego High School - Spanish

Tools for Parents

Resources for Teachers

French Foss NGSS Transitions

Mandarin Foss NGSS Transitions

Spanish Foss NGSS Transitions