Spanish Dual Language Program
Students from two 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.
Para leer esto en español, haga clic en el botón que dice 'English' (Inglés) en la parte inferior derecha de la pantalla.
Goals
- Become bilingual and biliterate, developing high levels of proficiency in two languages.
- Perform at or above grade level in academic areas in both languages.
- Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.
We are now enrolling Kindergartners into our Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program for the 2021-2022 School Year! Click the button below to complete an interest form.
Northport Elementary Dual Language Program
- Open to students at Northport Elementary. Families complete a program preference form and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
- Classrooms balanced between native speakers of English and native Speakers of Spanish
- students support each other as both models and learners of language
- A program within a school
- Transportation provided to students who reside within the Northport attendance area
In this program, students from different language backgrounds learn together while instruction is systemically 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. There is currently one dual immersion class per grade level in grades K-2, with the addition of 3rd grade for the 2023-24 school year, 4th grade for the 2024-25 school year, and 5th grade for the 2025-26 school year.
Three Pillars of Dual Language Education
Bilingualism and Biliteracy
Grade Level Academic Achievement
Socio-cultural Competence
Program Structure
Our 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.
Middle and high school programming is being developed to continue students' learning and language development K-12
Program Benefits
Social-Emotional Development
- Students maintain a strong sense of own identity, developing sensitivity toward other people and cultures.
- Students have a greater awareness of needs and wellbeing of others
Cognitive Development
- Understanding math concepts
- Developing strong logic skills
- Focus, memory and decision making
- Meta-linguistic awareness
Learning
- Flexible approaches to thinking through problems
- High levels of abstract thought
Kindergarten and 1st grade
-
Morning meeting, science and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.
- Content-based social studies in English.
- 238 minutes in Spanish; 27 minutes in English --> 90:10
2nd grade
-
Morning meeting, social studies, and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.
- Content-based science in English.
- 212 minutes in Spanish; 53 minutes in English --> 80:20
3rd grade (starting 2022)
-
Morning meeting, science and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.
- Social studies in English and English literacy
- 185 minutes in Spanish; 80 minutes in English --> 70:30
4th grade (starting 2023)
-
Morning meeting, social students and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.
- Science in English and English literacy
- 159 minutes in Spanish; 106 minutes in English --> 60:40
5th grade (starting 2024)
-
Morning meeting and science in Spanish and Spanish literacy.
- Social studies and math in English and English literacy
- 132 minutes in Spanish; 132 minutes in English --> 50:50
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my student does not speak English or Spanish?
- What does instruction look like?
- How do you honor and develop the other languages spoken by students?
- How can I help my student with their homework if I don't speak the language or understand the assignment?
- My English-speaking student is in 2nd grade and still isn't speaking any Spanish. Is the program working?
- My 5th Grade student has been in the program and is already bilingual in Spanish and English. Should they stay in the program?
- How do students in dual language programs compare academically to students in other types of educational programs?
What if my student does not speak English or Spanish?
What does instruction look like?
How do you honor and develop the other languages spoken by students?
How can I help my student with their homework if I don't speak the language or understand the assignment?
My English-speaking student is in 2nd grade and still isn't speaking any Spanish. Is the program working?
My 5th Grade student has been in the program and is already bilingual in Spanish and English. Should they stay in the program?
How do students in dual language programs compare academically to students in other types of educational programs?
More information
Contact the Coordinator for Multilingual Programs at dli@rdale.org