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 Seal of Biliteracy.
The goal of all programs 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 demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.
For additional information, please visit National Consortium.
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
- Burbank Elementary K, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50, transitioning from Dev. Bilingual to Two-Way Immersion
- Balboa Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50
- Chavez Elementary K-5, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 50/50, 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
- Language Academy K-8, Spanish Two-Way Immersion, 90/10
- Sherman Academy 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
- Boone Elementary K-5, Spanish Immersion
- Gage Elementary K-5, Spanish Immersion
- Language Academy K-8, French Immersion
- Longfellow K-8, 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:
- Audubon K-5
- Burbank, 1-5, transitioning to Two-Way Immersion 50/50
- Carson, K-5
- Central, K-5
- Chavez, K-5, transitioning to Two-Way Immersion 50/50
- Cherokee Point, K-5
- Edison, K-5
- Encanto, K-5, transitioning to Two-Way Immersion 50/50
- Hamilton, K-5
- Linda Vista, K-5
- Rosa Parks, K-5