Dual Language Program

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, we are launching a Dual Language program for all kindergarten students. In the dual language program core curriculum content is taught in English and Spanish. The goal of the program is that once students reach 8th grade they are speaking, reading and writing in both languages.

For kindergarten students joining Casa for the 2026-27 school year, we offer only our new Dual Language program.

Parent FAQ- Spanish Immersion 50/50 Pilot (Kindergarten 2026–2027)

Q1. Why is Casa Esperanza considering changing the Spanish Immersion model?

Right now, our immersion pathway (90/10 in Pre-K-2nd, 80/20 in grades 3–6, and 50/50 in grades 7–8) only has space for about half of our students. We want all Casa Esperanza students to have access to high-quality bilingual, biliterate education. Moving to a 50/50 model beginning with the pilot 2026–2027 Kindergarten cohort allows us to expand immersion access to 100% of students over time as each cohort moves up. This change is about equity, access and alignment with our mission.

Q2. What are the current immersion models at Casa?

  • Pre-K-2nd Grade: 90/10 Spanish Immersion
  • Grades 3-6: 80/20 Spanish Immersion
  • Grades 7–8: 50/50 Spanish Immersion

These are strong models, but they are only available to a portion of our students due to limited seats and staffing.

Q3. What is a 50/50 Spanish Immersion model?

In a 50/50 model, students receive approximately:

  • 50% of their instructional day in Spanish
  • 50% of their instructional day in English

Both languages are used for teaching grade-level content and literacy, not just vocabulary or “extra” language time. This is a well-established dual language model used across the U.S. and recommended in national guidance for dual language education.

Q4. How does the 50/50 model compare to 90/10 and 80/20?

The 90/10, 80/20 sequence places a heavier emphasis on Spanish in the early years and gradually increases English.

The 50/50 model balances both languages every day from the start.

Research indicates that both 90/10 and 50/50 models can produce strong bilingual and biliterate outcomes when implemented well and sustained over time.

Our main reason for shifting is not a concern about quality, but access and sustainability as 50/50 is easier to scale so that all students can participate.

Q5. Will my child still become bilingual and biliterate in a 50/50 model?

Yes. National research on dual language programs shows that students can achieve high levels of bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement when they participate consistently over several years.

Studies of dual language immersion show that students in well-implemented programs often meet or exceed their monolingual peers in English reading and math by the upper grades while developing strong skills in the partner language.

Q6. Will learning in Spanish hurt my child’s English or test scores?

Decades of research suggest the opposite. Dual language students typically catch up to and surpass monolingual peers in English academic achievement when programs are sustained over time.

The cognitive benefits of bilingualism, including stronger attention, problem-solving and task-switching skills, also support overall academic success.

Q7. What are the benefits of being bilingual and biliterate for my child?

Research highlights multiple advantages:

  • Cognitive: Better attention, flexibility, problem-solving, and memory.
  • Academic: Stronger performance in reading, writing, and even math and science over time.
  • Social & emotional: Enhanced empathy, cultural awareness, and communication skills.
  • Future opportunity: Expanded college, career, and global opportunities.

Q8. How will this change affect students who are native speakers of Spanish?

Dual language programs are designed to serve both native Spanish speakers and native English speakers. Research shows that Spanish-dominant students in dual language programs outperform peers in English-only or transitional bilingual programs in the long run, in both English and Spanish.

The 50/50 model maintains a strong commitment to Spanish while providing balanced support in English.

Q9. Will every Kindergarten student in 2026–2027 be in the 50/50 program?

Yes. Our goal is for all incoming Kindergarten students in 2026–2027 to be part of the 50/50 Spanish Immersion pilot, eliminating the lottery/limited-seat structure that has restricted access in prior years.

Q10. What about students already enrolled in the current immersion pathway?

Students in current immersion cohorts (Pre-K–8 prior to 2026–2027) will continue in their established 90/10 → 80/20 → 50/50 sequence as long as feasible. We will share specific transition details for each grade level as part of a clear, multi-year implementation plan.

Q11. My child doesn’t speak Spanish at home. Will they be overwhelmed?

Dual language immersion programs are intentionally designed for students with and without prior exposure to the partner language. Teachers use strategies such as visuals, gestures, modeling and consistent routines to ensure students understand content and feel successful. Over time, students gain confidence and language skills in both Spanish and English.

Q12. How will teachers be prepared for this shift?

Casa will:

  • Provide targeted professional development on dual language best practices and Montessori integration.
  • Ensure that Spanish and English teachers have appropriate language proficiency and training.
  • Build time for collaboration and co-planning between Spanish and English instructional staff.

Q13. How will you measure whether the 50/50 pilot is meeting expectations?

We will monitor:

  • Student performance on literacy and math assessments in both languages (as available)
  • Growth in Spanish and English language proficiency
  • Family and staff feedback through monthly surveys and focus groups
  • Enrollment and retention in the immersion pathway
  • Findings will be shared with families and the Board to guide continuous improvement.

*We will not make a decision about future years until after collecting and analyzing the data from the 2026-2027 Pilot program.

Q14. Where can I learn more about dual language immersion?

Families who want to explore the research and national guidance can start with:

Casa will also host information sessions and Q&A events as we prepare for the pilot year.