• Instruction is equally divided, with half conducted in Spanish and half in English. Specific subject areas are taught in English, and other subject areas are taught in Spanish.

• Instructional content in language arts is taught with both languages.

• Each dual language class is comprised of students that are native speakers of both languages.

• Students must meet grade level expectations in all subject areas.

• Teachers must be proficient in the language of instruction. Proficiency in the target language is demonstrated by either Florida Certification in Spanish or a language proficiency assessment administered by the SDMC Department of ESOL, Migrant and Dual Language.

If English is the primary language spoken at home,
Kindergarten and 1st grade are the only grades you can enter the program. The language demands in Spanish become too difficult past 1st grade.

If Spanish is the primary language spoken in the home and your child qualifies for ELL services,
they may be entered in the program. Their overall Spanish will be assessed to ensure this is the proper placement and or their previous school's placement will be taken into consideration.

If there is evidence that your child has participated in a dual program in another district,
then they may be allowed into our Dual Language program past 1st grade. Parents will need to provide the registrar with a Dual Language report card or letter from the previous school district.

Yes. In a dual language class, the curriculum is meticulously aligned with state standards to ensure that students meet the same rigorous instruction as their single language peers, while acquiring proficiency in two languages.

Yes. If your child qualifies for additional support or advanced/challenge services, they will receive them.