Dual Language Immersion (DLI)

 Why Choose DLI?

🏠 How Parents Can Help at Home

You don’t have to be bilingual to support your child’s bilingual journey.

Families play a powerful role in the success of Dual Language Immersion (DLI) students. Whether you speak English, Spanish, or another language at home, your encouragement, curiosity, and involvement make a big difference.

💡 Ways You Can Support Your Child:

1️⃣ Celebrate Both Languages

• Show excitement when your child uses English or Spanish.

• Encourage them to teach you new words or phrases they’ve learned.

• Praise their efforts — not just their fluency!

2️⃣ Read Together Every Day

• Read aloud in any language you speak at home.

• Ask questions about the story and pictures.

• Visit your local library or use digital libraries with books in English and Spanish.

3️⃣ Talk About School

• Ask what they learned in each language.

• Encourage them to explain a math problem or science fact in both languages.

• Let them know it’s okay to mix languages — it means they’re learning!

4️⃣ Create a Language-Rich Environment

• Post words around the house in English and Spanish.

• Play music, watch age-appropriate shows, or listen to audiobooks in both languages.

• Use games, puzzles, or apps that build vocabulary.

5️⃣ Stay Involved

• Attend DLI parent meetings and school events.

• Connect with other DLI families.

• Reach out to your child’s teacher — your questions are always welcome.

🧡 Remember: You don’t need to speak both languages to help your child succeed. Your interest, love, and support are the foundation for their success.

📝 Who Can Apply to Dual Language Immersion (DLI)?

Bilingualism begins in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten — and it’s open to all.

At Vista Unified School District (VUSD), we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate. Our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program welcomes all incoming TK or Kindergarten students, regardless of their home language background. Whether your child speaks English, Spanish, or both, DLI offers a powerful pathway to academic success, cultural pride, and lifelong opportunity.

Who Is Eligible?

• English Learners whose primary language is Spanish

• English-dominant students learning Spanish as a new language

• Bilingual students who already speak both English and Spanish

• Newcomer students (recent arrivals to the U.S.) 

Entry Points into DLI

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten Enrollment

• TK or Kindergarten is the ideal entry point for the DLI program.

• No prior Spanish knowledge is required.

• Families simply complete the DLI Interest Form to begin the process.

 After 1st Grade – Language Screening Required

Students seeking to enter DLI in 2nd grade or above must complete a Spanish language screening to determine their readiness for instruction in both languages. This process ensures each student receives the support they need to succeed.

The screening includes:

• Oral language interview (conversation, vocabulary, comprehension)

• Reading sample (fluency and understanding)

• Writing task (sentence structure, spelling, and ideas)

• Rubric-based evaluation aligned with grade-level Spanish Language Arts expectations

Purpose:

• To verify Spanish language readiness

• To identify needed supports

• To make an informed placement decision

Please note:
Enrollment after 1st grade is not automatic and depends on space availability and screening results.

📅 How to Apply

1. Complete the DLI Interest Form (online or at your DLI school site)

2. Attend a DLI Parent Information Meeting at the school site

3. If needed, participate in a language screening appointment (after 1st grade)

Essential State Resources for DLI Programs

DLI General Resources

• CA Department of Education (CDE) Multilingual Website

• Global California 2030 (CDE publication, 2018)

• Dual Language Immersion Programs Raise Student Achievement in English (RAND Corporation, 2017)

• Dual Language Immersion Programs Boost Student Success (National Education Association, 2018)

Our DLI Schools

• Alamosa Park Elementary (90/10 Model)
  • Grades: TK-5 
  • Seal of Biliteracy  Pathway: Alamosa Park Elementary offers a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for students in grades TK-5, following a 90/10 model where Spanish is the primary language of instruction in early grades, gradually balancing with English by 5th grade.
• Grapevine Elementary (50/50 Model)
  • Grades TK-5
  • 50/50 Model: Grapevine Elementary's Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program offers equal instruction in Spanish and English for students in grades TK-5.
  • Bilingual Goals: The program aims to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competence among students.
  • Seal of Biliteracy Pathway: Participation in the DLI program provides a pathway for students to work toward earning the California Seal of Biliteracy upon high school graduation.
• Hannalei Elementary (50/50 Model)
  • Grades TK-3 (Expanding to TK-5).
  • 50/50 Model: Hannalei Elementary's DLI program (TK-2) provides equal instruction in Spanish and English.
  • Bilingual Goals: Students develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competence.
  • Seal of Biliteracy Pathway: Prepares students for the California Seal of Biliteracy in high school.

• Madison Middle School (50/50 Model)
  • Offered in 6th and 7th Grade 
  • Spanish courses in Math, Social Studies, and Spanish Lit Lab.
• Roosevelt Middle School (50/50 Model)
  • Offered in 6th Grade
  • Spanish Courses: Math, Science and Spanish Lit Lab 

• High School Pathways: Opening in 2027-28, offering advanced Spanish courses and the Seal of Biliteracy.

Frequently Asked Questions