In an immersion classroom, Spanish is not taught as a subject; Spanish is the language in which instruction is delivered. Immersion students master the curriculum objectives in all subject areas, while becoming fluent in a second language. Research overwhelmingly supports this approach. The cognitive ability of young children to adopt a second language is well documented and considered the best time to learn a second language.

Communities with native Spanish-speaking populations can benefit from the dual immersion model, a program that promotes academic achievement through enrichment rather than remediation. Native English speaking students benefit from the rigor inherent in learning through another language. Native Spanish speakers benefit from the enriched academic environment. Most importantly, Spanish speakers who learn English in a dual immersion classroom become fully fluent in English by 5th grade. In addition, Spanish-speaking children become full proficient in reading and math.

In Spanish Dual Language Immersion classrooms, students receive instruction and learn content through both their native language and target language.  

To find out more about North Carolina Dual Language Immersion Programs, visit DPI's DLI Website or use the links below:

• ​Parent Night Presentation Videos (English) ​

• ​Parent Night Presentation Videos (Spanish)

• ​Benefits of a Bilingual Brain (video)

• ​Dual Language Brochure (English)

• ​Dual Language Brochure (Spanish) ​​

• ​Bilingual Brain (English)​

• ​Bilingual Brain (Spanish)​​

• ​8 ways to support your children in language immersion (English)​

• ​8 ways to support your children in language immersion (Spanish)

• Language Immersion Frequently Asked Questions

• CCS 8th Grade Parent Information session video

• Roberta Road Middle School parent Information Presentation (coming soon)

What Does a Typical Day Look Like in Spanish Dual Language Immersion Classrooms?

The 50/50 Spanish Dual Language Immersion program groups native speakers of English with native speakers of  Spanish. The mix is approximately 50 percent of each group and both become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural. Instruction is provided both in English and in Spanish on alternate days (A Day/B Day rotation). Students have the benefit of receiving instruction from  two highly qualified teachers. For example, students receive instruction from their English speaking teacher on A Day and then receive instruction from their Spanish speaking teacher on B Day.

What are Some of the Benefits of a Spanish Dual Language Program?

• Students develop stronger thinking skills
• Students have a better understanding of math concepts and problems
• Students show an increase in reading comprehension
• Students increase focusing skills
• Students outperform their peers on various assessments
• Students have greater career opportunities