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Dual Language Immersion

Empowering Students to Become Bilingual, Biliterate and Bicultural

At Will Rogers Elementary, we believe that being bilingual is a superpower. Our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program gives students the opportunity to become fluent in English and Spanish — while building strong academic skills and cultural awareness from Transitional Kindergarten through sixth grade.

Launched in 2014, this program brings together native Spanish and English speakers in the same classroom to learn from one another and grow together — academically, socially, and linguistically.

“There is beauty in being able to connect with your elders and community members, and although it’s only kindergarten, I already see a big growth in my students.”
– Gladys Barbieri, Will Rogers Elementary Teacher

How It Works

Our program follows a 90:10 two-way immersion model:

  • In the early grades, 90% of instruction is delivered in Spanish and 10% in English.

  • As students progress, instruction gradually balances out to a 50:50 split, supporting full literacy in both languages by sixth grade.

This two-way immersion model provides students with:

  • Biliteracy in English and Spanish

  • Mastery of grade-level core standards

  • Cultural proficiency and understanding

This model is research-based and proven to help students reach high levels of bilingualism and academic success.

“My son’s confidence has grown so much. He can now speak with my family in both English and Spanish. I want my children to be able to go anywhere in the world and connect — and this program is giving them that gift.”
– Yvette Sandoval, Will Rogers Parent

A Lifelong Advantage

Students in our DLI program gain much more than just language skills — they gain a lifelong advantage.

From academic achievement to future career opportunities, our goal is to ensure every student graduates prepared to succeed in any setting, anywhere in the world.

Benefits of Dual Language Immersion

Bilingual students in our DLI program benefit in many ways:

  • Gain academic proficiency in core subjects

  • Show increased mental flexibility and problem-solving skills

  • Often score higher on English-language standardized tests

  • Are more likely to learn a third language with ease

  • Strengthen confidence and communication skills

  • Maintain a strong sense of identity while developing respect for other cultures

  • Are better prepared for college and career opportunities

  • Work toward earning the California Seal of Biliteracy in high school

Ready to Begin?

Learn more about how to enroll in the Dual Language Immersion Program at Will Rogers Elementary by calling our front office at (310) 603-1542.