More Than Just Another Language: Immersion Education
You may already be aware that Dual Language Immersion North County (DLINC) is a tuition-free public school that offers academically excellent Spanish and English instruction to TK-8 learners. But how do we do it, and why do we use an immersion instruction model? The answers may surprise you!
An Innovative Model
“Dual Language Immersion” is not a traditional bilingual program, where students receive instruction in a stand-alone class. It’s a unique model that integrates native English and Spanish speakers in the same classroom, with subjects taught in both languages throughout the school day. Students learn to speak, write and read at grade level in both languages. Dual Language Immersion is highly academically effective for both English and Spanish learners. It also promotes cross-cultural understanding for all students, expanding their worldviews as they develop into compassionate global citizens.
90:10 Instruction
Our two-way immersion program uses a 90:10 instruction model to teach Spanish and English. Beginning in TK and Kindergarten, 90% of instructional time is in Spanish, and English is used for 10%. In each grade level following Kindergarten, the amount of instruction in English increases gradually. This “sequential literacy” model supports literacy in Spanish before developing literacy in English, with language proficiency usually achieved by sixth grade. By middle school, approximately half of our classes are taught in Spanish.
Rewiring Minds
Learning a new language can be challenging. But studies have shown that second language learning can positively impact neurological processing in young developing brains. Bilingual students benefit from the ability to learn and retain new information. They often have greater attention to detail and higher problem-solving skills than their peers – skills that carry forward into adulthood.
Preparing for the Future
Many DLINC graduates enroll in nearby high schools. They report that they are well prepared to be high achievers, thriving in AP Spanish, earning college credits by testing into Spanish 2, and qualifying for Spanish for Spanish Speakers courses. Biliteracy gives students an advantage for college scholarships, internships and jobs which might not otherwise be available to them. We love watching our DLINC graduates thrive as they take the next steps in their education!
Start at Any Age
DLINC students are heritage Spanish speakers as well as heritage English speakers, and we welcome new students at all grade levels. Although we suggest that the earlier a child starts learning a second language, the better, we have found that students of all ages can be successful in our sequential literacy model.
We Support All Learners
We often talk with parents who wonder how their struggling learners will catch up if they are learning in a second language. But they do catch up. In fact, statistics show that dual language students not only catch up - they surpass monolingual students. At DLINC we support all learners with academic tutoring, including in-school and after-school programs and an after-school math club.
There are so many reasons to consider tuition-free Dual Language Immersion North County for your TK-8 student. Find out more and enroll today!
About Dual Language Immersion North County
Dual Language Immersion North County is an award-winning TK-8 tuition-free public charter school serving students in Vista, CA. DLINC prepares bilingual students for bright futures in a multilingual world through a safe, respectful and nurturing small charter school environment. We offer immersion education in Spanish and English and the support to ensure student success. We partner with community organizations to take learning out of the classroom, and encourage families to be closely involved in their students' learning. Join our TK-8 tuition-free public charter school today! Enrolling now.