Why Dual Language?
Dual Language Immersion North County (DLINC) teaches English and Spanish to our TK-8 public school students using an innovative immersion instruction model. We know that it’s effective for learners of all backgrounds. But why do we do it? Why is learning two languages so important?
It Boosts Young Brains
From the day they step onto our campus, students in dual language programs are asked to mentally juggle more than one language at a time. While it can be challenging at first, it brings plenty of rewards later in life. Research shows that studying a second language increases brain density and cognitive skills in students of all ages - benefits that lead to improved working memory, increased attention, and better problem-solving ability. These skills are not only useful for learning a second language - they are tools that can enhance a student’s education as a whole, as well as future careers.
It Sets Up Academic Success
Many bilingual students perform higher on standardized tests than monolingual peers - including students with a broad range of learning differences. A recent study found that dual-language students outperform monolingual peers in reading skills by a full school year's worth of learning – by the end of middle school. This is because learning two languages makes students more aware of how language works in general - boosting both reading and writing skills and comprehension.
It Leads to Mastery in Both Languages
DLINC students enter our school with a variety of language fluency. By integrating native English and Spanish speakers in the same classroom, our immersion education model encourages students to cultivate both Spanish and English skills through subjects taught in both languages throughout the school day. Students learn to speak, write and read at grade level in both English and Spanish, with language proficiency usually achieved by 6th grade.
It Builds Worldviews
At DLINC, learning a second language is not just about acquiring new vocabulary - it builds a better understanding of our world cultures. DLINC students enjoy a busy calendar of field trips, service-learning projects and special events that celebrate the world around us; inspiring our students to become compassionate global citizens.
It Develops Social-Emotional Skills
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 in each grade level following Kindergarten the amount of instruction in English increases gradually. For native Spanish speaking students, our model elevates the use of their home language compared with a mainstream school that favors English. This can help students feel heard and valued, improve their sense of belonging and increase parent involvement. Our integrated classrooms help kids of all backgrounds gain comfort with diversity and different cultures, and our caring environment fosters empathetic learners at all grades.
Two Languages is Just the Beginning
The benefits of learning a second language at DLINC continue long after our students graduate. Studies show that students who know two languages have an easier time learning a third language than students who are fluent in only one language. This is because languages reinforce one another, and learning a second language makes it easier to repeat the learning process successfully with other languages.
There are so many benefits to learning a second language at DLINC. 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.