Skip To Main Content

Dual Language/Multilingual Programs

Dual Language Program 

Available to all PreK-5th grade Spanish-speaking students who qualify, our dual language classrooms offer instruction in Spanish and English simultaneously based on the guiding principles of:

  • Bilingualism and biliteracy 
  • High academic achievement for all students 
  • Sociocultural competence 

The language allocation for our dual language program (that is the percent of instruction in either Spanish or English) changes over time:

  • PreK-K: 80/20 (80 percent of instruction is in Spanish, 20 percent is in English)
  • Grade 1: 70/30
  • Grade 2: 60/40
  • Grades 3-5: 50/50
  • Grades 6-8: once students transition to Gemini Middle School, they are enrolled in the Spanish for Spanish Speakers Spanish Language Arts class to continue their path towards bilingualism and biliteracy. 

Dual language classrooms are offered at the Early Learning Center (preschool only), Apollo, and Nelson. If your child attends Mark Twain, Melzer, or Washington, and you are interested in enrolling them in the program, contact either the school or District office. If your child qualifies, transportation will be provided to Apollo or Nelson at no cost. 

Multilingual (ML) Program & Services

Our multilingual services provide students with a safe, risk-free learning environment that supports language development and academic achievement. Qualifying students who speak a language other than English may receive language support services from one of the following or both: 

  • Bilingual/multilingual certified resource teachers, who provide English support services within the classroom or pull students out of the classroom. Common supported languages include Urdu, Spanish, Gujarati, and Assyrian. 
  • ELL-endorsed classroom teachers who are specially trained in the area of language acquisition. These teachers embed language development and learning into daily lessons. 

Services vary by year and by school, depending on the school population.  For more information about ELL/bilingual services in District 63, contact your child's school, Director of Multilingual Services Erin Sterling at 847.493.8406, or Erika Campos, Assistant to the Director at 847.493.8421. 

Students who do not qualify for multilingual services will be placed in the general education program. These students will not receive any type of  multilingual instruction/services.

Please note: parents have the right to refuse multilingual services. Please notify the school if you would not like your child to receive language support services.