Dual Language Immersion Program (DLI)
What is Dual Language Immersion (DLI)?
As defined by the California Department of Education, Dual Language Immersion (DLI) is a "language acquisition program that provides integrated language learning and academic instruction for native speakers of English and native speakers of another language, with the goals of high academic achievement, first and second language proficiency, and cross-cultural understanding."
The following three pillars of DLI work together to build a strong pedagogical foundation for success both inside and outside the classroom:
- High Academic Achievement – Students will achieve high academic standards in all subjects, regardless of the language of instruction.
- Bilingualism and Biliteracy – Students will develop high proficiency in both languages, including reading, writing, and speaking fluently in both languages.
- Sociocultural Competence – Students will build an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives, fostering intercultural communication and understanding.
Our DLI Program
San Lorenzo Unified School District began its program in 1999, beginning with kindergarten and moving up a grade each year. The program currently serves grades K-8. Starting in kindergarten, students are taught in English for 20% of the day and in Spanish for 80% of the day. The amount of English taught throughout the day gradually increases each year until 4th grade, when students are taught 50% in English and 50% in Spanish. Interactive lessons encourage students from both language groups to help each other understand, speak, read, and write each other’s home language. Through this enriched educational environment, all students gain a second language.
Our district provides two models:
- The Two-Way DLI model is designed for both English-speaking and non-English-speaking students, with both groups learning in both languages. Available at both elementary and middle school levels
- Developmental Bilingual programs build on a student’s first language, Spanish. They establish a strong foundation while incrementally building language transfer to English, supporting bilingualism as the end goal.
By the end of our program, students will achieve the following goals:
- Acquire high levels of oral language proficiency and academic literacy in both English and their second language
- Gain academic achievement in the content areas in both English and their second language
- Build positive self-esteem and cultural awareness
- Earn the California Seal of Biliteracy
Elementary School Programs
Middle School Program
Student Eligibility/How to Apply
Use this document to determine student eligibility.
To apply, complete the appropriate application:
- DLI Elementary Application (Hesperian)
- DLI Middle School Application (Edendale)
- Bilingual Elementary Application (Colonial Acres) ~ Coming soon!