Dual Language
Students develop proficiency in English and a target language (Spanish or Mandarin Chinese). They also explore a third language as an enrichment during the school day to build cultural awareness and appreciation.
Parent information meetings are optional, but a great way to learn about the program, meet the principal, and ask questions.
Each program balances instructional time between the two languages differently, based on how each language is written.
Research shows dual language students gain lasting cognitive, academic, linguistic, socio-cultural, and economic benefits. They reach high proficiency in both languages, meet advanced academic standards, and develop a positive appreciation of their own identity and world cultures.
To lead in a global society, students need cognitive, social-emotional, cultural, and linguistic skills. This is the vision of both Garvey School District and the State of California (“Global California 2030”).
Most Garvey students speak a language other than English at home. They bring rich language and cultural assets to school that Dual Language+ helps grow into full bilingualism and biliteracy.
Enrichment sessions take place during the regular school day.
The TK Chinese Dual Language Program is federally and state funded. Acceptance is based on:
- Federal & state preschool criteria, including slots for families at various income levels.
- School assignment by lottery if qualified applicants exceed spaces at a school.
- Timely submission: first come, first served if applicants exceed spaces.
- Parent commitment: attend orientation and workshops, support both languages at home, and volunteer as your schedule permits.
- Student commitment to persistent effort in meeting program requirements.
Acceptance is based on:
- Parent commitment: attend orientation and workshops, support both languages and the “Plus” enrichment program, and volunteer as your schedule permits.
- Long-term commitment: it takes at least 5–7 years to develop intermediate academic fluency in a target language.
- Student commitment to persistent effort in meeting program requirements.
- Student age: priority to children eligible for K at the start of the school year. TK-age applicants are considered individually if space is available and they pass a socio-emotional/language assessment.
- Timely submission: first come, first served if applicants exceed spaces.
All Kindergarten criteria, plus:
- Language proficiency: applicants take a Spanish or Chinese proficiency test and must show grade-appropriate readiness.
- Space availability: spaces in Grades 1–6 are very limited and depend on the requested grade and school.
Program reassignment: The District, through the principal and the Student Success Team (SST) process, monitors student progress. A reassignment to the English-only program may become necessary for students who demonstrate extensive challenges in the Dual Language program, particularly in the first few years.
Please do not complete online enrollment until you receive notification on the status of your Dual Language+ application. Your acceptance notice will include special instructions for enrolling. Enrolling the wrong way may delay your child’s acceptance to the program.
Whatever the outcome of your application, there will always be space for your child in the regular program at Garvey School District.