Dual Language Immersion Program

Families considering Dual Language Immersion may find the following helpful in preparing their child for success:

• Encourage a positive attitude toward learning two languages

• Read regularly with your child in English and/or Spanish

• Support perseverance and patience as language skills develop over time

• Foster curiosity about different cultures and ways of communicating

• Commit to long‑term participation, as students benefit most when they remain in the program for multiple years

Choosing the right program is a partnership between families and schools. Rialto Unified School District is committed to supporting families as they make informed decisions that best meet their child’s needs.

Dual Language Immersion Enrollment & Eligibility Process

To ensure a strong and balanced K–12 Dual Language Immersion (DLI) pathway, Rialto Unified School District follows a structured enrollment process beginning in Kindergarten. Each DLI classroom is intentionally balanced with students who are proficient in Spanish and students who are developing Spanish language skills to support high‑quality bilingual learning.

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Kindergarten Enrollment & Eligibility

During Kindergarten enrollment, the district assigns students to create a balanced classroom, with approximately ½ to ⅔ Spanish‑proficient students and ⅓ to ½ students who are not yet proficient in Spanish.

Priority for Admission

Students are considered for DLI placement based on the following priority levels:

• Priority 1: Students who live within the attendance area of a school offering DLI

• Priority 1: Siblings of students currently enrolled in the DLI program

• Priority 2: RUSD students who live outside the DLI attendance area (intra‑district transfer)

• Priority 3: Students who live outside RUSD boundaries (inter‑district transfer)

Students complete a brief language assessment and are admitted based on priority level and space availability. If demand exceeds available space at any priority level, a lottery will be held.

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Enrollment Timeline

• November–January: Recruitment and interest meetings

• November–February: Interviews and placement for Priority 1 students

• March–May: Interviews and placement for Priority 2, then Priority 3 students

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Process for Kindergarten Families

Families interested in enrolling a Kindergarten student in DLI must:

1. Attend a Dual Language Immersion Interest Meeting
   Meetings are announced through school communications, district and school websites, phone calls, and emails.

2. Submit an Interest Form
   After the meeting, families complete an interest form to schedule an interview.

3. Student Language Assessment & Interview
   Students complete a brief language assessment, families receive additional program information, and questions are addressed.

4. Placement or Waitlist Notification
   Students are admitted or placed on a waitlist based on the admissions timeline and space availability.

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Eligibility for Grades 1–5

Students in grades 1–5 may be considered for DLI placement if:

• Space is available at the student’s grade level, and

• The student is new to RUSD and has participated in a DLI program in another district, or

• The student is new to RUSD and demonstrates at least approaching grade‑level Spanish proficiency.

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Eligibility for Middle & High School

Students in middle and high school may apply for the DLI pathway if space is available and the student:

• Is new to RUSD and previously participated in a DLI program, or

• Is new to RUSD and demonstrates at least approaching grade‑level Spanish proficiency.

The Promise of Two‑Language Education (ASCD)

An article summarizing research on two‑language programs showing academic, cognitive, and social benefits, and how bilingual instruction supports literacy and English development. 
🔗 ASCD article: The Promise of Two‑Language Education

 

Benefits of Multilingualism (OELA Infographic)

A research‑based infographic from the Office of English Language Aquisition summarizing evidence that bilingualism supports cognitive development, academic achievement, social‑emotional growth, and long‑term economic opportunities. The research reinforces that programs such as Dual Language Immersion help students succeed academically while developing bilingualism and biliteracy.
🔗 OELA Resource: Benefits of Multilingualism Infographic 

 

How a Second Language Can Boost the Brain

An in‑depth, research‑based article explaining how bilingualism strengthens executive function, attention, memory, and brain health across the lifespan. Drawing on neuroscience and decades of studies, the article shows that using two languages can enhance cognitive flexibility in children and may help delay age‑related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
🔗 Knowable Magazine Article: How a Second Language Can Boost the Brain 

 

Raising Kids Bilingual Can Make Them More Attentive and Efficient as Adults

A health and wellness article summarizing research showing that children who grow up bilingual develop stronger attention control, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning that can last into adulthood. The article highlights how early bilingual experiences strengthen the brain’s ability to focus, problem‑solve, and adapt efficiently over time.
🔗 CNBC Health & Wellness Article: Raising kids bilingual can make them more attentive and efficient as adults

• The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain - Mia Nacamull

• Los beneficios de un cerebro bilingüe - Mia Nacamulli

• Bilingual Education & Family Voices | Why Dual Language Matters for Students and Communities

• The Benefits of Being Bilingual | Bella Lawson & Jose Sabedra | TEDxKids@ElCajon

• Archive SEAL A Dual Language Preschool Classroom

• Bilingual Program: Academic Content in Two Languages

What is the Dual Language Immersion Program?

The Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program at Rialto Unified School District is a high quality instructional model in which students learn academic content and develop literacy in two languages, English and Spanish. Students receive the same rigorous, standards aligned curriculum as all RUSD students. The difference is the language of instruction. Native English speakers and native Spanish speakers learn side by side in the same classroom, supporting one another's language development as they grow toward full bilingualism and biliteracy.

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What are the benefits of the Dual Language Immersion Program?

Current research shows learning a second language benefits students in several key ways:

• Accelerates academic success

• Enhances communication skills
• Develops an appreciation for diversity and cultural competence
• Strengthens problem solving, memory, and critical thinking skills
• Builds future personal advantages, including expanded career, business, and travel opportunities
• Supports a pathway toward the California State Seal of Biliteracy

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How successful are Dual Language Immersion programs?

Dual Language Immersion programs are supported by decades of research showing long‑term benefits for both English Learners and English‑dominant students. Students develop strong academic skills, bilingualism, biliteracy, cognitive flexibility, and social‑cultural competence that extend into college and careers.

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Will learning two languages confuse my child or slow academic progress?

No. Research consistently shows that learning in two languages supports academic growth. Students benefit most when they remain in the program long‑term, as moving in and out of the program can interrupt language development.

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Are programs like this offered in other school districts?

Yes. Dual Language Immersion programs are growing across California and the nation and are successfully implemented in many neighboring school districts.

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Do children become frustrated learning in another language?

Some students may experience brief frustration during the early months, which is a normal part of learning a new language. Families are encouraged to provide reassurance and focus on positive experiences and progress.

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My child already speaks Spanish. Why enroll in DLI?

Many students begin to lose their home language once they enter English‑dominant school settings. Dual Language Immersion helps students maintain and strengthen their first language while developing English and both languages academically. We believe no child should have to lose a language to gain one.

When can I begin the recruitment process?

Recruitment opens each fall for students entering Kindergarten the following school year. Dates are posted on the district DLI webpage.

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Is DLI only for Kindergarten students?

Kindergarten is the recommended entry point. Limited spaces may be available in 1st grade, and in later grades for Spanish‑dominant, bilingual students, or students transferring from another DLI program.

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How long does the Dual Language Immersion program last?

Dual Language Immersion is a K–12 pathway. Students benefit most when they remain in the program through elementary school and continue through middle and high school.

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Does my child need to speak Spanish to enroll?

No. The program intentionally enrolls both English‑speaking and Spanish‑speaking students. English‑speaking students will develop Spanish proficiency through the program.

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What schools offer Dual Language Immersion?

DLI is currently offered at Bemis, Boyd, Curtis, Dunn, Garcia, Kelley, Morris, Simpson, Trapp, and Werner Elementary Schools. Students can continue their bilingual and biliterate journey at Jehue Middle School and Rialto High School, allowing them to build on their language skills from elementary through high school graduation.

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What if my home school does not offer DLI?

Families may apply to attend a school that offers the DLI program, following district enrollment and placement procedures.

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How do I get more information or enroll my child?

Contact RUSD's Language Assessment Center at (909) 873-4304. Families are also encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn more about the program before enrolling.

Why does the teacher only speak Spanish during instruction?

Consistent use of Spanish helps students develop strong language skills and motivation to communicate in the target language. This approach supports English‑dominant students in acquiring Spanish and helps Spanish‑dominant students maintain their home language while learning English.

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Will my child learn English in the program?

Yes. Students receive daily instruction in both English and Spanish, developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in both languages. Learning in one language supports learning in the other.

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Will my child learn the same curriculum as other students?

Yes. Students in Dual Language Immersion learn the same grade‑level standards and curriculum as all Rialto USD students. The difference is the language of instruction—not the expectations.

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What subjects are taught in Spanish in middle school?

At the middle school level, instruction in Spanish includes mathematics, science, and history, as part of the Dual Language pathway.

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What subjects are taught in Spanish in high school?

High school Dual Language includes Spanish and Science. Coursework is still currently in development as the pathway continues to expand.

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Will my child remain in DLI after reclassification?

Yes. Students may continue in the DLI program after reclassification to continue developing bilingualism and biliteracy.

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What happens if my child struggles in the program?

Students receive ongoing academic and language support. Teachers, school staff, and families work together to monitor progress and provide interventions when needed to ensure student success.

What role do families play in the program's success?

Family engagement is a vital part of Dual Language Immersion. When families read with their child in English and/or Spanish, talk with them about what they're learning at school, and stay connected with teachers, students are better supported for long term success in the program.

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Will I be able to help my child with homework?

Yes. Homework instructions are provided in English and Spanish, and assignments reflect concepts taught in class. Families may use dictionaries, translation tools, and AI (Artificial Intelligence) applications for translation when needed.

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Do I need to read to my child in Spanish?

No. Families are encouraged to read with their child in the language used at home. As students develop literacy skills, they may read aloud in either language.

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Do parents need to speak Spanish to support their child?

No. Parents do not need to be bilingual. What matters most is active family involvement, communication with teachers, and encouragement at home.

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Can parents volunteer in the classroom?

Yes. Families are encouraged to volunteer and participate in school activities whenever possible to support student learning.