Language Accessment Center

Selecting a language program is an important decision that supports your child’s academic growth, language development, and future opportunities. Rialto Unified School District encourages families to consider their child’s learning style, interests, and long‑term goals when exploring language program options.

Consider Your Child’s Learning Style

Think about how your child learns best. Some students thrive in structured environments, while others benefit from hands‑on and interactive learning. Dual Language Immersion is an immersive program that works well for students who are open to learning in two languages.

Reflect on Interests and Motivation

Children who enjoy language, stories, music, and interacting with others from different cultures often thrive in language programs. Curiosity and a willingness to try new experiences are key components of success.

Think About Long‑Term Goals

Language programs support more than academic achievement. They help students develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural understanding—skills that support college readiness, career opportunities, and global engagement.

Explore Program Options

• Structured English Immersion (SEI): Supports English Learners in developing English proficiency while accessing grade‑level content.

• Dual Language Immersion (DLI): Provides instruction in English and Spanish to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross‑cultural competence.

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