Dual Language Program
The ability to communicate in two language is a bridge to two worlds for children. At P.S. 516, students in our dual language program learn in a two-way immersion model that combines students from two language groups while providing instruction in both languages. The classes are comprise of approximately one-half native English speakers and one-half native Spanish speakers. In this way, students act as language models for one another. In Kindergarten and 1st grade, we follow a self-contained, 50/50 roller coaster model, in which one teacher teaches half the day in English and the other half of the day in Spanish. Students spend an equal time learning in both languages.
Dual language is a bilingual education model that consistently uses two languages for instruction and communication, with a balanced number of students from two language groups who are integrated for instruction. Dual language promotes cross-cultural understanding and acceptance.
The primary goal of our dual language program is to allow students to realize the full benefits of bilingualism, which includes enhanced cognitive ability, increased academic achievement, heightened multicultural appreciation and understanding, and a competitive edge in the increasingly global society of the 21st century.
Students who are Spanish and/or English speakers can apply to enroll in our Spanish Dual Language program upon entry to Kindergarten. Students who are native Chinese speakers will be able to participate in our Mandarin Native Language Program in order to build academic language skill in Mandarin while learning English.
Parents who wish for their child to enroll in our Dual Language program must enter the program in Kindergarten and should indicate their interest during the annual Kindergarten Connect application process that starts in January. Once accepted to our school, parents can complete an application to the Dual Language program. Student selection for the dual language program will be based on parent interest. Students identified at English language learners (ELLs) will have priority. Students will then be placed based on priority order in the regular kindergarten application process (1 - zoned w/ sibling; 2 - zoned; 3 - in district w/ sibling; 4 - out-of-district w/ sibling; 5 - in-district pre-k; 6 - out-of-district pre-k; 7 - in-district; and 8 - out-of-district).
Dual language is a bilingual education model that consistently uses two languages for instruction and communication, with a balanced number of students from two language groups who are integrated for instruction. Dual language promotes cross-cultural understanding and acceptance.
The primary goal of our dual language program is to allow students to realize the full benefits of bilingualism, which includes enhanced cognitive ability, increased academic achievement, heightened multicultural appreciation and understanding, and a competitive edge in the increasingly global society of the 21st century.
Students who are Spanish and/or English speakers can apply to enroll in our Spanish Dual Language program upon entry to Kindergarten. Students who are native Chinese speakers will be able to participate in our Mandarin Native Language Program in order to build academic language skill in Mandarin while learning English.
Parents who wish for their child to enroll in our Dual Language program must enter the program in Kindergarten and should indicate their interest during the annual Kindergarten Connect application process that starts in January. Once accepted to our school, parents can complete an application to the Dual Language program. Student selection for the dual language program will be based on parent interest. Students identified at English language learners (ELLs) will have priority. Students will then be placed based on priority order in the regular kindergarten application process (1 - zoned w/ sibling; 2 - zoned; 3 - in district w/ sibling; 4 - out-of-district w/ sibling; 5 - in-district pre-k; 6 - out-of-district pre-k; 7 - in-district; and 8 - out-of-district).