Spanish Dual Language Immersion

McKinley Elementary School is proud to offer a Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program that maintains a 1:1 ratio of English speakers to target-language learners.

Mission Statement:

McKinley's Spanish Dual Immersion program fosters the competencies of a Portrait of a Graduate while celebrating the cultural and linguistic roots of our community. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where students develop multilingual and multicultural understanding through a rigorous yet nurturing learning experience, empowering them to thrive with Spanish both within our community and beyond.

The DLI Waitlist for the 2026-27 School Year is Now Open at this link!

The 2026-27 DLI Lottery will be held on Thursday, March 26 @ 5:00 in the SGUSD Board Room.

This meeting will be held in person and on Zoom.

A Zoom link and lottery number will be emailed to the participating families.

SGUSD’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program starts in transitional kindergarten at McKinley Elementary School. Dual Language classrooms are integrated with a balanced number of English and heritage and native Spanish speaking students.

90/10 Model:

The Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at McKinley Elementary follows a 90/10 research-based model. The program provides instruction using Traditional Spanish Curriculum. This innovative approach affords the opportunity for native English-speaking students and native speakers of other languages to learn Spanish.

In transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade, students learn Spanish for the majority of their day: 90% of instruction is delivered in Spanish, while 10% is provided in English. As each year progresses after first grade, the time in English instruction increases by 10% per year to attain a 50% Spanish and 50% English ratio by 5th grade. Students begin formal English literacy instruction in 3rd grade. By the 5th grade, instruction is evenly divided between Spanish and English.

The following graph illustrates the percentage of Spanish instruction and English instruction...

A graph of ratio of Spanish to English instruction per grade

SDLI Benefits:

SGUSD’s Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at McKinley Elementary provides many benefits that extend far beyond language learning. Students gain the ability to think, communicate, and problem-solve in two languages, developing strong academic and social skills in a multicultural setting. The program nurtures global awareness, prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, and opens doors to future academic and career opportunities.

Students achieve proficiency in both English and Spanish
Students achieve academically at or above grade level in both languages
Students develop positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors
Students develop a high level of self-esteem and confidence
Cognitive development and critical thinking skills are utilized and well developed by learning a second language at an early age
Biliteracy helps prepare students for our global society
Biliteracy gives students greater career opportunities
Research shows students have an increased level of achievement on Standardized Tests throughout their elementary experience

Program Acceptance Criteria:

To ensure appropriate placement and long-term success, applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Application Deadline: Application window will be open from Jan. 6-Jan. 23. Applications submitted after Jan. 23 will be placed on a waiting list.
Sibling Priority: Applicants with a sibling currently enrolled in the Dual Language Program will receive priority placement.
Primary Home Language: Consideration will be given to the language spoken most consistently at home, to support language balance and classroom diversity.
Language Screening Results: Incoming students will be screened in the target language to determine placement readiness and ensure appropriate instructional support.

Partnering for Success in Our Dual Language Program:

How Families Can Support Success in Our Dual Language Program

Our Dual Language Program is most successful when families and teachers work together as a team. The following are helpful commitments and best practices families can follow to support their child’s academic growth, language development, and overall success in the program:

Commit to Long-Term Participation
Dual Language programs are most effective when students remain enrolled for multiple years. Language development takes time, and consistency is key.
Value Both Languages Equally
Encourage pride and confidence in learning two languages. Speak positively about bilingualism and biliteracy at home.
Ensure Strong Attendance
Daily attendance is essential, as language learning builds from one day to the next. Missing school can significantly impact progress.
Support Learning at Home—In Any Language
Reading, discussing ideas, and practicing skills at home in either language strengthens overall academic success.
Encourage Productive Struggle
Learning in two languages can be challenging at times. Encourage your child to persevere, take risks, and view mistakes as part of learning.
Communicate Regularly with the Teacher
Stay informed through newsletters, ParentSquare, emails, conferences, and school events. Reach out with questions or concerns early.
Support Homework Routines
Provide a quiet space and consistent time for homework. Encourage responsibility and independence, even when work feels challenging.
Reinforce Classroom Expectations
Support school and classroom behavior expectations so students are ready to learn and contribute positively to the learning community.
Participate in School and Program Events
Attend family nights, conferences, and Dual Language events whenever possible. Your involvement sends a strong message that education matters.
Trust the Process
Language development does not always look the same as traditional programs. Growth may come gradually, but long-term outcomes are powerful and lasting.