Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Programs
San Gabriel Unified School District is proud to offer a Mandarin and Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program that maintains a 1:1 ratio of English speakers to target-language learners.
Students receive instruction aligned with the California State Standards and tailored to their age and stage of linguistic development. Through this program, students deepen their understanding of language systems, develop cultural appreciation, and apply their learning to communicate purposefully with others. SGUSD believes in the power of developing multilingual learners who can connect across cultures and communities essential skills embedded in our Portrait of a Graduate (PoG). Our PoG envisions students as effective communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens who are prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.Applications submitted after January 23, 2026, will be added to the waitlist
Goals of Dual Language Immersion at SGUSD
- Students will achieve biliteracy in both English and the target language: Mandarin or Spanish
- Students will reach high levels of academic achievement in two languages
- Students will become cross-cultural ambassadors for our schools and community
- Students will embody the competencies outlined in SGUSD’s Portrait of a Graduate, becoming effective communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate global citizens.
Application Process
- SGUSD dual language immersion programs have limited capacity and require an application
- Students are selected each year by a random lottery if they have applied by the application deadline
- All students who apply during the application window will be included in the lottery and assigned a number
- While every student has an equal chance of being selected, SGUSD values keeping families together. Therefore, applicants with a sibling currently enrolled in the Dual Language Program will receive priority placement. Concurrent sibling applications will also be kept together and considered as a unit during the lottery process
- Students entering the dual language immersion program in the target TK-8 must demonstrate proficiency in the target language
To ensure appropriate placement and long-term success, applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Application Deadline: Application window will open from Jan. 6 - Jan. 23, 2026 (Applications submitted after Jan. 23, 2026 will be placed on a waiting list and contacted if additional slots open up)
- Sibling Priority: Applicants with a sibling currently enrolled in the Dual Language Program will receive priority consideration
- Primary Home Language: To help maintain the program’s balanced 1:1 ratio of English speakers to target-language learners priority will be informed by the language spoken most consistently in the home
- Language Screening Results: Incoming students will be screened in the target language to determine readiness
SGUSD offers Dual Language Immersion programs for Spanish and Mandarin.
EDUCATION MODELS
Elementary Education
Mandarin (80/20 Model at Wilson Elementary):
In the Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program, kindergarten students learn Mandarin for the majority of their day: 80% of instruction is delivered in Mandarin, while 20% is provided in English. As each year progresses after kindergarten, the time in English instruction increases by 10% per year to achieve a 50% Mandarin and 50% English ratio by 3rd grade. Students begin formal English literacy instruction in 3rd grade. Instruction is evenly divided between Mandarin and English in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade.
Spanish (90/10 Model at McKinley Elementary):
In the Spanish Dual Language Immersion program, 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.
Middle School Education
At Jefferson Middle School, students continue their dual language journey through specialized courses that build on the strong foundation established in elementary school.
- Mandarin Dual Language Immersion: Students take Mandarin Language Arts in both 6th and 7th grades, further developing their literacy, fluency, and cultural understanding.
- Spanish Dual Language Immersion: Students take Spanish Language Arts and History taught in Spanish across grades 6–8, deepening their academic language proficiency while exploring global and historical perspectives through the target language.
The middle school program prepares students to achieve full biliteracy and cultural competency as they transition into high school and beyond.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Contact us via email with any questions by clicking either of the links below:
Michelle Low: Multilingual Services Program Administrator
Sonia Nagahiro: Secretary II, Language Services
