Spanish Dual Language Immersion
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.
The Waitlist for the 2026-27 School Year is Now Open at this Link!
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...
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.
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