Dual Language Spanish/English Immersion at North Thurston Public Schools

  • Through a classroom made up of half native English speakers and half native Spanish speakers, with lessons taught in both languages, young learners can develop skills in two languages to serve them throughout their lives.

    Who is eligible?

    Students are eligible if they are entering kindergarten and live in the Mountain View Elementary area and up to 3rd grade if they are in the Lydia Hawk Elementary area (with some spots available for other NTPS students). Students must commit to staying in the program through 5th grade.

    How does the program work?

    Classes are around 24 students, with a goal of 50% students who speak primarily English at home and 50% students who speak primarily Spanish at home. Teachers provide instruction in both Spanish and English.

    Children are born with the capacity to learn languages! The dual language program teacher will help students learn in both languages through techniques such as pictures, props, facial expressions, gestures, and physical movements.

    The curriculum follows district guidelines and standards and will cover the same grade-level objectives as general education classrooms.

    How can my family apply?

    To be considered for the Dual Language Program at either Lydia Hawk or Mountain View, you must:

    • Fully register your student at North Thurston Public Schools: Enrollment process >>
    • Submit a Dual Language Program application by 3:30 pm on May 31, 2023.

    Program Application

    Aplicación del programa

    Families will be notified within two weeks about whether their child will be enrolled in the program. Due to limited space, submitting an application does not guarantee a spot in the program. If the number of applications is more than the capacity, NTPS will maintain a waitlist, contacting families in placement order when classroom spots open.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Dual Language Immersion?

  • Would all grades participate immediately?

  • How does the program work?

  • Will participating students have two teachers?

  • How will my English-speaking child understand the Spanish teacher?

  • What if my child does not speak English or Spanish?

  • How can I help my child with their homework if I don't speak the language or understand the assignment?

  • Will a second language interfere with my child’s English ability?

  • Will my child fall behind if he/she learns two languages?

  • Will my child learn the same things as students in the regular classes?

  • Will my child become proficient in the second language? How long will that take?

Preguntas frecuentes

  • ¿Qué es un Programa de Lenguaje Dual?

  • ¿Participarían todas las clases al mismo tiempo?

  • ¿Cómo funciona el programa?

  • ¿Mi estudiante tendrá dos maestros?

  • Cómo entenderá mi hijo de habla inglesa al maestro de español?

  • ¿Qué pasa si mi hijo no habla inglés o español?

  • ¿Cómo puedo ayudar a mi hijo con su tarea si no hablo el idioma o no entiendo la tarea?

  • ¿Aprender un segundo idioma interferirá con la capacidad de inglés de mi hijo?

  • ¿Se retrasará mi hijo si aprende dos idiomas?

  • ¿Aprenderá mi hijo las mismas cosas que los estudiantes en las clases regulares?

  • ¿Cuánto tiempo tomará eso para que mi hijo sea competente en el segundo idioma?