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Dual Language Program

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Enrique Castro

Coordinator for English Learner (EL) and Bilingual Programs
Phone: 224-765-3057
Email: ecastro@nssd112.org

If you have any questions about dual language or EL programs, please contact Mr. Castro.

2025-2026 Dual Language Registration is Open!

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is open. For families with incoming kindergarten and first grade students, this is also your opportunity to express your interest in the dual language program. Please visit our registration page to complete this process.

Please note that if the number of English-speaking dual language applicants exceeds the available slots, a lottery is held to ensure we are able to maintain the 50-50 enrollment balance. You must complete your dual language application by Friday, February 28 in order to be included in the lottery. Scroll down on this page to learn more about the lottery.

Dual Language Program

The District 112 Dual Language Program, which has been running for more than 25 years, is a Spanish and English immersion option available for students from preschool through eighth grade. The program is designed to develop academic and cultural competence, as well as bilingualism, starting at a young age. In dual language classrooms, approximately half of the students are Spanish speakers and half are English speakers, and they are taught by specially trained bilingual teachers. Reading and writing are introduced in both English and Spanish from kindergarten, while math is primarily taught in English with connections to Spanish in grades K-5. Science and social studies are integrated with language arts, providing context and authentic language learning experiences for all students.

The program’s goals are to help students achieve high levels of proficiency in both languages, maintain high academic achievement, and develop positive attitudes toward language and diverse cultures. Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom and after-school activities. 

Students are encouraged to stay in the program from kindergarten through eighth grade to achieve these goals, maintain a continuous educational plan, and preserve the language balance essential to the program. Dual language students also have opportunities at the middle and high school levels in District 113, where they can earn the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy and the Highland Park High School Dual Language Seal.

In addition to the dual language program, the district offers comprehensive ESL services across all schools. For more information, you can review the program FAQ and other resources on this page, or learn more through the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC).

Dual Language Program Information Night 2025

English

Spanish

Who is eligible for the dual language program?

Incoming kindergarten students are eligible for our dual language program, which follows a 50-50 enrollment model with equal numbers of Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students to foster a dynamic bilingual environment.

In some cases, first graders and transfer students may also be eligible.

Spanish-Speaking Students: Students who qualify for English Language (EL) services and speak Spanish as their home language are automatically invited to join the program. Additionally, students with Spanish language proficiency, as determined by District 112 staff, or those who have attended a dual language program elsewhere, may be eligible to join in later grades if space is available.

English-Speaking Students: Families residing within District 112 may apply for their child to enroll in kindergarten. Those who have attended a dual language program elsewhere may be eligible to join in later grades if space is available. The number of spots for English-speaking students depends on the enrollment of Spanish-speaking students.

First Grade Students: First grade students may also be eligible to join the program, depending on enrollment numbers. If necessary, a lottery may be used to allocate any available spots.

If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact Enrique Castro at ecastro@nssd112.org.

Dual Language Lottery

If the number of English-speaking applicants exceeds the available slots, a lottery is held to ensure we are able to maintain the 50-50 enrollment balance. English-speaking students not selected in the lottery are placed on a wait list.

  • To be eligible for the kindergarten lottery, all families must complete the registration process. During this process, you will be asked to express your interest in the dual language program. Registration will open on February 3, 2025.
     
  • To be eligible for the first grade lottery, families must fill out and submit an application.

To be considered for dual language in the lottery pull, registration and the application must be completed by Friday, February 28. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on the waiting list in the order they are received.

Priority Placement
Priority placement is only available to families who complete registration and application process by February 28, 2025. Priority placement will follow this order:

  1. Student has siblings currently enrolled in the dual language program
  2. Student attends the early childhood dual language program at Oak Terrace 

A date for the lottery will be shared soon. All applicants will receive communication on their application status following the lottery pull.

If you have any questions about the dual language lottery, please contact Enrique Castro at ecastro@nssd112.org.

An image showing the three pillars of Bilingual Education

Biliteracy and Bilingualism

This pillar emphasizes the importance of developing proficiency in both English and Spanish. The goal is not only to enable students to communicate effectively but also to think and understand concepts in both languages. This proficiency supports cognitive development and academic achievement in all subject areas.

High Academic Achievement

The second pillar focuses on ensuring that students achieve academic success in all subject areas, not just in language learning. The aim is to ensure that bilingual education enhances learning opportunities and outcomes for students.

Sociocultural Competency

This pillar underscores the importance of students developing an understanding and appreciation of multiple cultures. It involves recognizing and valuing diversity, fostering a positive identity and developing the skills to navigate and bridge different cultural contexts. This is critical for personal development, social integration and global citizenship.

Additional Dual Language Questions and Answers

Overview: District 112 Dual Language Immersion Program

In an effort to celebrate and promote this special instructional program, we have created this video narrated by Northwood Middle School 6th-grade student Rafael Pickle (narrated in Spanish with English subtitles).

 

Dual Language Instruction in Kindergarten

This video shows literacy instruction in a kindergarten dual language classroom. It focuses on learning to read in both languages and student engagement.

 

 

 

Dominican Republic Capstone Trip Documentary

More than thirty 8th-grade Dual Language students and chaperones went on a service learning trip to the Dominican Republic. This trip was a capstone to their District 112 Dual Language experience.

 

 

Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher Ms Ashley Servin

Meet112 episode featuring Dual Language Kindergarten Teacher Ms. Ashley Servin.