Dual Language Program

Students who participate in District 58’s Dual Language Program receive instruction in both English and Spanish. During the 2024-25 school year, this program is offered to native English and native Spanish speakers in grades K-2 (two-way immersion model), as well as to native Spanish speakers in grades 1-8 (one-way immersion model). During the upcoming 2025-26 school year, the two-way immersion model will be offered to students in grades K-3.

Dual Language Program Benefits:

  • Dual Language students experience the same classes and content as students in general education.
  • The program uses students’ English and Spanish language skills to develop their understanding of content.
  • The program is taught by certified and experienced District 58 bilingual teachers.
  • In kindergarten, students learn 80% in Spanish and 20% in English. This framework builds students’ native literacy skills.
  • By the end of third grade, instruction will be 50% in Spanish and 50% in English.

Program Models

One-Way Immersion Model
Our one-way program serves native Spanish-speaking students who qualify as English learners. Students develop language and content knowledge in their heritage language and in English. District 58 is shifting to a two-way immersion model. In 2024-25, the one-way program is serving grades 3-8; in 2025-26, this program will serve grades 4-8.

Two-Way Immersion Model
Our two-way immersion model houses a balanced number of native English speakers and native Spanish speakers who are integrated for instruction so that both groups of students serve in the role of language model and language learner at different times. During the 2024-25 school year, District 58 provides a two-way immersion model for grades K-2. This program takes place at El Sierra School and will expand by one grade level in future years (i.e. in 2025-26, the two-way program will serve grades K-3; in 2026-27, it will serve grades K-4, etc.)

Program Structure

The Dual Language Program uses a consistent process to develop biliteracy in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies and social-emotional learning. Students begin learning content lessons in one language. As students develop an understanding of the content, the teacher leads a “bridge” lesson, which connects vocabulary and ideas from one language to the other. This lesson covers academic language, grammar, sentence structure and formal language usage. Students do additional content lessons to extend learning in the other language. Students achieve a solid understanding of the lesson’s content in both languages.

Seal of Biliteracy

The State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other foreign, or world, languages. Our Dual Language students are on track to receive the seal of biliteracy.

Dual Language Program Registration

Interested in registering your child for the Dual Language Program? We look forward to welcoming you! For the 2025-26 school year, the Dual Language Program is open to all incoming kindergarten students, returning Dual Language Program students, and transfer students who have participated in a Dual Language Program in their previous school district.

The registration process for returning Dual Language Program students is coming soon.

If your child is new to District 58, meets the above requirements, and is interested in joining the Dual Language Program in 2025-26, please complete the following steps:

  1. Fill out this Dual Language Program Interest Form. Our team will collect your information and keep you updated on Dual Language Program information. A staff member will reach out to you for screening purposes if Spanish is spoken at home. If English is your prominent language, you will hear about program placement in early June.
  2. Attend the annual Dual Language Parent Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the El Sierra School Gym, 6835 Fairmount, Downers Grove. The information will be presented both in English and Spanish and cover program goals, benefits of bilingualism, language allocation and enrollment steps.
  3. Complete student registration in winter/spring 2025 at www.dg58.org/registration. This is the general student registration process and not specific to Dual Language; however, all students must complete the regular registration process to be considered for the Dual Language Program. Registration will open in February 2025.

Dual Language Resources

District 58 Contact Information

Sandy Cristobal, Dual Language Coordinator: scristobal@dg58.org, 630-719-2774

The Dual Language Program is housed at El Sierra School, 6835 Fairmount Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60516, 630-719-5825.