Dual Language Academy

The BHUSD Dual Language Academy (DLA) is an educational program designed to develop fluent bilingual students who demonstrate academic excellence while fostering cross-cultural understanding, confidence, and biliteracy. Through this program, students engage in immersive instruction in both Spanish and English, beginning in Kindergarten or 1st Grade and continuing through 5th Grade.

This program is grounded in research-based instructional models proven to:
Enhance cognitive development and critical thinking
Foster higher academic achievement among both English-only and multilingual learners
Develop strong bilingual communication skills that prepare students for the California State Seal of Biliteracy
Increase long-term college and career opportunities in a global economy
Cultivate respect for diverse cultures and global citizenship
Strengthen personal confidence and academic perseverance

Spanish was selected as the target language due to its status as the second most widely spoken language in California and across the U.S., its rich availability of standards-aligned curriculum resources, and the depth of local professional development and bilingual educators.

 

The Dual Language Academy will be hosted at both El Rodeo Elementary and Horace Mann Elementary for the 2025–2026 school year. BHUSD will open one Kindergarten class at each school site and one 1st grade class at each school site.

Link to Zoom Recording
Link to Enroll