Dual Language Program

Dual-language immersion is a way to learn academic content while acquiring another language at the same time.  KCKPS students will be learning Spanish and English throughout the school day. 

Dual language is a long-term program with the goal of developing bilingualism, biliterate and cultural appreciation in all students.

Students entering kindergarten with either English or Spanish as their native language will immediately start learning a second language while continuing to develop their native home language. Students naturally want to learn and readily absorb the dual language instruction. 

Dual language students develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in two languages, building academic fluency in both English and Spanish.

The research shows that solidifying the home language builds a foundation of grammar, reading and writing in Spanish that will be an advantage to transition more fluently to English.  There will also be strong acknowledgment of their culture and heritage, which is an important part of having well-rounded students.

Our native English-speaking students get to be immersed in the Spanish language and will be functionally biliterate and bilingual by the time they complete 5th grade.  This model results in better vocabulary and language acquisition for all students.

As in other education programs, strong home-school connections are essential to the success of dual language programs. We ask that parents show their commitment to ensure their student’s success by committing to the program for the full duration of their child’s elementary schooling ( through 5th grade).

The following school will offer dual language programs beginning with entering kindergarten students for the 2023-2024 school year: Frances Willard Elementary, New Stanley Elementary, and Silver City Elementary.  Each school year a new grade level will be added until a K-5 model is completed in 2028-2029 school year. Annual admission will be granted at the kindergarten level each preceding school year.

Students entering kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year.  A student must be five years old by Aug. 31 to be eligible for the program per state of Kansas regulations. 

Students who reside in the attendance boundary of Frances Willard, New Stanley and Silver City will be given priority for the dual language programs. All other students' applications will be considered on a space available at each school site.  A lottery will be implemented to grant students admission into the program if space is available. Transportation will not be provided for students outside each school's attendance area.

Transportation will only be provided for students who qualify per USD 500 policy and only within each school’s attendance area.  Students residing outside of each school’s attendance area will need to provide their own transportation.

Students will spend half of their day learning in Spanish and the other half learning in English, a 50/50 model.  The academic subjects and content will not change only the language of instruction.  All academic content will meet grade level standards.  

The dual language program is not about learning the language only, but rather learning through that language; instructional minutes are spent learning the same math, science, and social studies standards as non-dual language students, only in the Spanish or English language. Dual language students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in two languages, building academic fluency in both Spanish and Spanish.

Students entering kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year and are in the attendance zones of Frances Willard, New Stanley, and Silver City. 

For students who are outside the boundary areas of these schools, your first step is still to register your child for kindergarten on the district website.