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 schools will offer dual language programs for kindergarten students entering in the 2024-2025 school year: Frances Willard and New Stanley Elementary schools.  

Students entering kindergarten in the 2024-2025 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 and New Stanley will be given priority for the dual language programs. All other students' applications will be considered on a space available at each school site.  The application will be available on this website in early March 2024.  A lottery will be implemented to grant students admission into the program if space is available. 

Transportation will be provided for students who qualify per USD 500 policy and within each school’s attendance area. 

Students residing outside of Frances Willard school’s attendance boundary who are admitted into the program will be provided bus transportation.  Students preferring to attend New Stanley and residing outside of the New Stanley's attendance boundary will be 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 2024-2025 school year and are in the attendance zones of Frances Willard and New Stanley 

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.