If you are considering the Spanish Dual Immersion program at Washington Elementary, I encourage you to carefully research the program and speak with current and former families before making a decision.
My children entered the program as native Spanish speakers, and we speak Spanish at home. We considered them fluent when they enrolled and hoped the program would provide a rich bilingual environment where both native speakers and English learners could benefit from one another.
Unfortunately, our experience has been disappointing. Over the years, we have observed a decline in the number of native Spanish-speaking students participating in the program, which has made it feel less balanced and less mutually beneficial than we originally expected.
As native speakers, my children were often expected to support classmates who were learning Spanish, which sometimes created additional pressure rather than allowing them to focus on their own growth and learning. We also felt that classroom placements were not always equitable and that our children did not have the same opportunities to learn from some of the more experienced teachers in the program.
The biggest concern for our family has been the social and emotional experience. While every family's experience will be different, our children faced significant challenges that at times made us question whether the program was the right fit for them. We believe all students, especially native speakers who are essential to the success of a dual immersion program, deserve a supportive environment where they feel safe, valued, and able to thrive.
After exploring other Dual Immersion programs in neighboring districts, I believe there are stronger options available that provide a more supportive environment for native Spanish-speaking students and their families. I would encourage parents to research multiple programs, visit campuses, and ask detailed questions before making a decision.
I share this review not because I oppose bilingual education, in fact, I strongly support it. because I believe families deserve a complete picture of the program. Ask questions about native-speaker representation, classroom placement practices, teacher experience, student retention, and social-emotional support before enrolling. read more