Dual language education takes advantage of the school community’s gifts of language and culture and places students together to learn from one another about their language and culture. The best way to learn a new language is in real-life, everyday situations. The goal of the program is for students to become bilingual, bi-literate students who will have an advantage in a multicultural world.

No, the teachers maintain instruction in one language for the entire time in the immersion classroom. Teachers encourage peer support and communicative interactions. The goal is to provide 50% of the instructional time in Spanish and 50% in English.

The dual language program began with PreK 4 in the 2017-2018 school year. The program is designed to to progress to the next grade level each school year. In 2024-2025, all Pre-K4 through sixth grade students will receive curriculum instruction in both languages.

2017-2018 PreK 4

2018-2019 Kindergarten

2019-2020 First Grade

2020-2021 Second Grade

2021-2022 Third Grade

2022-2023 Fourth Grade

2023-2024 Fifth Grade

2024-2025 Sixth Grade

By 2027 St. John Vianney School will be a fully bilingual, dual language school. That means students will be bilingual and bi-literate and achieve academically at or above grade level in both languages.

The research shows that it takes from 3 – 7 years to develop native-like proficiency in a second language. If a child has little or no exposure to a second language, he/she will go through a silent period. It is during this time that the student will not respond orally in the second language. It is important to encourage them to speak in whatever language they feel comfortable. As they increase their comprehension, they will slowly begin to respond in their second language.

Information from the U.S. Secretary of Education, John B. King recognizes the universal facts that the number of children ages 5 – 17 in the U.S. who speak a language other than English at home has more than doubled in the past three decades. These home languages are an asset that should be valued. Research shows that supporting bilingualism from early ages can have wide-ranging benefits.

TWIN- CS is an acronym for Two Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools.

A partnership with Boston College allows us access to the best development and research of language immersion education. Joining the TWIN-CS assists us in transforming into the school our team envisions it to be: a vibrant, diverse, Christ-centered learning environment for all children who walk through our doors.

TWIN-CS PROGRAM GOALS

Bilingualism: Development of high levels of oral proficiency in the student’s first and second language

Bi-literacy: Performing at or above grade level in academic areas in both languages

Multiculturalism: Demonstrating positive cross-cultural attitudes, behaviors, and high levels of self-esteem

Family Involvement: Family involvement is an important and essential component to the program and its success. Families become active in their child’s education through at home assignments, school programs, and online videos.