Dual Language Immersion (DLI) is an approach to language learning that utilizes English and a partner language. Students learn academic content in either language. The goals of DLI programs are to:

• build bilingualism and biliteracy,
• develop intercultural/global competence,
• set high academic expectations for all students.

DLI programs are beneficial for all students enrolled. Longitudinal research studies show higher academic outcomes for all DLI students. This includes " English learners, native English speakers, Latinos, Caucasian Americans, Asian Americans, African Americans, students of low-income backgrounds, students identified as qualifying for Title 1, and students with special education needs of all categories of exceptionality." (Collier, V. P., & Thomas, W. P. (2017). Why Dual Language Schooling. Albuquerque: Dual Language Education of New Mexico/Fuente Press)

In FCPS, students spend half of their day learning math, science and health in French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish. The other half of the day, students are learning in English focusing on English language arts and social studies. Partner language and intercultural learning are integrated within each of the content areas. Students learn both languages through interesting and meaningful activities. DLI teachers use many manipulatives and hands-on activities to teach content area and language skills. All DLI programs follow the FCPS Program of Studies at each grade level. All DLI teachers are members of the school's grade-level teams.

One-Way Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program Model

The One-way (or World Language) DLI program model is used when DLI classes are predominantly filled with learners of the partner language. FCPS offers the One-way DLI program in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish at seven schools. One-way programs begin in kindergarten or first grade. FCPS uses a lottery to accept students for this program.

Two-Way Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program Model

The Two-way DLI program is used when DLI classes balance speakers and learners of the partner language. Both student populations serve as peer language models to each other. This model mutually benefits both student population. Two-way DLI programs are offered in Korean and Spanish at ten schools. All Two-way programs begin in kindergarten. FCPS uses a lottery to accept students for this program.

Benefits of Being Bilingual

Many studies show the advantages of bilingualism and biliteracy. Benefits range from cognitive to economic to socio-cultural. The Center for Applied Linguistics notes these benefits of early language learning.

“Learning a second language:

• Has a positive effect on intellectual growth
• Enriches a child's mental development
• Promotes flexible thinking 
• Develops greater sensitivity to language and a better ear for listening
• Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language
• Gives a child the ability to communicate with people they would otherwise not have the chance to know
• Opens the door to other cultures
• Helps children understand and appreciate people from other countries
• Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college
• Increases job opportunities

Enrollment Information

FCPS uses a lottery to accept students into kindergarten and grade 1 for this program. School Board Regulation 3312 governs the lottery process. Parents may attend informational meetings before registering for the lottery. All meetings include information for both One-way and Two-way DLI programs.

DLI program entry beyond the lottery process is granted at the principal’s discretion. Parents should contact the DLI school directly. School Board Regulation 3312 governs the process.

Schools

School-based lottery schools are only open to residents who live within the boundaries of these schools. If this is your base school and you are interested in applying, please contact the school directly.

County-wide lottery schools are open to all Fairfax County residents through a lottery process.

Lottery Registration

Transportation will not be provided for students residing outside the DLI school’s attendance area.

Middle School Immersion Transition Program

FCPS provides a middle school Immersion transition program for all students who have completed the elementary DLI program. Consult the FCPS Middle School Immersion Transition program website for additional information. Continued placement into the feeder middle school Immersion transition program of the elementary school attended is guaranteed.

High School Language Continuation

The immersion program ends after eighth grade and students return to their base high school to continue their language study.  If your base school does not offer the partner language, you may request a high school curricular student transfer for your child to continue their language study at the school closest to your home address open to transfers.  Please visit the FCPS Student Transfer website for details.

Research on Dual Language Immersion Education

• Top Ten Answers for Parents about Immersion Education
• Dual-Language Immersion Programs Raise Student Achievement in English
• What does Research Show about the Benefits of Language Learning?
• The Cognitive Benefits of Being Bilingual
• VDOE Guidance Document: Dual Language Immersion Education: Supporting K-12 Implementation in Virginia (PDF)