FONTANA, CA – Redwood Elementary School will launch a Spanish dual-language immersion (DLI) program in 2019-20, providing native English speakers and English learners the opportunity to develop biliteracy and bilingualism through standards-based curriculum.

Redwood will be the District’s second dual-language immersion school, joining Dolores Huerta International Academy in teaching students to read, write and communicate effectively in English and Spanish.

The program will begin with a pilot kindergarten class and expand each year as the inaugural class advances, eventually providing kindergarten- through sixth-grade DLI instruction.

“Studies show dual-language students experience increased cognitive benefits and improve academic growth compared with their counterparts,” FUSD Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “We are proud to offer dual-language instruction as part of our mission to provide an educational experience that prepares students for college, careers and beyond.”

The program will follow a 90:10 Spanish-to-English instruction model beginning in kindergarten, with the share of Spanish instruction decreasing annually until achieving a 50:50 balance by the time students reach sixth grade.

“We at Redwood are proud to become a dual-language immersion school, to help foster bilingualism and biliteracy and to enhance awareness of cultural diversity,” Redwood Principal Eduardo Gomez said. “This program will challenge students academically and help them to be more successful in a global world.”

Registration for Redwood’s kindergarten dual-language immersion classes will begin Feb. 4 and conclude March 15.

For more information about Redwood’s Spanish dual-language immersion program, visit www.fusd.net or www.fusdweb.com/sites/elem/Redwood.