Requests for late entry into the Dual Immersion program must be submitted by Spring 2025. Exact dates will be announced later Please fill out the Late Entry Form if you are interested in a late entry for your student. 

First Grade Entry 

Students interested in transferring to the Dual Immersion program in 1st grade: 

• Must be enrolled in the Telluride R-1 School District 
• Must be on grade level in English OR come from an environment where they have been immersed in the target language 

Additional criteria may include: 

• Availability of space in the program 
• Teacher recommendations 
• Student interview 
• **Target language assessment 

Should there be more students interested in transferring to the program in 1st grade than space allows, then position on the waitlist from kindergarten will be taken into account.  Additionally, it may become necessary to hold a lottery for the spots available. 

Entry after 1st Grade 

• Students interested in transferring to the Dual Immersion program after 1st grade: 
• Must be enrolled in the Telluride R-1 School District 
• Must be on grade level in English OR come from an environment where they have been immersed in the target language 
• **Must complete an assessment of their skills in the target language 

Additional criteria may include: 

• Availability of space in the program 
• Teacher recommendations 
• Student interview 

Should there be more students interested in transferring to the program than space allows, it may become necessary to hold a lottery for the spots available. 

Target Language Assessment 

The Telluride School District currently uses the STAMP assessment to evaluate language proficiency in Spanish.  Avant STAMP 4S/4Se is a general language proficiency assessment of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills. The 4S version is designed for second-language learners aged 13 and older in school grades seven and above including middle and high schools, college and university students, and adults.  The 4Se version is designed for students in elementary grades.  Avant STAMP uses authentic texts and audio in situations the learner may encounter in the real world.

Students that wish to transfer to the dual immersion program will need to score on grade level in the target language in order to show their potential for success in the program.  

Click here for a demo assessment.

Does dual language education work? 

Yes! The first dual language programs began in Canada (French & English) and Florida (Spanish & English) over 30 years ago. Since then, this dynamic model has spread around the world, wherever parents and teachers want their children to become both academically successful and bilingual/bicultural. The average student who enters a dual language program at kindergarten or first grade speaking only English will graduate achieving at or above national averages on English-language standardized tests, as well as slightly below grade level in Spanish. 

It takes most people 5-7 years to become fully fluent in a second language. What this means for students in a dual language program is that the first 2-3 years are the most challenging. All language learners go through a ‘silent period’ where they take in their new language but can’t yet speak it themselves. This is followed by a long ‘early production’ period, where the person understands much more than they can express. Families and beginning teachers often worry during the first few years of a child’s dual language education that the child is falling behind in their native language and not really picking up the second language. Just like a toddler learning to speak, this silent period is natural and necessary for the student. Once the child is ready, he or she will interact with peers and teachers in both languages. 

Will my child become frustrated? 

It is common for there to be an adjustment phase in the beginning.  Some children may be mildly frustrated or say, “Why doesn’t my teacher just speak to me in English?”  However, the teachers in the dual language classrooms will be experienced in the instruction of language learners.  They will be trained in language acquisition strategies and developmentally appropriate activities for their grade levels.  Children will learn language actively through practice with their peers, with the support of visual cues, physical prompts, playful repetition and daily routine. 

I am not bilingual. How can I support my child with homework? 

Parents can help in their native language by reading, writing, and talking to their children about what they are learning.  Research shows that students with strong skills and background knowledge in their native languages can transfer those skills to the second language.  Parents can also encourage cross-cultural friendships, birthday parties, and playdates.

Do I need to commit to the full K-5 Program? 

It takes most people 5-7 years to become “fully fluent” in a second language. Social, non-academic language is acquired more quickly. Successful bilingual students need to acquire the ability to read, write, and study at high levels in two languages.  To reach those high levels of academic fluency in both languages, a commitment to the K-5 program is necessary. 

Does my child need to enroll in full day Kindergarten? 

Yes.  The dual immersion program classes are full day (3:10 p.m.). Scholarships are available.  

Additional Benefits of Dual Language Instruction

• Enhanced levels of meta-linguistic awareness (i.e., knowledge of how language works), which has proven to be important to reading acquisition. 

• Improved performance versus monolingual students on tasks that call for divergent thinking, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. 

• Additional knowledge and understanding of one’s native language. 

• Greater understanding, tolerance, appreciation, and respect for other languages and cultures. 

• Ability to communicate with other ethnic and cultural groups. 

• Ability to take advantage of opportunities that are available only in other languages. 

• Enhanced employment opportunities once school is completed. 

Get more information by taking a look at our Bilingual Presentation!

November 12, 2024

Handbook (English)

Handbook (Spanish)