Spanish Language Immersion

Our Mission: To develop lifelong learners who are academically successful, culturally responsive, and prepared to thrive in a multilingual world.

Milford School District is pleased to continue our district Spanish Immersion Program.  Students in the Immersion Program will share their day between two classrooms with a team of two teachers. The Spanish partner teacher will only speak the target language (Spanish) to the children and will instruct math, science, and Spanish literacy. The students will learn to read, write, and speak the target language (Spanish). The English partner teacher will teach reading, writing, social studies, and offer bridge lessons to support math, science, and social studies concepts. 

At this time, our Spanish Immersion Program is limited to a certain number of Kindergarten students. Due to limited space in the Immersion Program, families are encouraged to complete the lottery application below for their child to be considered for this academic opportunity. Children selected for the Spanish Immersion Program will be notified during the summer prior to the start of the school year.

Frequently Asked Questions      Interest Form      DLI Brochure (translated)

Program Overview

The Milford School District’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program is designed to develop students who are bilingual, biliterate, and culturally competent through high-quality instruction in both English and Spanish. Our program follows a research-based immersion model that integrates language development with rigorous academic content, allowing students to learn literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies in both languages.

Through intentional instructional practices, strong family partnerships, and a commitment to equity and excellence, Milford’s DLI program empowers students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and global citizens. By fostering inclusive learning environments and honoring students’ linguistic and cultural identities, the program prepares learners for long-term academic success, college and career readiness, and meaningful participation in a diverse, interconnected world.

Program Model:

• Balanced English & Spanish instruction
• Certified bilingual educators
• Integrated literacy development
• Content-based language learning

Benefits:

Dual language immersion offers children the opportunity to become proficient in two languages, enhancing cognitive skills, cultural awareness, and communication abilities. Research shows that bilingualism can lead to better problem-solving skills, increased creativity, and improved academic performance across subjects.

Children in dual language programs develop a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, fostering empathy and global citizenship. By participating in this enriching experience, your child not only gains valuable language skills but also becomes a more adaptable and open- minded individual.

In addition, dual language immersion helps students build confidence, resilience, and strong communication skills that support success in and beyond the classroom. As students learn to navigate academic content in two languages, they develop perseverance, flexibility, and critical thinking abilities. These skills prepare them for future academic challenges, leadership opportunities, and meaningful participation in a diverse and interconnected world.

Why DLI?

• Two Languages
• Strong Academics
• Cultural Competence
• Leadership Skills

DLI K-12 Experience:

In grades K-5, Elementary Immersion students spend 50% of their instructional day learning in their immersion language.

In grades 6-8, Middle School Immersion Continuation students deepen their immersion language skills and cultural competencies. Each year, they take an advanced immersion language course designed to develop greater precision in immersion and prepare them for their high school immersion courses. They also take their social studies class each year in the immersion language, which provides them with rich opportunities to engage in cross-cultural discussions. Approximately 30% of a student’s day is spent learning in the immersion language.

Beginning in Grade 9, High School Immersion Continuation students strengthen their language proficiency through rigorous, real-world academic and career-focused learning. When ready, students may enroll in AP Language and Culture, preparing them for advanced study and eligibility for the Bridge Program.

Successful completion of AP coursework positions students to earn the Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy as early as ninth grade.

In Grades 10–12, students continue through the Bridge Program, extending their language and content learning into college and workforce pathways through opportunities such as dual-credit and dual-enrollment courses, including partnerships with the Delaware State University.

Why Chose Dual Language Immersion?

Two-way Dual Language Immersion

• Students leave our program bilingual, biliterate, and  bicultural
• Native English speakers learn Spanish and native Spanish speakers learn English together
• Students take Spanish Literacy/Language Arts, Math and Science in Spanish
• Students take English Language Arts, Social Studies and Content Transfer/Academic Language Development in English
• Parents of students in the Dual Language Immersion Program are excited with the results and pleased to see their children achieving academic success, while they become global citizens. Most recommend the program to other parents because they have seen their children thrive.

The goals of Dual Language Immersion are to:

• Support the development of two languages
• Develop critical thinking skills useful in other areas
• Promote self esteem
• Teach respect for other cultures
• Promote collaboration when students work in pairs
• Increase creativity

How to Enroll:

To enroll your incoming kindergarten student, please contact Morris Early Childhood Center.  Students are selected based on a lottery system.