Dual Language Program
DUAL IMMERSION IN GGUSD
Spanish
GGUSD boasts two full Spanish Dual Immersion Schools for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade students at Monroe Elementary Language Academy and for preschool through sixth grade at Russell Elementary Language Academy. New in the 2025-2026 school year, GGUSD launched its third Spanish Dual Immersion Program at Simmons Elementary beginning transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students. The Spanish program follows a 90/10 model where students begin learning in Spanish 90% of the time and in English 10%. By the end of sixth grade, they are learning in both languages 50 percent of the time. Students who successfully complete the program in elementary school have the opportunity to continue in the Spanish Dual Immersion Pathway at Fitz Intermedate School and Los Amigos High School.
Vietnamese
Murdy Elementary School Vietnamese Dual Immersion beginning in transitional kindergarten and also has a traditional English instruction program. Students who successfully complete the program in elementary school have the opportunity to continue in the Vietnamese Pathway at McGarvin Intermediate School.
Dual language students outperform their peers in English-only programs. Students in dual immersion programs have high levels of self-esteem, high academic competence and motivation. Students are better prepared for the global job market where a second language gives them a competitive edge!
In a dual language immersion program, students are taught the same curriculum as their peers in English-only schools and are expected to meet the same state standards as all other students in the district. Students may only begin the Spanish and Vietnamese dual language programs in transitional kindergarten or kindergarten and commit to remaining in the program through 6th grade. The Spanish program follows a 90:10 program model which refers to the language of instruction. In TK/K 90% of the instruction is in Spanish. As the student gradually moves up in grades, the language of instruction will gradually increase in English until the program reaches a 50:50.The Vietnamese program follows a 50:50 model Which refers to 50% of the instructional day is in English and 50% in Vietnamese. At Heritage Computer Science Academy, technology is infused into the curriculum at every grade level across content areas.
Interested families need to attend a dual language orientation at their school of choice (Monroe, Russell, Murdy, Heritage, Simmons). Applications to the program are completed after the orientation. If accepted, this becomes your new permanent school. Students and parents do NOT have to be bilingual to be successful in the program. This program is designed for three types of students:
- English Learners whose home language is Spanish or Vietnamese
- Bilingual students who speak Spanish and English or English and Vietnamese
- English proficient students
- Students with an interest in technology
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Contact Information
For more information about the Dual Spanish Immersion Program, contact the Office of K-12 Educational Services
Phone: (714) 663-6005
Email: duallanguage@ggusd.us
Tanya Avina
Director of English Learner Programs