Dual Language Immersion

Now Enrolling!

Enrollment Now Open for Dual Language Immersion Programs

Hodge and Valleydale Elementary Schools are now enrolling incoming Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten students for their Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program.

Dalton Elementary School is accepting enrollment for incoming Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students in its Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program.

Additionally, Dalton Elementary offers a Mandarin Language Enrichment Program for new students in grades 2–5.

We invite all interested families to explore these unique opportunities that support bilingualism, biliteracy, and multicultural awareness from an early age.

Click the link below to begin registration for our Dual Language Programs.

DLI Enrollment

Spanish | Valleydale Elementary

Now enrolling for Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and Kindergarten! Call 626-815-4700 for more information.

Valleydale Elementary School
700 South Lark Ellen Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702

Spanish | Hodge Elementary

Now enrolling for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and Kindergarten! Call 626-815-4800 for more information.

Hodge Elementary School
700 West Eleventh Street, Azusa, CA 91702

Mandarin | Dalton Elementary

Now enrolling for Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and Kindergarten! Call 626-967-6211 for more information.

Dalton Elementary School
500 East Tenth Street, Azusa, CA 91702

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?

Do I have to speak Spanish to have my child participate?

My child is 10 years old and not bilingual. Can they participate?

Will two languages confuse my child or slow down their academic progress?

There is no research to indicate that learning in two languages will confuse or slow down the rate of progress of students. In fact, there is significant research to indicate that two languages can enhance academic growth. Two languages also will not complicate any behavior problem or learning disability.

One note: all well-designed programs require consistent implementation. Moving children in and out of such programs reduces their effectiveness. To get the maximum benefits from a dual immersion program, plan on staying with the program for at least five years. Two languages require a larger vocabulary to be built, and the early years of the program will be critical toward laying a foundation upon which long-term academic success will be built.

What if my child seems frustrated by listening to English/Spanish?

Expect your child to feel a bit tired or frustrated during the first few months in the program. This is known as the “silent period,” when students are learning the way the new language sounds. Be encouraging and ask for positive feedback about what your student likes most in school each day. Children are very perceptive. If you are having doubts about the program, they will know it and feel similarly, no matter what you say to them. Your unwavering commitment and encouragement will support your child through times of frustration and onto bilingual proficiency.

In what language should I be reading to my child?

Please read aloud to your child in the language you are most comfortable with. It is very important to continue this special way of spending time together. You are not expected to read in Spanish or Mandarin if you do not speak Spanish or Mandarin, and in reverse, you are not expected to read in English if you do not speak English. Reading skills will transfer into the second language.

Coming Soon: 2026 - 2027 Mandarin and Spanish Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Informational Meetings

We are excited to announce that Azusa USD will soon host a series of informational meetings for families interested in enrolling their children in our Mandarin or Spanish Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs.

These sessions are designed to help parents and guardians understand the programs curriculum, the benefits of bilingualism, and the specific enrollment process for the upcoming academic year.

What to Expect:

Program Overview: Learn about our DLI program models and how students develop biliteracy in English and Mandarin or Spanish
Application Timelines: Get details on registration deadlines and process
Q&A Session: A time to have your DLI program questions answered

We are currently finalizing our meeting schedule. Official dates, times, and locations (including virtual options) will be posted here and sent via district email blasts in the coming weeks.

Dual Immersion Master Plan

DLIMasterPlan_SPANISHversionupddated12_25 (PDF)

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section