English-Spanish Dual Language Program
Participation in the English-Spanish Dual Language Program at John Adams Elementary School and Mount Vernon Community School is voluntary. Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students have the opportunity to learn Spanish and English through content based instruction in selected core subjects. Science and mathematics are taught in Spanish. Language arts, social studies, physical education, art, and music are taught in English. Students in the program continue to develop language and literacy skills in their primary language, while learning the same in their second language. The dual language program offers students an enriching and challenging learning environment. All curricula taught at John Adams and Mount Vernon meet local and state requirements. Students participating in the dual language program are held to the same academic standards as peers in other Alexandria City elementary schools.
John Adams Elementary School has offered its program since 1991. This program is offered to children in kindergarten through grade 5 already attending John Adams as well as children from across the city through a lottery process. Mount Vernon Community School started phasing in its dual language program in 2000 starting in kindergarten. The program is offered to children in the Mount Vernon Community attendance zone in grades K through 5.