How to Apply

Dual Language Program Enrollment Information 

Who is eligible to enroll in the Dual Language Program?

Given the sequential nature of the Dual Language Program, students typically enroll in kindergarten or first grade. Priority is given to applicants who reside in the school attendance zone. While Mount Vernon Community School has a full-school dual language program in which all students who attend are automatically enrolled, John Adams Elementary School has a program strand within a larger, traditional school setting. Francis C. Hammond and George Washington Middle Schools offer program strands within a traditional middle school setting.

Any student seeking admission to the Dual Language Program in grades 2-8 will be assessed to ensure that the student possesses the Spanish language skills necessary to fully access and participate in the dual language curriculum. Families interested in seeking a programmatic transfer may contact the dual language coordinator for more information regarding program requirements, enrollment criteria, and expectations.

How can my child apply?

Student placement in the Dual Language Program is determined by a combination of factors, including the student's attendance zone and program capacity. In addition, the program design requires a balanced enrollment of students from homes in which English is spoken and homes in which Spanish is spoken.

Programmatic Transfers

Slots for students who live outside the attendance zone of Mount Vernon or John Adams are limited. Schools will receive transfers from outside the attendance zone only if space  is available for that year and grade level. Families must request a programmatic transfer if they are interested in applying to the Dual Language Program, however there is no guarantee of admission. Programmatic transfers are approved by the Superintendent or authorized designee. 

All students must be registered in their boundary school before alternative student placement can be made. In addition to the programmatic transfer request, John Adams requires students to complete an application.

If the number of students seeking programmatic transfers to the Dual Language Program exceeds the available spaces, then after July 1, all of the students with new programmatic transfer applications will enter a lottery for random selection. Siblings of students who have received programmatic transfers will be admitted if they meet the dual language eligibility requirements.

Transportation is provided for families approved for an administrative transfer to the Dual Language Program. (See School Board Policy JC-R/JCD-R for more information about programmatic transfers.)

What if my child wants to opt out?

Students who do not wish to enroll in the Dual Language program may participate in the traditional curriculum program if it is available at the school. In the case that a student is zoned for a fully dual language school, families may request a programmatic transfer to the school closest to the student's residence with capacity at the student's grade level.