A. The program is two way, dual immersion program. It goes from Kindergarten to twelfth grade.

 B. It is a challenging and rigorous academic program in which Spanish is used as the primary language of instruction in the younger grade.

The goal of the program is to:

C. Develop high levels of proficiency in English and Spanish.

Ensure academic excellence in the two languages as outlined in the Common Core State Standards.

Cultivate an understanding and appreciation of other cultures and strengthen positive connections among students, their families, and the greater global community.

Empower parents to actively participate in their child’s education.

D. Develop flexibility in thinking through problem solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning in two languages.

E. Credentialed classroom teachers.

 English Learner Advisory Council (ELAC) is a school team made up of the school principal, bilingual parent advocate, and parent of English learning students. Its role is to plan for and promote student achievement for students in our school. Each year the ELAC reviews the School Parent Involvement Policy and the Annual English Learner Survey. ELAC is kept informed about English Language Development (ELD) program at Gates. Parents also participate in workshops that will support the learning of students at home

The focus of the program is for students to communicate with one another, collaborate, and think critically in all of the academic content areas in English and in Spanish. By the end of twelfth grade, students will have obtained the bilingual skills and multicultural competencies needed to succeed in our global society and economy.