Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program

The mission of Tustin Unified School District’s Dual Immersion program is to create academically competent, bilingual, and biliterate students through research-based practice and differentiated instruction while enriching all language learners in a cross-cultural environment.

Our Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program, following the Two-Way Immersion 90/10 model, offers students from both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking backgrounds an exceptional opportunity to achieve bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding. Students are immersed in Spanish instruction starting in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) while gradually increasing English instruction over the years to reach a 50/50 balance by 4th and 5th grade.
 

Program Goals

• Students will develop biliterate and bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish.
• Students will reach high levels of academic achievement in both languages and work toward the Seal of Biliteracy, which can be earned in High School.
• Students will become cross-cultural ambassadors for our school community and global society.

What is Dual Immersion?

Spanish Dual Immersion integrates native English speakers and native Spanish speakers for instruction so that both groups serve as language models for each other.

• Instruction in the early grades is primarily in Spanish (90%) with purposeful English instruction.
• Research shows that basic interpersonal skills in a second language are typically acquired within 3–5 years, while academic language takes 5–7 years.
• Our program continues through middle school and beyond, preparing students for long-term success.

Is This Program Right for Your Family?

• Is your student eligible for TK or Kindergarten based on the TUSD Age Enrollment Chart for the 2025-26 school year?
• Are you committed to participating in the program from TK-5 or K-5?
• Do you value bilingualism, biliteracy, and multicultural education?
• Will you support your child’s Spanish language learning at home?

If you answered “YES” to all of these questions, this program could be the right fit for your child. Please visit our TUSD Transfer and Enrollment page for more information about enrolling your child.