Communication and collaboration in the global marketplace will become increasingly valuable skills for our students as they prepare for college, careers, and citizenship after graduation. In Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program promises to prepare students for this 21st century reality. Students start the DLI program in kindergarten and continue their immersion experience each subsequent school year. Our rising kindergartners have an opportunity to develop proficiency in a new language in DLI classrooms at nine schools— Spanish at Annistown, Baldwin, Bethesda, Camp Creek, Ivy Creek, Level Creek, and Meadowcreek elementary schools; French at Trip ES; and Korean at Parsons ES.
DLI registration for new kindergartners starting school in 2021–22 is open April 12 through May 13 at 3 p.m. Families complete DLI registration on the DLI school’s website (links above). The schools may consider transfers if available slots are not filled by students in the school zone and families provide transportation. In addition to completing DLI registration paperwork, families should complete registration for kindergarten in an easy two-step process—online registration on the district website and a registration appointment at their child’s assigned elementary school.
In the DLI elementary school program, students spend half of the school day learning in English and the other half learning content areas in the target language (Spanish, French, or Korean). The program launches with kindergarten students, then builds by one grade level every year. The 2021-22 school year marks the eighth year for GCPS’ DLI program, with the district’s first DLI students participating in the DLI middle school program!
If you are unable to attend a DLI information session with a local school, watch a virtual information session on the website or contact GCPS’ Office of Foreign Language.