Two-Way Bilingual Program

The Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI) Program is a bilingual program offered to both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students in which the students learn how to read, write, and speak in both English and Spanish.

Emphasis on Spanish instruction in the early grades allows English-speaking students ample exposure to the target language-Spanish. English reading is introduced in Grade 3. Spanish-speakers have the opportunity to expand their vocabulary and build a strong base in their first language, enabling them to be more successful as they begin to acquire English orally, and later as they transfer reading and writing skills into English.

The following chart illustrates the percentages of Spanish/English instructional time at each grade level:

Upon completion of the 5th grade Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Academy students move on to Hawthorne Middle School where the academy continues for 6th grade and a Spanish for Spanish-speakers elective is available.