Unlock a World of Opportunities with the Dual Language Immersion Program

Communication in multiple languages is more than a skill—it’s a gateway to cultural understanding, academic success, and global opportunities. The Ocean View School District (OVSD) Spanish Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program at Harbour View Elementary offers students the chance to become fluent in both English and Spanish while excelling academically.

In the DLI program, English-speaking models and Spanish-speaking models interact and learn in an enriched environment to build fluency in two languages. The curriculum covers core academic subjects, including English language arts, math, science, and social studies, while immersing students in Spanish to develop strong bilingual and biliterate skills. The program follows a 90/10 instructional model, meaning that in kindergarten, 90 percent of the instruction is in Spanish and 10 percent in English. Each year, English instruction increases by 10 percent until reaching a balanced 50/50 instruction ratio for fourth and fifth grade​.

The benefits of learning in a dual language setting go beyond language proficiency. Research shows that students in dual language programs often outperform their monolingual peers linguistically and cognitivly skills. Students in the DLI program achieve high levels of academic success in both languages while developing an appreciation for diverse cultures. Learning in a multilingual environment fosters respect and empathy for others, enhances problem-solving skills, and strengthens cognitive flexibility. Bilingual students also enjoy increased career and travel opportunities, making them better prepared for a globalized world​.

Students enrolled in the program express their excitement for learning another language. Natalia, a fourth-grade student, shares that the program helps her read and write in Spanish and allows her to communicate when traveling. Kai, another fourth grader, enjoys the sense of community in the program and values the ability to understand and speak Spanish when visiting Spanish-speaking countries​.

Parents interested in providing their children with the gift of bilingualism can begin the enrollment process at air.ovsd.org. Families residing outside the district can apply for an interdistrict transfer. With the ability to communicate in two languages, students gain a competitive advantage in academics, career opportunities, and cultural understanding. The Dual Language Immersion Program at Harbour View Elementary is the first step toward a brighter, bilingual future​.