For families of young children who may not be familiar with the district’s Dual Language program, HPS has scheduled family tours in both English and Spanish at the two elementary schools that offer the program for students in grades PreK-5.
The Dual Language program is for families that are interested in their children learning in both Spanish and English in order to become bilingual and biliterate. It will be offered next year at E.N. White Elementary for grades PreK-5, at Kelly Elementary for grades PreK-4, at Sullivan Middle for grades 6-8, and at HHS North for grades 9-11. The program helps students reach high levels of academic achievement, bilingualism, and biliteracy in a safe and engaging learning environment that values multiculturalism while preparing students for college and careers.
The upcoming tours are intended for families with children who will be entering PreK or kindergarten in the fall. Interested families should register in advance to participate in a tour.
Friday, January 31, 9-10 a.m, with tour information provided in English
Friday, February 7, 9-10 a.m., with tour information provided in Spanish
E.N. White School tours
Monday, February 3, 9-10 a.m., with tour information provided in English
Thursday, February 6, 9-10 a.m., with tour information provided in Spanish
All HPS students interested in enrolling in the district’s Dual Language program can apply beginning in February. Returning students do not need to reapply.
“While we certainly encourage our youngest students to enroll in dual language, the program is right for ALL students, including students who are dominant in English, Spanish, or another language,” said Associate Director of Multilingual Learning Laura Espinoza-Mufson. “Dual language is also a good fit for students who are already bilingual or who have not yet been exposed to either language, and also for students who have an IEP or don’t have an IEP.”
HPS strives to accept an equal balance of students who are Spanish-dominant speakers, English-dominant speakers, and bilingual speakers, based on the following requirements:
Students entering preschool must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025.
All students applying for grades 1 and up will need to be evaluated to determine their verbal, written, and reading level in Spanish. Those students must meet the Spanish language criteria for the grade they are applying to in order to be accepted into that grade.