The HPS Dual Language Program is accepting applications starting in February for the 2024-25 school year. Families who already know they would like their children to participate are encouraged to complete an application as soon as possible. For families of PreK and kindergarten students who would like to know more before applying, tours have been scheduled as follows:
PreK Tours:
Kelly School, January 23, 9-10 a.m.
EN White School, January 24, 9-10 a.m.
Kindergarten Tours:
EN White School, January 30, 9-10 a.m.
Kelly School, February 1, 9-10 a.m.
Interested families may register for the tours here.
Holyoke Public Schools’ Dual Language program offers students the opportunity to learn in both English and Spanish. Through this innovative learning model, students are taught all grade-level subjects in both languages every day. The program’s goal is for students to 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 career. Students in dual-language immersion programs—including those who are native Spanish speakers—outperform their monolingual peers on standardized tests beginning in middle school.
E.N. White offers Dual Language for grades PreK-5. Kelly School currently offers Dual Language for grades PreK-3, which will expand to grades PreK-4 in the fall. Sullivan Middle School hosts the middle school Dual Language pathway, while Holyoke High School North hosts the high school Dual Language pathway.
“The dual language program is right for all students, including children who are Spanish dominant, English dominant, already bilingual, not yet exposed to either language, on an IEP or not on an IEP,” said HPS Associate Director of Multilingual Learning Laura Espinoza-Mufson. Students entering preschool must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2024 to be considered for the Dual Language program. All students applying for grades 2 and up will 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.
Students seeking admission to the Dual Language Program can apply through three lottery rounds.
Round 1 (opens February 12 and closes March 28). This round is open to all students across the district, but priorities will be for siblings currently enrolled in the dual language program, children of HPS employees, and residents of the E.N. White and Kelly zones.
Round 2 (opens April 1 and closes May 17). This round is open to all students across the district.
Rolling admission opens (date June 28) and is also open to all students across the district.
In making enrollment decisions, HPS aims to accept an equal balance of students who are Spanish-dominant speakers, English-dominant speakers, and bilingual speakers.