Visalia Unified expands dual language immersion program to third elementary school

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- More students in Visalia Unified School District now have the opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate thanks to the expansion of the district's Dual Language Immersion program.

This school year marks the addition of a third elementary school offering the program, with transitional kindergarten students at Crowley Elementary School becoming the newest participants.

Inside the classroom, students spend their day immersed in Spanish, learning through activities such as story time, reading and language exercises designed to build early literacy skills.

"This program is where students learn in Spanish at an early age, and by the time that they matriculate up into our middle school years, they are bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English," said Breanna Phillips, executive director of teaching and learning for Visalia Unified.

Phillips said the district expanded the program from two schools to three in response to growing community demand. Nearly 500 students are now enrolled districtwide.

One of the families hoping for a spot in the program was the Deharo family. Crystal DeHaro, a teacher at Crowley Elementary, wanted her son Ezekial to have the opportunity to develop fluency in both English and Spanish.

"Knowing both languages, I feel like it is a superpower where your brain just powers on like two different levels," DeHaro said.

Because her husband speaks Spanish, DeHaro said bilingualism is an important part of their family's goals for their son. Just weeks into the school year, she has already noticed progress.

"He is talking a lot more with my husband, and he is able to understand a lot more," she said.

The Dual Language Immersion program is available to students throughout the district regardless of where they live, allowing families from across Visalia Unified to participate.

District leaders say the program's benefits extend beyond language acquisition. According to Phillips, district data shows students in the immersion program are performing strongly academically and, in some cases, outperforming peers who are not enrolled in the program.

"My hopes for our students are not only that they choose to continue their Spanish language development, but also that they encourage others to learn more about our language and engage in continuing that and bringing it back to our community," Phillips said. "Because that is always our goal: enhancing our community."

Visalia Unified is already planning for the program's future growth. District officials are currently in the design phase of expanding dual language immersion opportunities into seventh and eighth grade.

In addition, the district is researching and developing a potential magnet program for high school students that could be available as early as 2030, creating a pathway for students to continue their bilingual education through graduation.

For news updates, follow Jessica Harrington on Facebook, X and Instagram.