Dual Language
Program Info
Dual Language
Two languages. One community. Unlimited opportunity
Lewis & Clark Elementary's 50/50 Dual Language program immerses students in both English and Spanish — equally — building bilingual proficiency, cultural awareness, and the skills to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Learning in two languages is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive. Lewis & Clark Elementary's 50/50 Dual Language program gives students equal time learning in English and Spanish, building bilingual skills that will serve them in the classroom, in their community, and throughout their lives. We welcome all families — English speaking, Spanish speaking, and everything in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Monolingual and multilingual students entering grades K & 1 for the 26-27 school year are welcome to complete a choice application to enroll at Lewis and Clark. The priority in-district and out-of-district choice enrollment deadline is March 20.
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Lewis and Clark is a 50 /50 Two Way Dual Language program model for grades K-5. 50/50 means that 50% of the day content is taught in English and 50% of the day content is taught in Spanish. Two-way means that it serves both multilingual students learning English and English proficient students.
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First, children achieve high levels of language proficiency and literacy in both languages. Second, children show high levels of academic achievement in comparison to their same-language peers in traditional programs. Lastly, students in two-way dual language/immersion programs show positive cross-cultural attitudes, and have a greater sense of ease among diverse groups of people.
Recent research has also highlighted many cognitive benefits of bilingualism in general, including greater mental flexibility, planning, problem-solving, and memory. Lastly, people who are bilingual have access to a greater number of national and international employment opportunities.
The benefits of multilingualism are realized when a student stays in the Dual Language Program for at least six years and ideally through high school
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Research has consistently found that both language groups show academic achievement at equal or superior levels to the achievement of same-language peers who had not gone through two-way dual language programs.
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The benefits of multilingualism are realized when a student stays in the Dual Language Program for at least six years and ideally through high school. When a student’s choice request is accepted for the Dual Language Program, the expectation is that students will stay at Lewis and Clark through 5th grade.
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We are continuing to evaluate the expansion of our DL program as students progress from elementary into secondary schools. Stay tuned for future updates.
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Students who live in the Lewis and Clark boundary and either opt out of dual language K-1 or do not meet language proficiency 2-5 will be provided transportation to either Newbery or Washington from Lewis & Clark depending on building availability.
Students who choice in to Lewis & Clark for the Dual Language program in grades K-5 from a school other than Newbery or Washington will need to provide their own transportation.
Enrollment
Every family's enrollment journey looks a little different — and we want to make yours as smooth as possible. Browse the frequently asked questions below to find everything you need to know about eligibility, applications, timelines, and what to expect from the Lewis & Clark Dual Language program.
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Do you live within the Lewis & Clark boundary?
Complete the standard New Student Registration form to enroll. All kindergarten and 1st grade students in the Lewis & Clark boundary are welcome in the Dual Language program.
Do you live in the Wenatchee School District but outside the Lewis & Clark boundary?
Complete an In-District Choice Application to apply for the Dual Language program. Spots are available for students entering kindergarten and 1st grade.
Do you live outside the Wenatchee School District?
Students entering kindergarten or 1st grade are welcome to apply through our Out-of-District Choice Enrollment process.
📅 Priority enrollment deadline: March 20
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Choice applicants will be notified of their acceptance status in mid-May.
Choice questions?
Inquiries about the choice application process can be directed to the district’s central office. Call (509) 663-8161 or email info@wenatcheschools.org
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All incoming kindergarten students in the Lewis and Clark boundary will have the opportunity to attend the Dual Language Program at Lewis and Clark. A lottery of choice applications will take place.
Details for choice applications by grade level are below:
Kindergarten: Any student, regardless of language background and ability, can enter into the dual language program, pending program space and language balance. Siblings of students already in the program will be given priority.
1st Grade: Any student, regardless of language background and ability who did not have the opportunity to join the program in Kindergarten, can enter the dual language program pending program space and language balance.
2nd Grade and above: The following students may join pending space and language balance:
Students who are newcomers from a Spanish-speaking country or are multilingual qualified can enter automatically.
Students who have previously been enrolled in another dual language program may take a language proficiency test to qualify.
Spanish-dominant speakers who have not had their educational experience in Spanish, may take a language proficiency test to qualify. -
Yes. Assuming there are no issues with behavior and attendance.
Families need to reapply for choice status annually through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
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Beginning with the kindergarten cohort of fall 2026, students who live in the Lewis and Clark boundary and do NOT wish to participate in the dual language program will have priority for choice to Washington or Newbery. Placement will be determined by building availability.