Dual Language Program

  • The Medford School District is proud to host a Two-Way Immersion/Dual Language Program at Jackson Elementary School.

    What is a Two-Way Immersion/Dual Language Program?

    Two-Way Immersion/Dual Language education is the best educational model to produce graduates who can not only speak in two languages, but also read and write in both Spanish and English. Students will also have the opportunity to earn a Biliteracy Seal.

    Philosophy:

    Two-Way Immersion/Dual Language programs prepare students to become college and career ready in two languages. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in our global society.

    Overview: 

    Jackson Elementary School offers a kindergarten English-Spanish two-way immersion/dual language program that started in 2019-2020. It allows students to grow with the program as they progress through school. In kindergarten, 90% of the day is taught in Spanish and 10% in English. In each subsequent grade-level, the percentage of English increases by 10% until the fifth grade when students are instructed half their day in English and half in Spanish.


    Basic Info:

    • Families must choose to be in the program. This is a long-term commitment and students need the full support of their families to succeed. To be a part of this innovative program, it is not a requirement for parents/guardians to be bilingual.
    • Learning both languages begins immediately. Each student in the program spends part of their day learning in their native language. It takes most people 5-7 years to become fully fluent in a second language. Dual language students learn the same grade level standards as their peers.
    • Students are models for each other, in addition to the teacher. Children have a natural language-­learning capacity which allows them to easily pick up a new language through exploration and play.


    Upcoming Meetings:

    There will be a meeting for incoming kindergarten families on Tuesday, May 2nd from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Childcare for school-aged children will be provided. An interpreter will also be present. Please call Jackson Elementary at 541-842-3770 if you have any additional questions.

    Who is Eligible? 

    The program at Jackson is open to incoming kindergartners and first graders. Medford School District students have first priority. 

    How Do I Apply?

    Fill out the 2023-2024 Two-Way Immersion/Dual Language application.

    Selection Process:

    Jackson students will have priority placement. 

    If accepted, you will be notified by Jackson Elementary. If accepted, you will be invited to attend a parent information session at Jackson Elementary School. If we receive more applications than spaces available, we will hold a random lottery drawing to select the students. A waitlist will be created for the remaining students. As openings occur, students from the waitlist will be placed in the order they were drawn. If your child would normally attend a different school in the district other than Jackson, you will complete an intradistrict transfer in May to Jackson (only if accepted to the program). Please feel free to contact the Teaching and Learning department regarding the application process at 541-842-3627.

    If you have any questions about the Two-Way Immersion/Dual Language Program, or if you need Spanish Translation, please call 541-842-3074.