RH Dana Dual Immersion Program
Why Learn in Two Languages?
R.H. Dana’s 50/50 Spanish Language Immersion Program helps students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural in English and Spanish. Beginning in kindergarten, students learn in both languages every day—spending half of the day in English and half in Spanish.
Learning a second language during childhood provides a strong foundation for bilingualism and biliteracy. In our dual immersion setting, students develop a new language while continuing to strengthen their home language—an approach known as additive bilingualism.
Learning and using two languages helps students:
- Build flexible thinking, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
- Strengthen communication, literacy, and academic learning
- Deepen their understanding of academic concepts by making connections across both languages
- Develop confidence in speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish
- Gain cultural awareness and respect for diverse perspectives
- Prepare for future educational, career, and community opportunities
By learning side by side, English- and Spanish-speaking students collaborate, grow in confidence, and develop meaningful connections. At R.H. Dana, students do more than learn a language—they learn to communicate, connect, and thrive in an increasingly connected world.