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Dual Language Immersion

Empowering Students to Become Bilingual, Biliterate and Bicultural

At Mark Twain Elementary, we believe that being bilingual is a superpower. Our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program gives students the opportunity to become fluent in English and Spanish — while building strong academic skills and cultural awareness from Transitional Kindergarten through sixth grade.

Launched at the start of the 2024–25 school year, Mark Twain is the second school in Lynwood Unified to offer this enriching educational experience, following the success of the DLI program at Will Rogers Elementary. The program brings together native Spanish and English speakers in the same classroom to learn from one another and grow together — academically, socially, and linguistically.

“Students are stronger when they have two languages. Even if your home language is not Spanish, or you’re second- or third-generation and your Spanish is not as strong, it is still possible to learn both languages. It’ll benefit you, your children, your family—everyone.”
– Nau Lezama, Mark Twain DLI Teacher

How It Works

Our program follows a 90:10 two-way immersion model:

  • In the early grades, 90% of instruction is delivered in Spanish and 10% in English.

  • As students progress, instruction gradually balances out to a 50:50 split, supporting full literacy in both languages by sixth grade.

This two-way immersion model provides students with:

  • Biliteracy in English and Spanish

  • Mastery of grade-level core standards

  • Cultural proficiency and understanding

This model is research-based and proven to help students reach high levels of bilingualism and academic success.

“My son’s confidence has grown so much. He can now speak with my family in both English and Spanish. I want my children to be able to go anywhere in the world and connect — and this program is giving them that gift.”
– Yvette Sandoval, Will Rogers Parent

Enrollment Information

To be eligible for enrollment, students must turn 4 before September 1 for TK and 5 before September 1 for Kindergarten. Enrollment is limited and will be based on timely submission, verification of commitment and distribution of language percentage.

A Lifelong Advantage

Students in our DLI program gain much more than just language skills — they gain a lifelong advantage.

From academic achievement to future career opportunities, our goal is to ensure every student graduates prepared to succeed in any setting, anywhere in the world.

Benefits of Dual Language Immersion

Bilingual students in our DLI program benefit in many ways:

  • Gain academic proficiency in core subjects

  • Show increased mental flexibility and problem-solving skills

  • Often score higher on English-language standardized tests

  • Are more likely to learn a third language with ease

  • Strengthen confidence and communication skills

  • Maintain a strong sense of identity while developing respect for other cultures

  • Are better prepared for college and career opportunities

  • Work toward earning the California Seal of Biliteracy in high school

Ready to Begin?

Learn more about how to enroll in the Dual Language Immersion Program at Mark Twain Elementary by calling our front office at (310) 663-1500.