Dual Language Immersion (DLI)
NVUSD’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program is a K–12 pathway where students are immersed in a partner language alongside peers from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Native English and native Spanish speakers learn together as they develop biliteracy, bilingualism, and biculturalism—the three core goals of our DLI model.
This year, our K–12 DLI pathway was honored by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) with a Golden Bell Award, recognizing NVUSD’s commitment to high-quality, culturally sustaining dual language education. We invite you to read more about this exciting recognition in the NVUSD News.
Please watch the video above and review the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about our DLI pathway. We also encourage families to attend open houses at our DLI schools in the fall, tour campuses, and meet our amazing teachers and staff.
NVUSD DLI Schools
Dual Language Immersion students automatically matriculated into the next level of the DLI program.
Elementary Schools
If you are in a transition year (5-6th, 8-9th) NVUSD Enrollment Staff will make contact will all DLI families to confirm the next school.
Middle School
High School
NVUSD is committed to providing a high-quality, research-based dual language immersion program:
- Program Structure
- Curriculum
- Instruction
- Assessment and Accountability
- Staff Quality and Professional Development
- Family and Community
- Support and Resources
The NVUSD Dual Language Immersion K-12 Pathway is a rigorous academic program developing high linguistic and academic proficiency in Spanish and English while simultaneously fostering socio-cultural competence.
NVUSD Dual Language Immersion Goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Since DLI is a K-12 pathway, do students need to start in kindergarten?
Students can begin the pathway in kindergarten or first grade. There are also options to join later in the pathway and students are assessed on a case by case basis.
When are most students competent in their second language?
Research shows that a language is learned in the course of 7-9 years. Generally, most students start using their new language (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in the first few years of being immersed in the second language and progressively get stronger over the course of their development at the elementary grades and beyond.
What schools do DLI students attend in NVUSD?
Students for elementary (K-5) attend either Pueblo Vista Elementary or Napa Valley Language Academy, Unidos Middle School (6-8), and Napa High School.
How do I enroll my student in the DLI pathway?
NVUSD offers a K-12 Dual Immersion pathway. Students can enroll at either NVLA or Pueblo Vista to start the DLI pathway in kindergarten or first grade. Families would need to enroll their student during the open enrollment period for NVUSD which is held in the Fall. Those students would then continue to the dual immersion pathway to Unidos Middle School and then complete the pathway at Napa High. For students who are new to the Spanish language and wish to provide this opportunity to their children during the middle school years, Unidos Middle School offers 3 tracks: DLI, Spanish for Heritage Speakers, and "New to Spanish Pathway." All the tracks could potentially onboard students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy during their high school years.