Applying to the Dual Language Program

Our program strives to achieve a balance between native English speakers and native Spanish speakers. We accept Spanish speakers throughout the elementary grades. Issaquah School District’s selection process for the Dual Language Program is as follows:

• A completed Dual Language application must be submitted. Applications are available through the IVE registration process or the district website (see below).
• Submitting a dual language application does not guarantee a space in the dual language program.
• Applications for all grades will be considered throughout the school year. Enrollment will be based on available spots.

Incoming Kindergarteners:

• Incoming kindergarten students must submit their applications by Friday, March 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. to be considered for the lottery (please see below).
• Kindergarten Registration must be complete to participate in the lottery.
• Kindergarten registration forms received after the lottery deadline (March 28, 2025) will be dated in the order received. Students will be placed on the corresponding waiting list in sequential order following the lottery.

Kindergarten Lottery Process

Enrollment in the Dual Language Program for incoming Kindergarten students will be determined through a lottery process.

1. Sibling Priority
   • Students with siblings currently in the Dual Language Program are considered first.
   • Up to half of the available spots in each language group (Spanish and English) may be filled by incoming siblings.
   • If there are more sibling applicants than available spots, a sibling lottery will be held.
   • Siblings not selected in this stage move to the next lottery round.
2. Issaquah Valley Elementary (IVE) Attendance Area
   • After the sibling lottery, applications from students living in the IVE attendance area will be considered.
   • A lottery will be held to fill the remaining spots in both language groups.
3. Issaquah Middle School (IMS) Feeder Area Priority
   • If spots remain, applications from students in the IMS feeder pattern (Clark and Sunset Elementary schools) will be considered.
   • This group is given priority because the Dual Language Program continues at IMS for middle school.
   • A lottery will be held for these applicants.
4. Waitlist Process
   • Students not selected through the sibling, IVE, or IMS lotteries will be placed on a waitlist in the order their names are drawn.
5. District-Wide Lottery
   • Families who do not qualify under the sibling or attendance area lotteries (non-sibling, non-IVE) may still apply.
   • A district-wide lottery will be held, and names will be added to the district waitlist in the order they are drawn.
   • Enrollment offers for these students will only be made after all sibling, IVE, and IMS waitlisted students have been placed.
   • Families selected from the district-wide lottery must provide their transportation.
6. Applications Received After the Lottery
   • Students who apply after the lottery process will be added to the appropriate waitlist in the order their application is received.

Issaquah School District’s Dual Language Program requires a commitment from the entire family. Students learn English and Spanish during the day, while parents are encouraged to support their child’s acquisition of both languages at home. Children who love learning, age-appropriate language development, and support and encouragement from home will succeed in the dual language program.

The Program is a good fit for Students and Families that:

• Value other cultures – the people, art, history, etc.
• Have an interest in learning languages.
• Be willing to practice the languages at home.
• Are willing to participate in school projects and activities.
• Are willing to commit to at least 7 years of dual language.