Applying to the Dual Language Program

The Dual Language Program is offered at Issaquah Valley Elementary School and open to all enrolled district students. Priority registration is given to siblings of students already within the Dual Language Program and those living within the IVE attendance area. We accept applications throughout the elementary years, but in order to fully benefit from the program, it is best when students begin in kindergarten. We ask that families commit to remaining in the program throughout the elementary years.

Selection Process

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 through 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 have their application submitted by Friday, March 10, 2023 at 4:30pm to be considered for the lottery process (please see below).
• The online kindergarten enrollment process needs to be complete to be considered.
• Kindergarten registration forms received after the lottery deadline of March 10, 2023 and will be dated in the order received. Students will be placed on the corresponding waiting list in sequential order following the lottery.

Lottery

A lottery process will be used to enroll students into the Dual Language Program. The process is as follows:

• Applications from incoming kindergarten students with current siblings in the Dual Language Program will be considered first. Up to half of the available spots per language group may be filled with incoming siblings. If there are more siblings than available spots, a lottery for siblings will be held. Any siblings not achieving enrollment in this stage will move to one of the subsequent lotteries.
• After the sibling priority lottery is held, applications from students within the Issaquah Valley Elementary attendance area will be considered. A lottery will be held to fill available spots in both language groups.
• Any students not achieving enrollment through the sibling and IVE lotteries will be added to the waiting list in the order their name is drawn.
• District families (non-siblings and non-IVE attendance area) that apply will be drawn in a district lottery process. Names will be added to the district waiting list in the order they are drawn. Enrollment will be offered to these families once any sibling and IVE waiting lists are exhausted. Parents are responsible for transportation.
• Students applying after the lottery process is held, will be placed on the corresponding waiting list in the order their application is received.

                         *Note: If your child is a native Spanish speaker, we encourage you to apply.

If there is a need to hold a lottery, the lottery will be held on March 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the ISD Administration Building (5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98029). Letters will be sent home mid-April informing families of the results.

If you have questions about the Dual Language Program, please contact Heather Ross, Assistant to the Director of Elementary Special Programs at 425-837-7120 or DualLanguage@issaquah.wednet.edu.

Deciding if the Dual Language Program Is Right for Your Family

Issaquah School District’s Dual Language Program requires a commitment from the entire family. Students learn both English and Spanish language during the day, while parents are encouraged to support their child’s acquisition of both languages at home. Children who have a love of learning, age-appropriate language development, and support and encouragement from home will find success 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.
• Have a willingness to practice the languages at home.
• Are willing to participate in school projects and activities.
• Are willing to commit to a minimum of 6 years of dual language.