Our WSD Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion Program integrates native English speaking and Vietnamese speaking, English language learning students in the same classroom and provides academic instruction through two languages, one of which is the primary language of each group (Vietnamese and English). The students will spend 50% of their day in English and 50% of their day in Vietnamese. The students learn a second language while they are learning content, which is very different than how most of us learned a second language. Many of us do not remember our second language, because we learned it out of context and in isolation (for example conjugating Spanish verbs). Students learn English Language Arts, Math and Social Studies in English. They learn Vietnamese Language Arts, Science, and Visual/Performing Arts in Vietnamese. They spend 50% of their day with each teacher.

The goals and research based benefits of dual language immersion are bilingualism, biliteracy, cultural proficiency, global citizenship, academic achievement in all subject areas, 21st century skills, increased family involvement and the Seal of Biliteracy Pathway Award attainment at third, fifth, and eighth grades (with the ultimate goal of the student graduating with the California Department of Education formally recognized Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma).

Community Partnerships

Our community partnerships ensure that our Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion program will be an effective model program for others to follow. We are grateful to the following community groups and organizations for their partnerships: National Resource Center for Asian Languages (NRCAL); Orange County Department of Education (OCDE); Westminster Vietnamese Language School; The Association of the Vietnamese Language & Culture Schools of Southern California; The Viet. Foundation; The Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce; Highline District & White Center Heights Elementary School, WA; Lakeside Union School District & Riverview Elementary School, CA; and all the members of our Vietnamese Language Textbook Committee.

• High academic achievement
• Bilingualism/Biliteracy
• Cross-cultural relationships
• Respect for self, family, school, and community
• Leadership and self-confidence
• Strong school and family partnerships
• Expanded career opportunities
• Skills for a global economy
• Opportunity to earn the Orange County Department of Education Pathways to Biliteracy Awards and California Seal of Biliteracy

Will learning two languages confuse a child or slow academic progress?

Research has shown that young children have the capacity to learn multiple languages and have demonstrated stronger cognitive abilities as a result (Hakuta, 1990). According to a study by Peal and Lambert, “bilinguals have greater mental flexibility, greater abstract thinking, greater lexical independence, superior concept formulation and higher verbal IQ than monolinguals.”

Why is it better for a child to learn language at the elementary level? 

Research has found that it takes five to seven years to become proficient in a second language. Children tend to develop a more native-like pronunciation when language learning begins before adolescence (Krashen, et al, 1982). Children studying a foreign language have an improved self-concept and sense of achievement in school (Caine & Caine, 1997).

Will students in the immersion classroom learn the same things in the general education classroom?

The Dual Language Immersion program bases the curriculum on the California Common Core Standards. Global education and world languages go hand in hand with the Common Core curriculum in grade K through 12 as we endeavor to prepare students to become global citizens (Heining-Boynton & Redmond, 2013).

Are students exposed to only 50% of the curriculum?

A common misconception about the Dual Immersion program is that student receives only 50% of the curriculum because English is taught for 50% of the day. Students in the Dual Language Immersion program receive 100% of the grade level core curriculum. One of the major differences in this type of specialized program is how the curriculum is delivered. In the Westminster School District, 50% of the curriculum is delivered in English and 50% is delivered in Vietnamese.

Is there a cost to the program?

The Dual Immersion program is part of a public school district. Therefore, there is no cost to the public.

How do I enroll my student - Outside Westminster School District?

Request an Interdistrict Transfer from your district of residence. Once the form is approved, bring the approved form to the Westminster School District Office. Complete and return the kindergarten packet, original birth certificate, and immunization records to DeMille Elementary School.

How do I enroll my student - Within the DeMille Elementary School Attendance Area?

Complete and return the kindergarten registration packet, original birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency (utility bill) to DeMille Elementary School.

How do I enroll my student - Within Westminster School District Attendance Area?

Residents of Westminster School District would follow the WSD registration process which begins February 3, 2016.

How are Parents Involved?

Parents attend a mandatory information meeting. Parents understand and support the program goals. Parents agree to a K-6 commitment to the Dual Language Immersion Program. Parents agree to participate in school meetings and activities. Parents are expected to be active participants in their child’s education.

What are the program’s goals?

Native English speakers and Vietnamese speakers who complete the Dual Language Immersion Program from kindergarten through sixth grade are expected to possess strong reading and writing skills in Vietnamese and English. Students are expected to have strong academic proficiency in the core academic content area. The strength of this proficiency should allow students to enter advanced levels of Vietnamese and English language classes at the middle school and high school level. Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors, and high levels of self-esteem. Dual Language Immersion students will earn the Pathways to Biliteracy Awards at third, fifth, and eighth grades. They will go on to high school pass the Advanced Placement test and earn their Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.

Within the DeMille Elementary School Attendance Area

Complete and return the kindergarten registration packet, original birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency (utility bill) to DeMille Elementary School.

Outside Westminster School District

Request an Interdistrict Transfer from your district of residence. Once the form is approved, bring the approved form to the Westminster School District Office. Complete and return the kindergarten packet, original birth certificate, and immunization records to DeMille Elementary School.

Within Westminster School District  Attendance Area

Residents of Westminster School will follow the WSD registration process.

Click below to download an initial registration form. Additional required registration forms are available at DeMille Elementary School.

School Registration Form - English

School Registration Form - Spanish

School Registration Form - Vietnamese

Our WSD Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program integrates native English speaking and Spanish speaking, English language learning students in the same classroom and provides academic instruction through two languages, one of which is the primary language of each group (Spanish and English). The students will spend 50% of their day in English and 50% of their day in Spanish. The students learn a second language while they are learning content, which is very different than how most of us learned a second language. Many of us do not remember our second language, because we learned it out of context and in isolation (for example conjugating Spanish verbs). Students learn English Language Arts, Math and Social Studies in English. They learn Spanish Language Arts, Science, and Visual/Performing Arts in Spanish. They spend 50% of their day with each teacher.

The goals and research based benefits of dual language immersion are bilingualism, biliteracy, cultural proficiency, global citizenship, academic achievement in all subject areas, 21st century skills, increased family involvement and the Seal of Biliteracy Pathway Award attainment at Pre-K/TK/Kindergarten, third, fifth, and eighth grades (with the ultimate goal of the student graduating with the California Department of Education formally recognized Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma).

• High academic achievement
• Bilingualism/Biliteracy
• Cross-cultural relationships
• Respect for self, family, school, and community
• Leadership and self-confidence
• Strong school and family partnerships
• Expanded career opportunities
• Skills for a global economy
• Opportunity to earn the Orange County Department of Education Pathways to Biliteracy Awards and California Seal of Biliteracy

Will learning two languages confuse a child or slow academic progress?

Research has shown that young children have the capacity to learn multiple languages and have demonstrated stronger cognitive abilities as a result (Hakuta, 1990). According to a study by Peal and Lambert, “bilinguals have greater mental flexibility, greater abstract thinking, greater lexical independence, superior concept formulation and higher verbal IQ than monolinguals.”

Why is it better for a child to learn language at the elementary level? Research has found that it takes five to seven years to become proficient in a second language. Children tend to develop a more native-like pronunciation when language learning begins before adolescence (Krashen, et al, 1982). Children studying a foreign language have an improved self-concept and sense of achievement in school (Caine & Caine, 1997).

Will students in the immersion classroom learn the same things in the general education classroom?

The Dual Language Immersion program bases the curriculum on the California Common Core Standards. Global education and world languages go hand in hand with the Common Core curriculum in grade K through 12 as we endeavor to prepare students to become global citizens (Heining-Boynton & Redmond, 2013).

Are students exposed to only 50% of the curriculum?

A common misconception about the Dual Immersion program is that student receives only 50% of the curriculum because English is taught for 50% of the day. Students in the Dual Language Immersion program receive 100% of the grade level core curriculum. One of the major differences in this type of specialized program is how the curriculum is delivered. In the Westminster School District, 50% of the curriculum is delivered in English and 50% is delivered in Spanish.

Is there a cost to the program?

The Dual Immersion program is part of a public school district. Therefore, there is no cost to the public.

How do I enroll my student - Outside Westminster School District?

Request an Interdistrict Transfer from your district of residence. Once the form is approved, bring the approved form to the Westminster School District Office. Complete and return the kindergarten packet, original birth certificate, and immunization records to Willmore Elementary School.

How do I enroll my student - Within the Willmore Elementary School Attendance Area?

Complete and return the kindergarten registration packet, original birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency (utility bill) to Willmore Elementary School.

How do I enroll my student - Within Westminster School District Attendance Area?

Residents of Westminster School District would follow the WSD registration process which begins February 3, 2016.

How are Parents Involved?

Parents attend a mandatory information meeting. Parents understand and support the program goals. Parents agree to a K-6 commitment to the Dual Language Immersion Program. Parents agree to participate in school meetings and activities. Parents are expected to be active participants in their child’s education.

What are the program’s goals?

Native English speakers and Spanish speakers who complete the Dual Language Immersion Program from kindergarten through sixth grade are expected to possess strong reading and writing skills in Spanish and English. Students are expected to have strong academic proficiency in the core academic content area. The strength of this proficiency should allow students to enter advanced levels of Spanish and English language classes at the middle school and high school level. Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors, and high levels of self-esteem. Dual Language Immersion students will earn the Pathways to Biliteracy Awards at third, fifth, and eighth grades. They will go on to high school pass the Advanced Placement test, and earn their Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.

Within the Willmore Elementary School Attendance Area

Complete and return the kindergarten registration packet, original birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency (utility bill) to Willmore Elementary School.

Outside Westminster School District
Request an Interdistrict Transfer from your district of residence. Once the form is approved, bring the approved form to the Westminster School District Office. Complete and return the kindergarten packet, original birth certificate, and immunization records to Willmore Elementary School.

Within Westminster School District  Attendance Area

Residents of Westminster School will follow the WSD registration process.

Click below to download an initial registration form. Additional required registration forms are available at Willmore Elementary School.

School Registration Form - English

School Registration Form - Spanish

School Registration Form - Vietnamese