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Spanish-Dual Language

What is Spanish Dual Language?

Spanish-Dual Language is a bilingual education program where students learn academic subjects in both Spanish and English so they become bilingual, biliterate, and academically successful. Over time, students develop strong skills in reading, writing, and speaking in both languages while meeting grade-level academic expectations.

Who is the Program Offered To?

Currently, the Puyallup School District (PSD) offers Spanish Dual Language for students in grades K-7.

Where is the Spanish Dual Language Program Currently Offered in the Puyallup School District?

Grades K-6

Enrollment Updates:

*Dessie Evans Elementary: Out-of-District applications for grades 1-6 are closed for Dual Language for the 2026-2027 school year.  In addition, all grades are closed for the remainder of this 2025-2026 school year for Out-Of-District students. 

*Karshner Elementary: Out-of-District applications for grades 1-2 are closed for Dual Language for the 2026-2027 school year. In addition, Kindergarten and 1st Grade are closed for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year for Out-of- District students.
7th Grade

*The Puyallup School District will offer Spanish Dual Language for 8th Grade students beginning the 2026-27 school year at Aylen Junior High.

Student Testimonials

Check out why some of our current Spanish-Dual Language Students enjoy learning in two languages, how it enhances their education, and has helped them in and out of the classroom.

A Dessie F. Evans Elementary Spanish-Dual Language Student smiling.

"I like learning Spanish because I can help my community and other people who don't speak Spanish."

- Victoria, Dessie F. Evans Elementary

A Dessie F. Evans Elementary Spanish-Dual Language Student smiling outside the playground.

"When my family and I went to a Spanish-speaking Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, I ordered for my family in Spanish."

- Quincey, Dessie F. Evans Elementary

A Karshner Elementary Spanish-Dual Language Student smiling in the hallway.

"I like learning the alphabet in Spanish because it helps me learn other words."

- Alexis, Karshner Elementary

A Ballou Junior High Spanish-Dual Language Student smiling in the hallway.

"It's really good to do Dual Language because it will give you a better opportunity to get into college and a good job."

- Londyn, Aylen Junior High

A Karshner Elementary Spanish-Dual Language Student smiling on the playground.

"It's important to learn more than one language so you can connect with other people around the world."

- Jonael, Karshner Elementary

A Dessie F. Evans Elementary Spanish-Dual Language Student smiling in the cafeteria.

"My favorite word in Spanish is dinosaurio because I like dinosaurs."

- Miles, Dessie F. Evans Elementary

Spanish Dual Language Program Benefits

Spanish Dual Language helps students learn to read, write, and speak confidently in both Spanish and English while meeting grade-level academic standards.

For English-Speaking Students

  • Learn a second language at an early age, when the brain is most receptive
  • Develop strong speaking, reading, and listening skills in Spanish
  • Build friendships across cultures and languages

For Spanish-Speaking Students

  • Learn academic subjects in their home language
  • Continue developing Spanish while strengthening English reading and writing
  • Build confidence by using both languages every day

Long-Term Benefits for all Students

  • Strong academic performance
  • Increased confidence and communication skills
  • Cultural understanding and respect
  • Preparation for college, careers, and a global community

Spanish Dual Language Classroom Model

Students learn together in classrooms that include children who speak English, Spanish, or both, helping students practice both languages naturally and learn from one another throughout the school day.

To support this, classrooms are intentionally balanced to include about:

  • 50% of students whose primary language is English
  • 50% of students whose primary language is Spanish

In some classrooms, this balance may look like about:

  • 30% primarily English-speaking students
  • 30% primarily Spanish-speaking students
  • 30% heritage or bilingual students

This mix supports strong language learning and meaningful interaction in both Spanish and English.

How Classroom Instruction Is Split Between Spanish and English

The Spanish Dual Language Program follows the 90/10 dual language model:

  • Starting in Kindergarten, students will receive about 90% of instruction in Spanish and 10% in English.
  • In later grades, English is gradually added.

Program Capacity and School Placement
 

School placements for Dual Language programs are based on available program capacity and the district’s ability to maintain appropriate class sizes and program structures. In some cases, adjustments to school assignments may be necessary if enrollment, facility capacity, or program needs change. Should the district determine that a program must be relocated or adjusted to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the instructional model, students may be reassigned to a school that can provide the required Dual Language program in alignment with district policy.

These assignments reflect a district program placement and establish the assigned school as the student’s home school, consistent with Policy 3131. Transfer requests to another school offering the same program will be processed under Policy 3131, and families are responsible for transportation. For out‑of‑district students, placement and transfer requests will follow Policy 3141, including transportation responsibilities.

Who Can Join the Spanish Dual Language Program?

  • Students in grades K-7 who are enrolled in the Puyallup School District (8th grade Spanish-Dual Language Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens Monday February 2, 2026).
    • Placement in the Spanish Dual Language Program is based on available space, student eligibility, and classroom balance.
    • Requirements may vary depending on a student’s grade level and language background.
    • English-only students may begin the program in Kindergarten.
    • Students entering after Kindergarten must already have Spanish language experience.

Click on the grade for additional information.

How To Sign Up for the Spanish Dual Language Program

Please review guidance and directions on how to enroll your child for the Spanish-Dual Language Program for the 2025-26 school year (current) and 2026-27 school year.

School Year (Next School Year)

The Spanish Dual Language Program Application window for the 2026-27 school year is now open.

Grades Available for the 2026-27 Spanish-Dual Language Registration

  • Grades K-8
  • Important for New Families: If your student is new to Puyallup School District, you must complete new student enrollment before submitting a Spanish Dual Language application.
     
  • If needed, please use our district boundary map tool to see which school/district neighborhood boundary your child resides. 

Registration Directions

2025-26 School Year (Current)

Grades Available for the 2025-26 Spanish-Dual Language Registration

  • Grades K-7**

**Dessie F. Evans Elementary is not accepting in-district and out-of-district transfers for kindergarten and 5th grade students for the current 2025-26 school year.

  • Important for New Families: If your student is new to Puyallup School District, you must complete new student enrollment before submitting a Spanish Dual Language application.
     
  • If needed, please use our district boundary map tool to see which school/district boundary your child resides.

Registration Directions

Family Resources

Contact Info

Cecilia Tamayo
Assistant Director of Multilingual Education

duallanguage@puyallupsd.org