How to Apply

Who is eligible to enroll in the Dual Language program?

Given the sequential nature of the program and its alignment with instructional program requirements, students typically enter the Dual Language program in kindergarten or first grade.

Interested families are encouraged to attend Dual Langauge Parent Nights to learn more. Dates and times will be announced in school and division newsletters. 

Any student seeking admission to the Dual Language Program entering grades 2-8 will be assessed to ensure the student can fully access and participate in the appropriate grade-level Dual Language curriculum. 

How can my child apply?

Student placement in the Dual Language Program is determined by a combination of factors, including the student's attendance zone and program capacity. In addition, the program design requires a balanced enrollment of students from homes in which English is spoken and homes in where Spanish is spoken.

Frederick Douglass Elementary School

Frederick Douglass offers a whole-school Dual Language program. All students entering kindergarten and first-grade from the Frederick Douglass attendance zone are automatically enrolled in the Dual Language program. Students entering grades 2-4 will be assessed to ensure the student can fully access and participate in the appropriate grade-level Dual Language curriculum.  

Students who are outside of Winchester City may also enroll at Frederick Douglass. Students who are non-resident students would need to refer to our non-resident policy JECC-R1. 

Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School

Virginia Avenue offers both a Dual Language option and a traditional program. Families interested in the Dual Language Program for their students may apply when they register for school. Notify the school of your interest. Admittance to the program will be approved based on capacity and student eligibility. If there is a need for a lottery, one will be conducted. 

Garland Quarles Elementary School

Garland Quarles Elementary offers both a Dual Language option and a traditional program. Families interested in the Dual Language Program for their students may apply when they register for school. Notify the school of your interest. Admittance to the program will be approved based on capacity and student eligibility. If there is a need for a lottery, one will be conducted. 

John Kerr Elementary School

John Kerr Elementary will offer both a Dual Language option and a traditional program. Families interested in the Dual Language Program for their students may apply when they register for school. Notify the school of your interest. Admittance to the program will be approved based on capacity and student eligibility. If there is a need for a lottery, one will be conducted. 

What if my child wants to opt out?

Students who do not wish to enroll in the Dual Language program may participate in the traditional curriculum program if available at the school. If the school is Dual Language only, students may request a programmatic transfer to the school closest to the student's residence with capacity at that grade level.