Dual Language Program is located at School 16.

The long-term goal of a dual language Spanish program is to achieve bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism among students. This means that students should be able to:

• Communicate fluently in both English and Spanish:
• Students will be able to speak, read, write, and understand both languages at a high level of proficiency.
• Perform academically in both languages:
• Students will be able to learn and demonstrate knowledge across all subject areas in both English and Spanish, meeting or exceeding grade-level standards.
• Develop cultural competence:
• Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures associated with the languages, fostering an inclusive mindset and the ability to interact effectively in a multicultural society. 
• Enhance cognitive and academic skills:
•  Research suggests that bilingualism can lead to cognitive benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills, better multitasking, and greater cognitive flexibility. The program also aims to boost overall academic achievement by leveraging the benefits of bilingual education.
• Prepare for global opportunities:
• As the world becomes more interconnected, proficiency in multiple languages is increasingly valuable. The program aims to equip students with the language skills and cultural awareness needed to thrive in a globalized economy and society.
• Promote lifelong language learning:
• The program seeks to instill a love of languages and a commitment to continuous learning, encouraging students to maintain and further develop their language skills throughout their lives.

Please send all inquiries to BilingualReferrals@paterson.k12.nj.us.

Dual Language Application