Dual language programs put native English speakers and speakers of another language (Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Russian, Haitian Creole) together in one classroom with the goal that all the students develop proficiency, if not fluency, in both languages. These programs shouldn't be confused with bilingual or English as a Second Language Classes, which are designed to teach English to non-English speakers.

Ideally, half of the students enrolled in a dual language class should be native English speakers and the other half should be native, or at least fluent, speakers in the other language being taught. It's important for the success of the dual language program that it strive to maintain, or come close to, a 50-50 split between English and the foreign language speakers, and parents should be leery of programs where enrollment is heavily weighted, though usually unintentionally in favor of one language over the other. Classroom instruction can alternate between the two languages by day, half day, such as students learning in English during the morning and the other language during the afternoon classes, or alternating every other week.

There are only a few schools in the city dedicated to dual language instruction. More common are dual language programs housed in larger schools, the majority being offered at the elementary school level. Throughout the city there are only a few dual language programs offered for the middle school level and only one for high school, the Dual Language & Asian Studies High School. PS 89, a K to 8 school in Brooklyn, is the only dual-language program open to students citywide.

Both native English speakers, and English Language Learners (fluent in the non-English language being taught) can apply to these programs. Most schools request a parent interview to ensure their understanding of the program.

Use our Find a School section to search for dual language programs by neighborhood, district, borough or citywide.