Enrollment Starts For Dual Language Immersion Program At Princeton Public Schools

PRINCETON, NJ – Princeton Public Schools is currently accepting applications for its Dual Language Immersion Program in Spanish and English.

The program is in its eighth year. Most students enter the program in Kindergarten or Grade 1, but applications are also open to all district students from grades K-5 who demonstrate appropriate proficiency in Spanish.

Native speakers can enter the program at any time, as well as students who were in similar dual language immersion programs in other districts and demonstrate proficiency.

The program was launched in 2015 and taught at the Community Park school. The model teaches the core content in both languages - around 50 percent in English and 50 percent in Spanish.

“We love welcoming new students to Community Park. It’s a very welcoming school with an extremely dedicated staff,” said principal Dineen Gruchacz. “Our teachers are passionate about dual language immersion, and I think that’s one reason why the program has been so successful. They share their enthusiasm with our students. I am very proud of what we have accomplished.”

PPS provides transportation for students in the Johnson Park, Littlebrook or Riverside neighborhoods who wish to participate in the program.

“One of the things I love about this program is that it aligns with our goals for the district,” Superintendent Carol Kelley said. “Our equity goals include ‘opportunity for all’, and the DLI program at Community Park has measurable benefits for students who speak Spanish at home.”

After students finish Grade 5 at Community Park, they move to Princeton Middle School where they have the option to continue with Spanish language courses.

“I have been very impressed with what our students from the Dual Language Immersion Program are able to achieve at Princeton Middle School,” Jason Burr, principal of PMS said. "I am excited that students have an opportunity to truly become bilingual and that we celebrate that by offering courses at Princeton Middle School."

Families interested in finding out more about program can attend an information session next week. The evening session will be held on Jan. 18, at 6:30 p.m. A morning session will take place on Jan. 19 at 9 a.m. Both sessions will be held at Community Park School, 372 Witherspoon Street.

For more information about the program, call 609.806.4230.

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