Getting Global with Park City’s Grade Schoolers

Kids give the Dual Language Immersion program a thumbs-up!

One of the many hallmark programs of Park City School District is the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, which is offered at all four elementary schools and begins in first grade. The program is so well regarded, the Boston Globe covered it last spring.

The caveat is that enrollment isn’t a given. There are typically more children vying to get in than there are spots available. For the Spanish DLI program at Parley’s Park Elementary School, half of the students enrolled must be native Spanish speakers. This is a boon to the program and students participating, but often means even fewer available spots than in the French DLI programs at Trailside and Jeremy Ranch elementary schools. McPolin Elementary School is a “whole school” Dual Immersion school, so opportunities to participate in the program are generally greater there.

According to Park City School District, “Utah Dual language Immersion (DLI) is a state supported program in which students spend half the day in English with one teacher and half the day with another teacher in a second language.” They go on to state that, “the mission of Dual Immersion is to prepare linguistically and culturally competent students who can successfully compete in a complex global economy.”

As the parent of two Spanish DLI students, I cannot say enough about how valuable and enriching the program has been. However, DLI isn’t a perfect fit for every kid, so learning as much about it as possible before applying is critical.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can attend a parent meeting on Tuesday, January 31, at 6:30pm at Ecker Hill Middle School in advance of this year’s application process opening on February 1. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date on the program. I’m including the contacts for each school below, and for application or waitlist process contact the administrative assistant: Cindy Hair ([email protected] or 435.645.5600 ext. 1420).

For so many locals, DLI in Park City continues the spirit initiated during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, when the venues in our little resort town welcomed the world, demonstrating why residents and visitors from across the globe continue to Choose Park City.