NDSM Dual Language Education
The Power of Being Bilingual
At NDSM, we believe learning two languages opens twice as many doors — in the mind, the heart, and the world. Research shows that bilingual education enhances critical thinking, fosters deeper empathy, and develops stronger communication skills. Just as important, it strengthens family bonds by honoring and supporting each child’s home language and culture. At NDSM, we educate the whole child, knowing that when we nurture their roots at home, they flourish at school. Dual language learning is central to who we are, and we’re proud that 100% of our graduates leave fully bilingual, prepared to lead in both languages.
The Transformative Power of Dual Language Education
Mastering two languages does more than teach words — it builds skills and perspectives that last a lifetime. The benefits span academics, personal growth, and emotional well-being, preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
Experience Dual Language Advantages
- Sharper thinking and problem-solving
- Stronger focus and memory
- Higher academic achievement
- Increased vocabulary and literacy
- Deeper cultural empathy
- Enhanced mental health
Give Your Children the Gift of Dual Language Learning
Enroll Now
Curriculum Information
The NDSM curriculum is designed to nurture bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware students who are confident learners and leaders. With most of our teachers fluent in both English and Spanish, we model the language skills and cultural appreciation we seek to instill in our students.
Our evolving immersion approach starts early and builds intentionally. In K3, 90% of instruction is in Spanish, creating a strong foundation. In K4 and K5, Spanish comprises 75% of the day, shifting to a balanced 50/50 split in grades 1–4, and 25% Spanish in grades 5–8. This gradual progression ensures students develop full bilingual fluency and literacy by the time they graduate.
To support this vision, our Literacy Initiative takes a strategic, three-part approach:
Rigorous, coherent curriculum delivery.
From Estrellita in K3–K4 to CKLA and Caminos in K5–4th grade and Reading Reconsidered in 5th–8th, our literacy programs are aligned, intentional, and affirming of bilingualism. Updated pacing, scope, and expectations ensure consistency, while our Director of Dual Language and part-time literacy specialist coach and support teachers in delivering instruction that is both academically challenging and culturally responsive.
Professional development and teacher coaching.
Through regular classroom observations, monthly literacy workshops, and individualized coaching, we empower our educators to deliver high-quality, differentiated lessons that inspire students and strengthen literacy in both languages. This investment in our teachers translates into confident, capable readers who are proud of their bilingual abilities.
A joyful culture of reading.
From daily DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time and engaging library programs to bilingual book fairs and Family Literacy Night, we celebrate reading as a cornerstone of learning and identity. Students learn to see books not only as academic tools but as windows into their own stories and the world around them.
Dual language is about so much more than language learning. The real power of dual language education is that it makes a true difference by developing empathetic, compassionate learners and human beings, which is the foundation of our Catholic faith.
- Leticia Oseguera
Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of San Diego
Partnerships
The NDSM Literacy Initiative meets the unique academic needs of bilingual learners by prioritizing English reading proficiency while simultaneously nurturing literacy in Spanish—honoring the linguistic and cultural realities of our students. We know that mastering English is key to academic success and future opportunity, and our aligned curriculum, instructional coaching, and targeted interventions help students reach ambitious reading benchmarks. At the same time, we believe bilingualism is a lifelong advantage—opening doors in a multilingual workforce and equipping students to lead in both local and global communities.
We are proud to partner with the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College as one of only 32 schools nationwide in the Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS). This innovative network advances dual language education by sharing research, best practices, and resources that empower students. TWIN-CS helps schools like NDSM transform from monolingual models into thriving dual language communities, where students maintain their home language and cultural identity while excelling academically.
Our approach to Two-Way Immersion (TWI)—widely recognized as the gold standard in bilingual education—brings together native English speakers and native Spanish speakers in the same classroom, fostering true cross-cultural exchange. With over 20% of U.S. households speaking a language other than English, TWI not only addresses the needs of English learners more effectively than traditional supplemental programs but also prepares all students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Register Now or Contact Us with Questions
At NDSM, dual language education is more than a method — it’s a mission. We’re proud to create an environment where every child’s language, community, and potential are honored and cultivated, every single day. Start enrollment.