Hi -

There are three different dual-language immersion programs in our area
(Washington DC), all of which are very highly regarded. You might want
to give them a call or look at their web sites to get some information
on how that kind of program works. The schools a

The Washington International School (DC)
The Rock Creek International School (DC)
Rolling Terrace Elementary School (in Takoma Park, MD)

We have our kids in a 1-way immersion program (Spanish, you must already
speak fluent English to enter). I don't really know how the two kinds
of programs compare. I DO know that kids with two languages often lag
until about 3rd grade, but then pull ahead of their peers not only in
lanugage, but in mathematics. (I read one study; it was SES corrected.)

I also know that kids who don't study their first language in an
academic fashion in elementary school (as is the case with many native
Spanish speakers in our area) can't keep up with the immersion kids in
Spanish when they hit middle school. You'll also notice that many
colleges now offer courses in academic Spanish for native speakers of
the language who don't have a background in reading and writing
academically in Spanish. (I saw the Yale book of courses, recently, and
it had a series of such classes for native Spanish speakers who couldn't
yet take regular Spanish literature courses.)

I hope this helps.
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
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