Lynwood Unified launches new dual language program

LYNWOOD – Lynwood Unified School District kicked off the 2024-25 school year with a new Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Mark Twain Elementary School, providing students in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten with the opportunity to build their bilingual, biliteracy and bicultural skills from an early age.

“We are so excited about the growth of the DLI program in Lynwood Unified, where native Spanish speakers and native English-speaking students learn to read, write and communicate in both languages, boosting their literacy and language development skills,” said Martha Clarin, Lynwood Unified’s DLI Instructional Lead. “Our ultimate goal is for every student in the program to graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy and thrive in a multicultural, globalized world.”

This launch makes Mark Twain Elementary the second school in Lynwood Unified to offer this enriching educational experience following the successful implementation at Will Rogers Elementary School, which in the 2023-24 school year celebrated 10 years as a DLI school community.

“Students are stronger when they have two languages,” said DLI teacher Nau Lezama, whose two children are enrolled in the DLI program at Will Rogers Elementary. “It’s beyond amazing. Even if your home language is not Spanish, or you’re second- or third-generation and your Spanish is not as strong, it is still possible to learn both languages. It’ll benefit you, your children, your family, everyone.”

Limited enrollment is still available for the DLI Kindergarten classes at Mark Twain, offering families the unique opportunity to participate in this proven model of bilingual education and ensure their children succeed in college, career and life. Families interested in giving their children a jump start in both English and Spanish are encouraged to act quickly to secure their spot.

“One of the most important things for families to know about our DLI program is that they don’t need to be a native Spanish speaker to join,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., said. “Our program is designed so that students learn and grow together, becoming bilingual side by side. With the dedicated support of our teachers and staff, every student in the program receives the guidance they need to succeed in both English and Spanish and that’s what we want for all Lynwood Unified students.”

To be eligible for TK, students must turn 4 before Sept. 1, 2024. To be eligible for Kindergarten, students must turn 5 before Sept. 1, 2024. For questions and enrollment information, contact Martha Clarin at mclarin@mylusd.org or call (310) 603-1500.

Lead photo caption:

Kindergarten students in Mark Twain Elementary’s Dual Language Immersion program engage in hands-on instruction and learning, diving into bilingual books in a multicultural setting.