What is Dual Language Immersion?

Searching for a bilingual school, Spanish immersion program, or two-way language immersion option for your young child? Puentes y Puertas, a tuition-free public charter school opening in northwest Oklahoma City in Fall 2027, offers dual-language education for Pre-K through first grade.

What is dual-language immersion?

Dual-language immersion, also called bilingual education, two-way immersion, or English-Spanish immersion, teaches academic content in two languages all day. Children build bilingualism and biliteracy while mastering core subjects.

How does the 80/20 model work?

In our 80/20 model, early instruction is 80% Spanish and 20% English. Because English is already all around students in our community, classes emphasize Spanish first. The balance evens out over time.

Does my child need to speak Spanish?

No. This bilingual immersion school welcomes every child where they are, whether they speak English, Spanish, both, or neither yet.

Will my child meet academic standards?

Yes. Instruction is aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards. Research on biliterate learners shows they tend to excel because of bilingual learning, not in spite of it. Moving between languages strengthens focus, memory, and problem-solving, and literacy skills carry over from one language to the other.

Is hearing a new language confusing for kids?

Not with good teaching. Young children learn through context, pictures, routines, and teacher support, so nothing is lost in a Spanish immersion classroom. We are building a school with a low student-to-teacher ratio, so kids have plenty of one-on-one time with instructors.

Applications are open Nov. 11, 2026 through February 13, 2027. A lottery applies if applications exceed capacity. Whether you say dual-language, bilingual, or immersion, the goal is the same: bridges to cultures, doors to opportunity.