Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas PTO

Created in response to demand from our community for Spanish dual immersion programs, the Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas (DIAS) is the fourth school in Salinas City Elementary School District (SCESD) to offer a dual immersion program and the first school to offer a dual immersion-only curriculum. DIAS is also the first magnet school in the district. DIAS opened in fall 2015 with two kindergarte

n classes. The school will add dual immersion classes every year through 2022 to become a K-6 program. In addition, Smart Start, a full 100% Spanish Immersion preschool is offered to three to five year-old children (no Spanish background is required) as well as a transitional kindergarten. Students from throughout the district and county are welcome to attend DIAS. Based on the 90:10 model in the first two grades (90% Spanish and 10% English), Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas students incrementally increase the amount of English to a 50:50 model in the upper grades. DIAS is dual language or two-way bilingual immersion program where two groups of students are engaged in second language study for 5-7 years in an effort to develop high levels of bilingualism (the ability to speak fluently in both Spanish and English) and biliteracy (the ability to read and write in both languages). Our program at DIAS promotes academic achievement equal to that of students in non-dual language programs. In addition to immersing students in language and literacy, the educational program integrates and emphasizes Common Core and STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. This page and diasalinas.org are created and maintained by the Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas Parent-Teacher Organization.