Laura Espinoza-Mufson
Associate Director of Multilingual Learning
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Through a lens of equity and justice, all Dual Language students reach high levels of academic achievement and emerge as bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural learners.

All students in HPS dual language programs will be recognized for having high levels of academic achievement and biliteracy through rigorous standards-based instruction in Spanish and English  that enhances student motivation and engagement in their own learning.

Holyoke Public Schools' Dual Language Program gives students the opportunity to learn in both English and Spanish. Under this innovative program model, students are taught all grade level subjects in both languages every day. The program's goal is for students to reach high levels of academic achievement, bilingualism, and biliteracy in a safe and engaging learning environment that values multiculturalism while preparing students for college and careers. Students in dual-language immersion programs—including those who are native Spanish speakers—outperform their monolingual peers on standardized tests beginning in middle school. Dual language learning help close achievement gaps for all students.

For the 2023-24 school year, the E.N. White School will have grades PreK-5, and the Kelly School will have grades PreK-3. Kelly School will continue to grow one grade level per year until they have grades PreK-5. Sullivan Middle School will continue to host our middle school pathway, and Holyoke High School North will host the high school pathway.  

Dual Language Program school tours are available by appointment. Please email Laura Espinoza-Mufson to schedule.

The dual language program is right for all students. Whether your child is English dominant, Spanish dominant, already bilingual, not exposed to either language,  on an IEP, not on an IEP, etc. The requirements are that students entering preschool must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2023. All students applying for grades 2 and up will need to be evaluated to determine their verbal, written, and reading level in Spanish. Those students must meet the Spanish language criteria for the grade they are applying to in order to be accepted into that grade.

Students are accepted into the Dual Language Program through three lottery rounds: Round 1, Round 2, and Rolling Admission.  We aim to accept an equal balance of students that are Spanish-dominant speakers, English-dominant speakers, and bilingual speakers.  

• Round 1 opens on February 13 and closes on March 31, 2023. This round is open to all students across the district, but priorities will be for siblings currently enrolled in the dual language program, children of HPS employees, and residents of the E.N. White and Kelly zones.

• Round 2 opens on April 1 and closes on May 19, 2023. This round is open to all students across the district.

• Rolling admission opens on July 22, 2023 and is also open to all students across the district.