Dual Language Immersion

In This Section

District 742 is proud to be a leader in immersion education with a long history of Dual Language Immersion programming. Our students follow a strong, well-established path to bilingualism and cultural understanding.

Our Spanish and Chinese Dual Language Immersion programs give children the opportunity to learn academic content in two languages, developing skills that last a lifetime!

Why Immersion?

Program Goals

Academic Excellence

Students in immersion programs meet or exceed state standards while learning in two languages. They master the same curriculum as their peers plus the lifelong gift of bilingualism.

Bilingualism & Biliteracy

Students learn to speak, read and write in both English and a partner language (Spanish or Chinese). Many go on to earn the Minnesota Bilingual SEAL or World Language Proficiency Certificate and graduate fully fluent in two languages.

Sociocultural Competence

Daily lessons, cultural events and community connections help students build respect, empathy and curiosity about the world. These skills prepare them to thrive anywhere.

Strong Starts Begin in Kindergarten

A young child’s brain is developmentally ready to learn language. Starting immersion early gives students a natural advantage as they absorb sounds, patterns and meaning effortlessly.

Research shows early language learning:

Enhances academic and linguistic performance in both languages
Boosts brain development and problem-solving skills
Strengthens English literacy
Increases college readiness and career potential

When children begin early, bilingualism becomes part of who they are — not something they have to learn later.

Accessible, Open to All & Tuition-Free

Choosing immersion in District 742 is easy.

Unlike many immersion programs that can be costly or limited, ours is open to all students, tuition-free and transportation is provided for families living within district boundaries.

District 742 also welcomes open-enrolled students from outside the district. (Transportation for non-resident students is not provided.)

Programs & Pathways

Both Spanish and Chinese programs continue through middle school and high school, forming a complete K–12 pathway leading to bilingual graduation.

Chinese Immersion

One of the oldest Chinese immersion programs in the nation, our program blends Mandarin fluency with deep cultural understanding and academic rigor.

Pathway for All Families

K-5: Madison Elementary
6-8: North Junior High
9-12: Apollo High School

Spanish Immersion

Vibrant communities where students learn through Spanish every day, exploring culture, language and academics in a joyful environment.

Pathway for Southside Families

K-5: Clearview Elementary
6-8: South Junior High
9-12: Tech High School

Pathway for Northside Families
(Proposed for the 2026-27 School Year)

K-8: Kennedy Community School
9-12: Apollo High School

Ready to Enroll?

Enrollment for kindergarten opens each winter for the following school year.

Most students begin in kindergarten, while some can start in first grade. No prior experience with Spanish or Chinese is needed. Native speakers are also encouraged to enroll. Classrooms thrive when they include a mix of backgrounds and cultures.

Dual Language Immersion is elected during kindergarten enrollment. Families can select immersion and indicate their preferred program when enrolling online, at the Welcome Center, or during a school’s enrollment night.

Dual Languaage Immersion Promotional video

Hear from Apollo graduate Grace Leapaldt in this TEDx Talk all the ways language immersion programming enriched her learning and life.

Dual Language Immersion YouTube Playlist