Dual Language Immersion is an educational approach integrating native English speakers and native speakers of another language for academic instruction, aiming for bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competence. In Utah, the program typically begins in 1st grade and continues through 6th grade, following a 50/50 model where students spend half their day learning in English and the other half in the target language, such as Spanish or Chinese.

The goal of the Dual Language Immersion program is for students to become bi-literate and bilingual, achieving functional proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. Additionally, the program fosters a strong appreciation for cultural diversity, preparing students to participate effectively in a global community.

• Chinese:

  • Uintah Elementary School
    6115 S. 2250 E.
    South Ogden, UT 84403

  • Bates Elementary School
    850 E. 3100 N.
    North Ogden, UT 84414

• Spanish:

  • Majestic Elementary School
    425 W. 2550 N.
    Harrisville, UT 84414

  • Freedom Elementary School
    4555 W. 5500 S.
    Hooper, UT 84315

• School address 425 W. 2550 No. Ogden 84414

• Principal: Libby Jacobsen

• School Website

• Majestic Elementary DLI meeting on February 26, 2025, at 5:30 PM (in person)

• Dual Immersion Application information packet (the same for all programs)

• Majestic Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion Lottery Application due March 21, 2025, by 11:59 PM

Who Should Apply?

Any child entering 1st grade in Fall 2025 is eligible to apply for the Chinese or Spanish Immersion programs, subject to availability. Accepted students are expected to commit to participating in the program through 6th grade and are encouraged to continue in the immersion pathway through junior high and high school.

How to Apply

• Application Period: Online applications open on the following dates at 9:00 AM:

  • Uintah Chinese DLI: February 27, 2025

  • Bates Chinese DLI: March 6, 2025

  • Majestic Spanish DLI: February  27, 2025

  • Freedom Spanish DLI:March 6, 2025

• Application Deadline: Submit the electronic application by 11:59 PM on March 28, 2025. Applications are available at Weber School District Dual Immersion Programs. Please note that paper applications will not be accepted.

How Are Students Chosen?

A weighted lottery process is used to select 54 students for each program. The lottery considers the following criteria:

• Demographics (up to 3 points):

  • 1.5 points: Resides within the school boundary

  • 1 point: Resides within Weber School District boundaries

  • 0.5 points: Attended the school during Kindergarten

• Family (up to 1 point):

  • 1 point: Sibling currently in the program

  • 0.5 points: Oldest child, only child, or first family opportunity to apply

• Primary Household Language (up to 1 point):

  • 1 point: The target language is spoken by an adult in the home, with the child exposed to the language at least 50% of the time

  • 0.5 points: An adult in the home speaks the target language fluently, but it is not the primary language spoken

Please note that having a sibling in the program does not guarantee placement. The program is designed for all students, and cognitive strengths or disabilities are not considered in the selection process.

Notification

Applicants will be notified via email by the end of the day on April 10, 2025, regarding placement status. If selected, you must submit an electronic Intention Form by April 18, 2025, indicating your decision to accept the placement. Failure to respond by this date will affect your child's placement in the program. Acceptance requires a commitment to continue in the program through 6th grade. If you do not plan to stay in the area or cannot provide the necessary transportation, please reconsider applying.

Additional Information

• If selected and residing outside the school boundary, a registration and boundary exception form must be completed and submitted to the school by April 21, 2025.

• Late applications (submitted after March 28, 2025) will not be considered.

• Current program participants do not need to reapply each year.

• Families who live outside the school boundary of the immersion school must provide transportation.

• Requests for specific teachers are not accommodated, as each program has designated English and target language teachers.

• Learning a new language will require extra time and effort at home.

• Attendance is crucial to achieving success in this program.

• If you do not receive notification by April 10, 2025, please contact the Curriculum & Instruction Department at 801-476-7870.

For more information about Dual Language Immersion programs in Utah, visit the Utah State Board of Education's Dual Language Immersion page.