News Summary
The Beverly Hills Unified School District has launched a Spanish dual language program, the Dual Language Academy, to start at Horace Mann and El Rodeo Elementary Schools. This initiative, approved by the BHUSD Board, is designed to enhance bilingual education, starting with 90% of instruction in Spanish. With over 80 students already enrolled, the program aims to promote academic standards and aims to eventually expand to high school, allowing students to graduate as bilingual individuals.
Beverly Hills – The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) has officially launched a Spanish dual language program, known as the Dual Language Academy (DLA), set to commence in the 2025-26 school year at Horace Mann and El Rodeo Elementary Schools. This initiative marks a significant step in the district’s commitment to bilingual education and is expected to enhance the educational experience for students.
Registration for the DLA began in June, attracting overwhelming interest with over 80 students enrolling for its inaugural year. The program will feature one kindergarten class and two first-grade classes at El Rodeo, alongside one kindergarten class and one first-grade class at Horace Mann. Both schools will ensure that students enrolled in the DLA receive the same state-approved curriculum as their English-only counterparts, promoting equal academic standards. Instruction within the DLA will comprise 90% of lessons delivered in Spanish and 10% in English, focusing on core subjects.
The genesis of the DLA was presented to the BHUSD Board by Board Member Sigalie Sabag in May, and the board unanimously approved the proposal, with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dustin Seemann overseeing its implementation. This transformative program is intended to create a pathway for students to achieve fluency in both Spanish and English, aligning with BHUSD’s broader educational vision.
During the summer months, BHUSD engaged in an extensive review of potential curricula and the recruitment of skilled teachers in preparation for the program’s launch. The district has partnered with TNTP, a nonprofit educational consultant, to provide training for teachers and administrators involved in the DLA. Multiple educators with dual language experience have been brought on board, including Adrienne Kim, who will serve as the new assistant principal at Horace Mann.
BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss has described the DLA as a representation of the district’s potential and the successful alignment of educational vision with action. The district anticipates that the introduction of the DLA will contribute to its aspirations for National Blue-Ribbon Schools recognition. The program is envisioned to expand through to high school, aiming for students to graduate as fluently bilingual individuals.
Prior discussions regarding a dual language immersion program within BHUSD had occurred but did not progress until this recent proposal gained momentum. This initiative reflects a broader commitment from the BHUSD Board to improve academic achievement and enhance student safety across the district’s schools.
Parents interested in enrolling their children in the DLA are encouraged to reach out to the district, as there are still available spots in some classes. Additionally, following a board meeting on May 27, the district plans to add counselors to the College and Career Counseling Center at Beverly Hills High School, in alignment with other educational initiatives, including the DLA.
The launch of the Dual Language Academy represents a pivotal change in the educational landscape of Beverly Hills, setting the stage for future generations of students to benefit from a bilingual education.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHUSD Launches Spanish Dual Language Academy
- Wikipedia: Dual Language Education
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHHS to Expand College and Career Counseling Services
- Google Search: Dual Language Programs
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHEA Endorses Stern, Peykar, Ronen for School Board
- Google Scholar: Bilingual Education
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHPD Makes Arrest in Auto Theft Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bilingualism
- Beverly Hills Courier: BHUSD Board Discusses Academic Performance
- Google News: Beverly Hills
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
