Program Types
Bilingual Schools in DC
DC's bilingual public schools offer instruction in two languages at no cost — raising children who are fully literate and academically proficient in both English and a second language.
Find Bilingual Schools →Benefits of Bilingual Education
- ✓Full academic proficiency in two languages — not just conversation
- ✓Cognitive benefits including enhanced executive function
- ✓Career advantages in a multilingual economy
- ✓Cultural connections for heritage language families
- ✓Better long-term academic outcomes by middle school
Types of Bilingual Programs
Two-Way Immersion (50/50)
Half instruction in English, half in Spanish. Mixes native speakers of both languages.
Two-Way Immersion (90/10)
Starts 90% in target language, increasing English over time. Strong immersion model.
Heritage Language Program
For students already speaking the target language. Builds academic literacy in their heritage language.
DC Bilingual & Dual Language Schools
Schools with bilingual and dual language programs, sorted by academic performance.
Oyster-Adams Bilingual School (Oyster)
DCPSWard 3·PK4 to 3
Dual Language
72.1% ELA
6% match
Oyster-Adams Bilingual School (Adams)
DCPSWard 3·4 to 8
Dual Language
72.1% ELA
0% match
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS - Brookland
CharterWard 5·PK3 to 5
Arts IntegrationDual Language
60% ELA
5% match
District of Columbia International School
CharterWard 4·6 to 12
Advanced PlacementCareer and Technical Education
56.8% ELA
16% match
Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS - Calle Ocho Campus
CharterWard 5·PK3 to 5
Dual LanguageExtended Day
54.3% ELA
65% match
Washington Yu Ying PCS
CharterWard 5·PK3 to 5
Dual LanguageInternational Baccalaureate (IB)
54% ELA
16% match
Find Bilingual Schools in DC
Use DC Parents School Guide to filter for dual language and bilingual programs across all wards.
Search Bilingual Schools →