Chicago Public Schools Expands Dual Language and World Language Programs

CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King Thursday announced the District’s expansion of Dual Language Education (DLE) and World Language Education (WLE) programs, aligned with the District’s vision and goals. The addition of three new Dual Language Education (Spanish/English) and three new World Language Education (Spanish) begins a planned four-year expansion and commitment to developing more bilingual and biliterate scholars. This year’s schools will join more than 240 schools offering World Language Education Programs and 43 Dual Language Education (DLE) schools, further expanding the District’s commitment to bilingual education through programs that use instruction in both students’ native and second languages to broaden learning opportunities for a diverse range of learners.

The expansion, grounded in teaching and learning data as well as the recent agreement between the District and the Chicago Teachers Union, addresses community needs and expands access to world-class programming, beginning this year. Selected schools will receive targeted investments and comprehensive support during a multi-year incubation phase, aimed at ensuring the sustainability and success of each program.

“The expansion of these critical programs highlights the District’s commitment to providing students with a well-rounded and high-quality education including knowledge and multilingual skills that will serve these scholars for life,” said Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “This targeted investment reflects our dedication to preparing students for success in college, careers and civic life.”

Dual Language Education
NEW DUAL LANGUAGE SCHOOLS:
Henry D. Lloyd Elementary School
Little Village Elementary School
Edward E. Sadlowski Elementary School

Dual Language Education (DLE) Programs typically begin in preschool or kindergarten and continue through eighth grade. They aim to help native speakers maintain their home language while becoming bilingual and biliterate in both languages - in this case English and Spanish. The Dual Language Program is designed to develop bilingualism and biliteracy in both English and a partner language, such as Spanish, through an integrated, content-rich curriculum. In this program, students receive instruction in both languages across academic subjects, allowing them to build strong language skills while mastering grade-level content.

The primary goals of the CPS Dual Language Program are to ensure that students become fully bilingual and biliterate, achieve high academic performance in both languages, and develop sociocultural competence. By nurturing these skills, the program prepares students to thrive in a multicultural and global society. It also aims to value and preserve students’ home languages and cultures, fostering pride in linguistic and cultural identity while promoting equity and inclusion across the District.

These programs provide core instruction such as language arts, math, science, and social science in a partner language, with the goal of developing bilingualism and biliteracy in both Spanish and English. In addition to core academic content, English Learners enrolled in DLE programs receive targeted English Language Development instruction. Similarly, native English-speaking students receive language development instruction in the partner language, such as Spanish Language Development, to build proficiency and support balanced language growth. During the 2025-2026 school year, CPS will expand its Dual Language Program to include 40 elementary schools, three high schools, and three charter schools, an increase from 37 elementary schools from the previous year.

Earlier this week (Tuesday, October 14), Darwin Elementary hosted members of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). This national organization supports Latino leaders in education, especially those in administrative and superintendent roles, and promotes educational equity and leadership development within Latino communities. As part of ALAS’s pre convention tour, the visit to Darwin Elementary emphasized how CPS has successfully implemented its dual language programs.

“In just three years since adopting the Spanish Language Arts (SLA) curriculum at Darwin, we have seen a 33 percent increase in students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards in reading. This proves that when instruction honors students’ identities while maintaining high expectations, bilingual learners don’t just succeed—they soar,” said Darwin Principal Daniel De Los Reyes. “The ALAS visit affirms that Chicago Public Schools is trailblazing a model for the nation—one where bilingualism is not a barrier to overcome but a strength to lead with.”

World Language Education (WLE)
NEW WORLD LANGUAGE PROGRAMS:
Louis Nettelhorst Elementary School
Edgar Allan Poe Classical School
George B. Swift Elementary Specialty School

World Language Education emphasizes the critical role of language education in achieving success in college, careers, and life. More than 100,000 CPS students study world languages across 247 schools, which include 149 elementary and middle schools and 98 high schools. The languages offered comprise American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Polish, and Spanish.

World Language programs provide CPS students with the opportunity to acquire an additional language while gaining a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. Designed to build real-world proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, these programs aim to cultivate globally minded individuals capable of meaningful cross-cultural communication. Multilingual proficiency not only supports academic achievement and enhances cognitive flexibility, but also broadens access to a wider array of college and career pathways in today’s increasingly interconnected world.

A key initiative within the District’s, Together We Rise, five-year strategic plan, the Multilingual Pathways Expansion (MPE), is designed to address the diverse needs of students. Schools participating in the expansion expressed interest in offering Dual Language or World Language programs. The Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education (OMME) conducted a comprehensive evaluation process that took into consideration existing language programs, student demographics, community language needs, and available resources.

Community engagement played a pivotal role in shaping the expansion. Through meetings, surveys, and forums, CPS gathered input on program goals and preferred language offerings. Schools interested in joining submitted detailed proposals outlining their plans, resource needs, and alignment with District priorities.

“We provided schools with the support and guidance needed to fully understand the level of commitment and work required to implement these programs successfully,” said CPS OMME Chief Karime Asaf. “This expansion is designed to have the most significant impact in school communities that have the most pressing needs for multilingual services.”
To ensure successful implementation, participating schools will receive ongoing support throughout the school year, including professional development for educators, curriculum resources, and community engagement initiatives designed to foster long-term success.