Dual Language Immersion (DLI)

NAVIGATION

DLI Registration DLI for Grades 7-12 Utah's Seal of Biliteracy DLI Parent Resources

Contact Us

Shauna Winegar

Dual Language Immersion Director

shauna.winegar@ccsdut.org

Schools Contact

Direct all school-specific questions to the respective school's main office

English
Spanish

What is Dual Language Immersion (DLI)?

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) is an innovative approach to bilingual education where students are taught literacy and the core subjects in both English and a second language. This program equips students with advanced language skills, preparing them for future opportunities in a globalized world.

A unique advantage of our magnet model is the enhanced focus on cultural engagement; because every student is enrolled in the DLI program, the entire school environment fosters greater access to cultural activities and creates a cohesive, shared learning experience.

Students who complete the DLI program can earn a total of 9 credits of 3000-level (upper division) language credit through Utah State University and can also earn the Utah Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious recognition that highlights their proficiency in two languages. This seal is awarded by the state and is a valuable distinction for college applications and career opportunities. Learn more about the Seal of Biliteracy by clicking here.

Post-Lottery Applications

Spaces are still available for French, Portuguese, and Chinese on a first-come, first-served basis. A waitlist is open for the Spanish program.

Apply Now

How the Program Works

Instructional Model & Timeline

The Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program starts in 1st grade and is offered at specific DLI magnet elementary schools. These are schools of choice without geographic boundaries; therefore, all students must apply to attend, and parents are responsible for all transportation to and from school.

Program Overview & Logistics

Daily Schedule: Because our magnet schools are parent-transportation only, we operate on an earlier start time. This schedule allows families to better manage transportation across multiple schools (secondary and elementary) and provides more time at home in the afternoon with our 3:00 PM dismissal.
Kindergarten: While the formal DLI model begins in 1st grade, kindergarten at these magnet schools provides an excellent foundation with 100% English instruction. Students enrolled at a DLI magnet school in kindergarten are guaranteed a spot in the program for 1st grade.
Grades 1–5: Students receive 50% of their instruction in a second language and 50% in English.

Learn more about the dli instructional model

2026-27 Languages & Locations

Portuguese

Cedar Ridge Elementary
North Cache Middle School
Sky View High School

French

Spring Creek Elementary
Maple View Middle School
Ridgeline High School

Spanish

Spring Creek Elementary
South Cache Middle School
Mountain Crest High School

Chinese

Cedar Ridge Elementary
Juniper Ridge Middle School
Green Canyon High School

Transition Plan

The DLI proposal includes a transition plan to guide the district, families, and students through potential changes. The plan outlines timelines and pathways to support current and future DLI participants.

A four-year transportation solution from Nibley to South Cache is included within this transition plan. Further details will be forthcoming. All remaining transportation needs are the responsibility of the parents or adult guardians.

School Year	Ridgeline High School	Mountain Crest High School
25-26	DLI 5 (9th Grade)	No DLI
26-27	USU Bridge (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors) AP Spanish	DLI 5 (9th Grade)
27-28	USU Bridge* (Juniors, Seniors) AP Spanish	DLI 5 (9th Grade) USU Bridge (Sophomores)
28-29	USU Bridge* (Seniors) AP Spanish	DLI 5 (9th Grade) USU Bridge (Sophomores, Juniors)
29-30 & Beyond	AP Spanish	DLI 5 (9th Grade) USU Bridge* (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)
Notes:	*RHS students in lower classes could join the course if there is room and they have passed the AP Spanish exam.	*Students may dual-enroll at their boundary school and complete their Bridge course at MCHS if they don't want to attend MCHS full-time. Families doing this would be responsible for their own transportation to and from MCHS.

DLI Benefits

The image displays the text %2213% more job offers are given to bilingual candidates.%22 against a plain white background.

The image presents a list of cognitive skills that can be improved, including better memory, increased attention control, superior problem-solving skills, and enhanced understanding of primary language.

The image presents a bar graph comparing the proficiency levels of DLI students and state averages on RISE exams in grades 3-8 for the year 2024. The graph shows that DLI students had higher proficiency rates compared to the state average.

The image presents information about the career earnings of bilingual professionals, indicating they can earn 5-20% more on average throughout their careers. It also highlights that students who achieve high proficiency in both English and an immersion language can benefit from these increased earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the K-12 DLI Program?

Do I have to live within a specific boundary?

Our Language Offerings: What we teach and where.

The Language Path: Daily Learning to University Credit

What are magnet schools?

Cache County School District Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Magnet Schools

June 12, 2024

During its April 25, 2024 board meeting, the Cache County Board of Education voted to approve the creation of two Dual Language Immersion (DLI) magnet elementary schools. These schools, which will be housed in Cedar Ridge Elementary in Hyde Park and what will become Spring Creek Elementary in Providence, will begin operation in the 2026-27 school year. Cedar Ridge Elementary will house the Chinese and Portuguese programs, and Spring Creek Elementary will house the French and Spanish programs.

In approving the magnet schools, the Board directed district administrators to find ways to increase access to the DLI program for all students and families. As a result, a committee will be formed consisting of school administrators, teachers, parents, and community members. This committee will meet throughout the 2024-25 school year and will examine considerations such as student access to bussing and the lottery system.

The committee will also discuss the possibility of shifting the DLI pathways in secondary schools to coordinate with the magnet elementary schools, focusing on increasing student opportunities, especially for those within Mountain Crest High School’s boundaries. Mountain Crest is the only secondary school in the district without a program, while Ridgeline High School has two programs. If the committee recommends moving a program to Mountain Crest and it is accepted by the Board, the change will be phased in to ensure that students are not asked to change schools once they have already started attending.

Cache County School District remains steadfast in its commitment to the DLI Program and will continue to provide comprehensive support. Our aim is to create opportunities for as many district students and families as possible while optimizing space in our elementary schools.

If you are interested in serving on the DLI Magnet School Committee, applications will open in mid-September. Please watch your email and our website for more information. Community members interested in learning more about the decision to create DLI magnet elementary schools are invited to view the board meeting video from the March 7, 2024, meeting (discussion starts at 12:00), the April 11, 2024 meeting (discussion starts at 59:00), and the April 25, 2024 meeting (discussion starts at 29:15). Board meeting minutes and video are available at by clicking here.

Who May Apply?

Any students entering first grade in August may apply (current kindergarten students).

The DLI program is a general education program with open access to ALL students
The program has no prerequisites or qualifying process.
Transportation to the school will not be provided by the district for students who are accepted into the program and live outside of school boundaries.

What are the benefits of the DLI program?

High-Level Proficiency: Students in dual language immersion reach high levels of proficiency by the time they exit the program in 12th grade.
Academic Performance: Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English
Cognitive Skills: Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior problem solving skills as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
Cultural Sensitivity: Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
Long-Term Benefits: Immersion students are better prepared for the global community and job markets where a second language is an asset.

Download a printable version of the "Why Dual Language Immersion" flyer by clicking the button below.

Download Flyer

What happens after elementary school?

How do I apply for the program?

Parents submit an online application. You can find the application by clicking the button below. Paper applications may be requested as well.

For students applying to start the program in 1st grade, the application window for submissions are due December 31.
For students applying for late-entry or transferring from another program in grades 2-6, a separate Late-entry/Transfer application is available

Students who reside outside of participating schools’ boundaries and who are accepted into the program will not need to submit an open enrollment form. Open enrollment will be granted upon acceptance into the program.