Capistrano Unified School District

The Capistrano Unified School District Language Immersion program started in 1992, and develops high levels of biliteracy, cultural appreciation and academic success in students. With programs in Spanish and Mandarin beginning in preschool and continuing to graduation, students receive a premiere dual-language education that is “additive bilingual,” meaning the student’s first language continues to be strengthened and augmented while acquiring a second language.

Spanish is taught in a Two-Way Immersion program, which is structured with an equal number of students who are monolingual or dominant in English and students who are monolingual or dominant Spanish, at the time of enrollment. Mandarin is taught in a One-Way Immersion program, with the majority of students dominant in English at the time of enrollment. The Mandarin preschool–grade 12 program is the only public program in Orange County and one of only a handful in California.

The Language Immersion program focuses on the goals of bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and sociocultural competence. Language Immersion students develop high levels of language proficiency and literacy in both program languages, demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and develop an appreciation for and understanding of diverse cultures. An average of 52% of Language Immersion students take one or more AP/IB classes, and 98% of Language Immersion students earn a score of 3 or higher on the AP Spanish Language Exam.

In the fall of 2022, the Language Immersion program received a Golden Bell Award from the California School Board Association (CSBA) in the English Learner/Biliteracy category. The Golden Bell Awards promote excellence in public education and school board governance, and CUSD was honored for having a highly comprehensive and effective program.

The Language Immersion program continues to grow each year, in both enrollment and capability. Families interested in learning more can visit the Language Immersion website on capousd.org.

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOLS
• Las Palmas Elementary
• R.H. Dana Elementary
• San Juan Elementary
• Viejo Elementary
• Bernice Ayer Middle
• Fred Newhart Middle
• Marco Forster Middle
• Capistrano Valley High
• Dana Hills High
• San Clemente High
• San Juan Hills High

MANDARIN LANGUAGE IMMERSION SCHOOLS
• Marian Bergeson Elementary
• Fred Newhart Middle
• Capistrano Valley High

Capistrano Unified School District
33122 Valle Road | San Juan Capistrano
949.234.9200 • capousd.org