Strengthening Bilingual Education Through New Dual Language Programs

Strengthening Bilingual Education Through New Dual Language Programs

Public Relations Department

February 11, 2026

Dear families and staff,

Farmington Municipal Schools (FMS) is committed to supporting student learning and honoring the languages and cultures of our families. We are excited to share an important update about bilingual education in our district. Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, our current elementary Bilingual Multicultural Education classes will transition into Dual Language Immersion Programs.

This change will allow FMS to better support students by providing:

  • A full-time, licensed, and endorsed Dual Language teacher

  • Stronger instructional support

  • More consistent resources for students and families

Where bilingual programs are currently offered

What is changing

Right now, bilingual classes are available at four schools:

Beginning in 2026-2027:

  • Animas Elementary – Navajo

  • Apache Elementary – Navajo

  • Bluffview Elementary – Navajo and Spanish

  • Esperanza Elementary – Navajo and Spanish

  • Dual Language Immersion Programs will be offered at:

    • Animas Elementary

    • Apache Elementary

    • Esperanza Elementary

  • McCormick Elementary will continue its existing Spanish Dual Language Program.

  • Bluffview will no longer offer a bilingual program at the elementary level; however, families will still be given family engagement and community involvement specific to the rich cultures of its school community.

What is Dual Language Immersion?

Dual Language Immersion helps students learn and use two languages every day at school. The program serves:

  • Students who are learning English

  • Students who speak English fluently

  • Students who are bilingual or are becoming bilingual

In Dual Language:

  • Students learning English receive:

    • One hour of language arts in their home or heritage language

    • One hour of English language development

    • Math and social studies taught in their home or heritage language

  • Students who are fluent in English receive:

    • Language arts instruction in the new target language

    • English language arts

    • Math and social studies taught in the new target language

Research shows that Dual Language is one of the most effective ways for students to learn two languages while succeeding academically.

Why this matters

This transition will also:

  • Support stronger teamwork among teachers and school leaders

  • Use best practices for Dual Language teaching

  • Help build a K–12 Dual Language pathway, so students can continue growing in both languages from elementary through high school

In the coming weeks, families currently enrolled in bilingual programs will receive more information about:

  • How to request participation in a Dual Language Immersion Program

  • What the transition will look like for your child

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school directly. We value your partnership and look forward to continuing this work together.

Sincerely,

Farmington Municipal Schools