Lewis and Clark is a 50 /50 Two Way Dual Language program model for grades K-5.  50/50 means that 50% of the day content is taught in English and 50% of the day content is taught in Spanish. Two Way means that it serves both multilingual students learning English and English proficient students.

First, children achieve high levels of language proficiency and literacy in both languages. Second, children show high levels of academic achievement in comparison to their same-language peers in traditional programs. Lastly, students in two-way dual language/immersion programs show positive cross-cultural attitudes, and have a greater sense of ease among diverse groups of people.

Recent research has also highlighted many cognitive benefits of bilingualism in general, including greater mental flexibility, planning, problem-solving, and memory. Lastly, people who are bilingual have access to a greater number of national and international employment opportunities.

The benefits of multilingualism are realized when a student stays in the Dual Language Program for at least six years and ideally through high school 

Research has consistently found that both language groups show academic achievement at equal or superior levels to the achievement of same-language peers who had not gone through two-way dual language programs.

Monolingual and multilingual students entering grades K & 1 for the 26-27 school year are welcome to complete a choice application to enroll at Lewis and Clark. The priority in-district and out of district choice enrollment deadline is March 20.

The benefits of multilingualism are realized when a student stays in the Dual Language Program for at least six years and ideally through high school. When given a choice permit for the Dual Language Program, the expectation is that students will stay at Lewis and Clark through 5th grade.

Choice applicants will be notified of their acceptance status in mid May.

All incoming kindergarten students in the Lewis and Clark boundary will have the opportunity to attend the Dual Language Program at Lewis and Clark. A lottery of choice applications will take place.  Details for choice applications by grade level are below:

Kindergarten: Any student, regardless of language background and ability, can enter into the dual language program, pending program space and language balance. Siblings of students already in the program will be given priority. 

1st Grade: Any student, regardless of language background and ability who did not have the opportunity to join the program in Kindergarten, can enter the dual language program pending program space and language balance. 

2nd Grade and above: The following students may join pending space and language balance:

Students who are newcomers from a Spanish speaking country or multilingual qualified students can enter automatically

Spanish dominant speakers who have not had their educational experience in Spanish, may take a language proficiency test to qualify.

Yes. Assuming there are not issues with behavior and attendance. Families need to reapply for choice through the state portal.

Beginning with the kindergarten cohort of fall 2026, students who live in the Lewis and Clark boundary and do NOT wish to participate in the dual language program will have priority for choice at Washington or Newbery. Placement will be determined by building availability. At this point in time transportation will NOT be provided for choice students.  

We are continuing to evaluate the expansion of our DL program as students progress from elementary into secondary schools. Stay tuned for future updates.