Applying to Dual Language Immersion (DLI)

Dual Language Immersion Programs are offered at two option schools. Both schools follow the same high standard of excellence in terms of curriculum, staff, and the immersion experience provided to students. Students may choose to apply to the Dual Immersion Program at:

• Claremont Immersion Elementary School
• Escuela Key Elementary School

Apply Online: Students entering elementary school in Arlington may apply to enter the program at Claremont Immersion or Escuela Key. All students entering grades 2–5 in the DLI program must meet the established Spanish language proficiency benchmarks through the entry assessment.

Interested incoming students can apply through the elementary option school application and lottery process. The elementary option school application window is open from November 10th, 2025, to January 16th, 2026. 

Spanish-English dual language programs aim to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding in students. These programs typically serve both native Spanish speakers and native English speakers, allowing each group to learn in their first language while gradually acquiring skills in the other. In order to foster bilingualism and cross-cultural understanding, it is critical that native speakers from both language groups are represented in the program.

APS asks the following question to determine applicants’ primary language:

Is Spanish the primary language your child speaks at your home?

Please consider: Does your child think in Spanish? Does your child communicate with you and any siblings in Spanish? Is Spanish the language that your child uses most frequently to communicate?

Note: Students applying to K-1 who have indicated that Spanish is the primary language their child speaks at home will be contacted to schedule a Spanish oral language assessment.

APS hace las siguientes pregunta para determinar el idioma principal de los solicitantes:

¿Es el español el idioma principal que habla su hijo en su casa?

Por favor considere: ¿Su hijo/a piensa en español? ¿Se comunica con usted y con sus hermanos en español? ¿Es el español el idioma que su hijo/a utiliza con más frecuencia para comunicarse?

Nota: Los estudiantes que soliciten para K-1 y hayan indicado que el español es el idioma principal que hablan en casa serán contactados para programar una evaluación oral de español.

Claremont start and end time: 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.    Early release: 12:20 p.m.

Escuela Key start and end time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.    Early release: 1:30 p.m.

Dual Language Immersion Programs are offered at two option schools. Both schools follow the same high standard of excellence in terms of curriculum, staff, and the immersion experience provided to students. Students may choose to continue in the Dual Language Immersion Program at the secondary level at:

• Gunston Middle School
• Wakefield High School

Current Students

To apply, current students must complete an Intent to Return Form.

• Students already enrolled in the APS Elementary Dual Language Immersion Program at Claremont or Key Elementary, who would like to continue immersion at the secondary level, will need to complete an Intent to Return Form during the course selection period before transitioning to middle or high school.

New Students

Incoming new students must Apply and Complete a Proficiency Test.

• Students who are not already enrolled in the APS Elementary Dual Language Immersion Program will need to show that they have participated in a comparable immersion program in another school division OR have lived/been raised in a Spanish-speaking country.
• Those applicants will need to apply for admission to the program. If spots are available, students will need to complete and pass a proficiency test administered by the Office of English Learners.
• Students who pass and meet the required criteria will receive an acceptance letter.