Dual Language Program

  •  hfes dual language logo

     

    We have limited seats in our Kindergarten Dual Language Program. If you are interested in this program, please fill out an application for your child today. Your child must be registered at Huntingtowne Farms in order to apply for the program. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

     

     

    Dual Language Application for the 2025-2026 School Year

    What is the Dual Language program?

    Students learn in both English and Spanish every day—building strong academics, cultural awareness, and global confidence. It’s more than language—it’s about raising open-minded, compassionate learners.

    Key Benefits:

    • Students are taught literacy and academic content in two languages.
    • Builds bilingualism (speaking and understanding both languages).
    • Develops biliteracy (reading and writing in both languages).
    • Promotes cultural awareness and appreciation of diversity.
    • Supports high academic achievement in all subjects.
    • Prepares students to be multilingual, multicultural global citizens.

     How Does Dual Language Work at HFES?

    • Our program uses a two-way immersion model, with balanced numbers of native English and native Spanish speakers.
    • Students learn from each other — acting as both language learners and language models throughout the day.
    • Global Teachers — Our educators come from around the world, bringing fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and a variety of authentic accents to the classroom.

    HFES Language of Instruction by Grade:

    Kindergarten:

    • 90% of the day in Spanish (core subjects)
    • 10% in English (during specials like Art, PE, etc.)
    • Open to all rising Kindergarten students—no language experience required.

     

    1st–5th Grades:

    • 50% of the day in Spanish.
    • 50% of the day in English.
    • Late Entry requires assessment to ensure success in a bilingual setting.
    • Students learn core content (math, science, literacy, etc.) in both languages.

    How does the International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet Program at HFES work with Dual Language?

    We are the only school in CMS that offers a Dual Language Program plus an International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

    • Dual Language is an optional program within our IB Magnet school.
    • All students at Huntingtowne Farms—whether in DL or not—receive a full International Baccalaureate (IB) education focused on global learning, critical thinking, and character development.

    Students in the Dual Language program get the best of both worlds:

    • Daily instruction in Spanish and English.
    • IB themes integrated across all subjects.

     What are the middle school options for HFES Dual Language learners? 

    • Collinswood Language Academy to continue in Dual Language.
    • Quail Hollow Middle School to continue in the IB Magnet program.
    • Or attend their assigned home middle school.

     Have a Rising Kindergartener Ready to Apply?
    Dual Language Application for 2025-26

     Have a Rising 1st-5th Grader and Want to Take a Late Entry Assessment?

    Email: margarita1.guerrero@cms.k12.nc.us 

     Why Dual Language?

    More than bilingual – bicognitive!

     

    Students in dual language programs benefit from:

     

    Enhanced Brain Development:

    • Improved memory, attention, and executive function.
    • Greater cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
    • Advanced literacy and language processing.
    • “Being bilingual or multilingual has been proven to have countless beneficial impacts on the brains of those who speak more than one language.”
      (Source: Greek Reporter).
      Read the research

    Academic Boost:

    • Studies show higher scores in reading & math, starting in Grade 1.
    • Strengthens English skills while gaining Spanish fluency.
    • “On average, native English-speaking students in Grades 1–4 in DLI programs score significantly higher in both reading and math.”
      (Source: Educational Research Journal).
       Read the research
    • “Students randomly assigned to dual-language immersion programs outperformed their peers on reading tests by 13% in Grade 5 and 22% in Grade 8” .
      (Source: RAND Research Brief).
      Read the research

    Cultural Competence & Global Readiness:

    • Being bilingual goes beyond language—it builds a deep understanding of different cultures, ways of thinking, and worldviews.
    • Bilingual students often show greater empathy, open-mindedness, and adaptability.
    • They learn to see the world through multiple perspectives, which helps in school, relationships, and future careers.
    • Dual language students are more prepared for a global future, including:

      • Competitive college applications and scholarships

      • International travel and study

      • Bilingual and multicultural careers

    Future Opportunities:

    • Advanced academic pathways, including honors and international programs.
    • College scholarships for language skills and global studies.
    • Global careers in fields like business, healthcare, education, diplomacy, and tech.
    • A lifelong advantage in an increasingly interconnected world.

     

    Parent and Student Voices:

    • "We chose HFES for its focus on compassion and growth. The Dual Language Program has connected us to a diverse community, and it’s amazing to hear our daughter read in both English and Spanish. Most of all, the caring teachers and staff make it feel like home.”
      -  Katie, Parent of HFES Dual Language 2nd Grader.
    • “We are excited to have a wide variety of options as our oldest nears middle school. She can choose to continue a dual-language path, an IB path, or to attend her home school.”
      -  Kendra, Parent of HFES Dual Language 3rd + 4th Grader.
    • “As a Latina, I am so happy that my daughter’s BFF is from a different culture. They help each other in Spanish and English. It warms my heart.”
      -  Carmen, Parent of HFES Dual Language 4th Grader.
    • “As a parent, it’s incredible to see how HFES prepares our daughter to think critically, problem-solve, and consider perspectives beyond her own. It’s not just a school—it’s a place where all families feel at home.”
      -  Brian, Parent of HFES Dual Language 2nd Grader.
    • “I love going to HFES because I get to learn two languages! I love my teachers and the fun projects we do.One thing I’ve learned this year is how important it is to be a risk-taker.”
      -  Olivia, HFES 2nd Grader.
    • “Our family chose HFES for the rigor of the IB program. It has been amazing. We also love the rigor (and fun) of Art, Music, Inquiry, PE and Spanish - all linked to the IB curriculum.”
      -  Dawn, Family of HFES Dual Language 4th Grader.

    Next Steps

    Have Questions? Want a Tour?
    We’d love to connect!

    Contact Us

    2520 Huntingtowne Farms Lane

    Charlotte NC 28210

    980-343-3625

    huntingtownefarmselem@cms.k12.nc.us

     

    Have a Rising Kindergartener Ready to Apply?
    Dual Language Application for 2025-26

     

    Have a Rising 1st-5th Grader and Want to Take a Late Entry Assessment?

    Email: margarita1.guerrero@cms.k12.nc.us