Nurturing children in a multicultural learning environment

DC Bilingual Public Charter School currently serves approximately 200 students from early Pre-K through 3rd Grade. It will expand to include 4th grade in fall 2008 and an additional grade each year thereafter, through the fifth grade in fall 2009.

Our Focus

DC Bilingual implements an academically demanding and age appropriate dual language program designed to foster bilingualism and biliteracy and promote the development of the “whole” child.

Through a strong school and family commitment to support language development and our dual language model throughout elementary school, we work to ensure the following outcomes:

• Students graduate fully bilingual and biliterate (in English and Spanish);
• Students master curriculum content and concepts taught in both languages;
• Students develop an appreciation for and understanding of cultural and language diversity.

We believe children learn best by exploring, playing and discovering through hand-on learning experiences. Through our diverse community of students and staff, students learn firsthand how to communicate effectively in two languages, to demonstrate respect and appreciation for diversity and to develop the skills and knowledge they need to become successful leaders in their community.

Student Diversity

Our student demographics for the 2006-2007 school year:

• Race/Ethnicity:  71% Hispanic, 5% Caucasian, 19% Black, 6% Other
• Gender: 57% male, 43 % female
• 65% English Language Learners
• 81% Title I

Our Teachers and School

• 53% teachers hold Masters degrees, 37% hold Bachelors degrees
• 21% male, 79% female
• Staff brings preparation and teaching experience from the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, and the U.S. including Puerto Rico which enriches DC Bilingual’s multicultural experience for children.
• Each classroom is staffed with two teachers (English and Spanish) and supported by at least one classroom assistant.
• Average teacher/student ratio is 10:1; average class size is 21 students.