BSD Elementary Japanese Dual Language Program to Launch at Bennett Elementary

The Bellevue School District is delighted to announce that the elementary Japanese Dual Language program will be launched at Bennett Elementary School starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Families can begin to apply to the program for kindergarten and first grade starting on Monday, December 9, 2024. 

As part of the Multilingualism for All Initiative, the elementary Japanese Dual Language Program provides students with an opportunity to sustain and/or learn Japanese language and culture and enrich their elementary education experience. The dual language program will follow a 50/50 model, meaning students will receive equal instruction time in both English and Japanese. The languages used to teach the core subjects areas - math, science, and social studies - are currently in the development process. 

Based on feedback received from families and community partners, the program will launch with students entering kindergarten and depending on enrollment, potentially first grade. The district will continue to collaborate closely with stakeholders through the final stages of development.  

Listening to our Community 

On October 30, 2024, the Multilingualism for All team held a family listening session about the district’s plan for an elementary Japanese program. Nearly 175 families attended the co-design process. At the session, families had the opportunity to learn about our district’s vision and mission and to share their hopes and dreams for their student’s learning experience in the program.  

By engaging families in this inclusive design process, the district aims to build language programs which are shaped by family voice and perspective. We are deeply grateful for the valuable insights shared and will use this feedback to guide our planning and decision-making as we move forward with program development and a scheduled program launch in 2025. 

For more details about the Japanese Dual Language Program and the next steps of its evolution, please view the presentation. For additional questions or greater involvement in the program’s development, contact Languageprograms@bsd405.org. 

Japanese Language Program Key Dates 

• December 3, 2024: District-Wide Language Fair 
  Explore all language programs! This event gives families the opportunity to learn about available language program options, including the new Japanese program. 

• December 9, 2024 – January 17, 2025: Application Period for Choice Schools and Language Programs.  
  Families within and outside of the district may apply to the Japanese Dual Language Program and other choice schools and language programs. Don’t miss the chance to apply!