Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas
Created in response to demand from our community for Spanish dual immersion programs, the Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas (DIAS) is the fourth school in Salinas City Elementary School District (SCESD) to offer a dual immersion program and the first school to offer a dual immersion-only curriculum. DIAS is also the first magnet school in the district.
DIAS opened in fall 2015 with two kindergarten classes and a transitional kindergarten. The school added dual immersion classes every year through 2022 and is now a TK-6 program. Students from throughout the district and county are welcome to attend DIAS.
As a public magnet school, and one of about 200 dual immersion programs in California, the academy attracts students from throughout the Salinas Valley and Monterey County to attend its innovative program. District lines were not redrawn for the school, so all students attending the school must be granted an inter district transfer if coming from an outside school district.
Academics
Based on the 90:10 model in the first two grades (90% Spanish and 10% English), Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas students incrementally increase the amount of English to a 50:50 model in the upper grades.
DIAS is a dual language two-way bilingual immersion program where two groups of students are engaged in second language study for 5-7 years in an effort to develop high levels of bilingualism (the ability to speak fluently in both Spanish and English) and biliteracy (the ability to read and write in both languages).
Our program at DIAS promotes academic achievement equal to that of students in non-dual language programs. In addition to immersing students in language and literacy, the educational program integrates and emphasizes Common Core and STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
Enrichment
DIAS truly stands out with its rich array of enrichment opportunities for students. In addition to district-provided activities, DIAS offers year-long singing and instrumental opportunities with Camilo Ortiz, founder of Pied Piper Music. The video below showcases the developmental skills that DIAS students learn throughout the years with Pied Piper Music. Camilo partakes in various DIAS cultural events like Dia de Los Muertos, Art Night, and Dia de Las Madres, fostering performing arts skills and a deep appreciation for culture and creativity.
Our school also provides Art with Pepe (Jose G. Nolasco), through Hijos del Sol, a local organization who "inspires children and youth, and builds community in the Salinas Valley through visual and multicultural arts education, experiences, and mentorship, where young people are respected, develop artistic and life skills, and explore and embrace their cultural identities" (www.hijosdelsol.org).
School Campus
The Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas campus at the former Boronda Elementary School in northwest Salinas is more modern and beautiful than ever! We have many outdoor classrooms and learning spaces. Safety systems are now installed on the campus similar to other district schools, including perimeter fencing, locking gates and campus surveillance cameras. Other updates include new paint, classroom furniture, flooring and a repaved parking area.
We hope you like our school as much as we do!
DIAS Front Office
