A Special Tribute

In 2015, Mary Pritchard, a visionary educator, transformed the Boronda campus into the Dual Immersion Academy Salinas (DIAS), marking a pivotal moment in educational history. Rooted in Boronda Elementary's esteemed legacy, which spanned from 1962 until its closure in 2005, DIAS stands today as a testament to Mary Pritchard's dedication to bilingual and multicultural education.

Under Mary Pritchard's leadership, DIAS pioneered a comprehensive dual immersion program that initially catered to preschool, transitional kindergarten, and two kindergarten classes. Over the years, the academy expanded its offerings to include students from preschool through 6th grade. Notably, DIAS became the fourth school in the Salinas City Elementary School District to adopt a dual immersion curriculum and the first magnet school in the Salinas Valley devoted entirely to this innovative approach.

Beyond language fluency, Mary Pritchard emphasized STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—as integral to DIAS's academic framework. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and well-rounded development among students. DIAS implements a progressive language immersion model, beginning with a 90:10 ratio of Spanish to English in early grades and progressing to a balanced 50:50 model in upper grades, ensuring all students achieve proficiency in both languages.

DIAS, under Mary Pritchard's guidance, is more than an educational institution; it is a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore, learn from their mistakes, and cultivate their passions. The academy fosters a sense of curiosity, fearlessness, and introspection, instilling in its students strong moral values and a global perspective rooted in compassion and tolerance.

As the DIAS community evolves, it remains steadfast in honoring DIAS's rich history while advancing Mary Pritchard's vision of preparing students linguistically, academically, and socially. DIAS envisions its graduates as culturally adept individuals, proficient in both the humanities and sciences, and poised to embrace their futures with confidence and resilience.

At DIAS, Mary Pritchard's legacy shines brightly through a commitment to bilingualism, positivity, unity, and responsibility. Her influence continues to shape generations of learners, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

​Thank you, Mary Pritchard, for your inspiring leadership and enduring contributions to the Dual Immersion Academy Salinas from 2015 to 2023.