Did you know that Canyons District has some of the most extensive language immersion offerings in Utah? Twenty-one elementary and secondary schools offer dual immersion programs in Spanish, French, or Chinese — and it’s nearly time to apply to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Applications for these popular programs are accepted online from Monday, Oct. 3 through Nov. 21, 2022. Any kindergarten-aged student who will be starting the first grade in fall 2023 may apply. A lottery will be held to determine entrance into the programs if the number of applicants exceeds the seats available.

Families interested in learning about the dual immersion model are invited to attend an informational meeting for parents. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Canyons Center at the Canyons District Office, 9361 S. 300 East in Sandy.

“Immersion programs are a great way to challenge students while preparing them for today’s global marketplace,” said Canyons Instructional Supports Administrator Kenna Sorensen. “Not only is this an effective path to learning another language, being multilingual has been shown to improve students’ academic performance. The cognitive skills and cultural knowledge immersion students acquire are in high demand by colleges and employers.”

Please note: Students with siblings who are currently enrolled in one of CSD’s DLI  schools must still submit applications by the Nov. 21, 2022 deadline.

On the application, parents will be asked to list their top three choices for placement. Parents will be notified of their children’s offer for placement into a program or placement on a waitlist by Jan. 7, 2022.

Spanish is offered at Alta View, Altara, Midvalley and Silver Mesa. French is offered at Butler Elementary and Oak Hollow. The schools offering Mandarin are Draper Elementary, Lone Peak, and Ridgecrest.

Elementary students in dual language immersion programs spend half the day learning core subjects in English and the other half learning in a target language. The programs continue through high school where students can work to pass the Advanced Placement exam in the 9th or 10th grades and take college-level courses for early college credit.

CSD’s first immersion classes opened in 2009, the same year that the District was founded. More than 10 percent of CSD’s 34,000 students are now learning a world language through these programs.

“It’s a hugely popular program that draws students from throughout the Salt Lake Valley,” Sorensen said.

Questions? Call the Instructional Supports Department at 801-826-5026.