Dual Immersion Academy

This school is the best school available in the Salt Lake City area. My children attend DIA and have become bilingual and biliterate (English and Spanish) in a very short time. Since attending the school, my children's test scores have been EXCELLENT and I absolutely love the 90/10 model. Dual Immersion Academy is the ONLY school in the Salt Lake area as of this post that does the 90/10 model. That is, 90% of time in class in K and 1st will be in Spanish, and 10% English. Starting in 2nd grade it goes to 80/20, 3rd is 70/30, etc This allows the English speaking students (which mine were) to be "immersed" in the Spanish language at a young age, and they end up learning very quickly. Spanish speaking students come to the school usually already knowing some English because they have already been "immersed" in the English language in the community/media. I have been so happy with the staff, the education, and the values of this school - I would not consider putting my children anywhere else. I have done my research, and continue to monitor the progress of this school and other schools available to my children - and I can honestly say that this the best school in the valley.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are energetic, well-informed, concerned, talented, and intelligent people. I have aboslutely loved the teachers my 2 children have had. They go above and beyond what is 'required' to help the students be the best they can be. My children have earned top scores on the State's standardized testing. They are reading above grade level in English (so they haven't fallen behind as other posters have mentioned). Unfortunately, there are so many students with serious discipline issues (bullying, name calling, foul language, agressive and intimidating behavior, fights, etc.) that seems to go unchecked. I no longer feel like my kids are safe there. They will not be returning and I know many other parents who feel the same way whose children will also not be returning. The educational experience has been top notch. It's just that the behavioral issues over shadow the good things..
—Submitted by a parent

This is a horrible school. Your child will be so far behind in every subject if you subjest them to this awful place. The 90/10 program they are running is not working! Kids are learning nothing and being left further and further behind. They also do nothing to punish bullies and do not have adequate supervision for the kids playing outside. The school is located in a very dangerous part of Glendale. The best thing I did was to pull my child from this awful school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing and dedicated teachers. Wonderful academic program, my children have learned so much each year. They have had some challenges in the school administration and leadership but I am hopeful that they can work through this.
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty and staff are wonderful and work well together. We have waited months for a new director and sadly I find myself very disappointed. The tradition that was building at the school is ignored by the new administration and the governance board blindly accepts the administrations misrepresentations. The entire look of the school will be different next year if parents cannot regain control of their school community.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school for two years, she started in 3rd grade. She spoke no spanish and in two years is doing very well. I think the ciriculum at the school is outstanding, and chanllenging. They place each student in groups in both english and spanish based on thier academic level, this allows the children to suceed at thier current level before moving on, if they are excelling then they are not held back and if they need more time they are not being rushed to move ahead without being prepared to do so. Two thumbs up to DIA, I couldnt be happier with my choice to put my daughter here!
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers are very dedicated and great with the children. I am not happy with the administration the class sizes and the way the teachers are treated.
—Submitted by a parent

I waited 2 years to get my kids accepted in this school and I am so glad to see how much they've learned in spanish and I myself speak a little but now am learning from them. I have a Kindergartner, 2nd grader, and 3rd grader. I'm impressed and look forward to what may come next! :)
—Submitted by a parent

their focus in on the whole child; dual language school