WEST GROVE, PA — The Avon Grove School District is expanding its Dual Language Immersion program, increasing enrollment and extending the program to additional grade levels as part of a long-term effort to provide bilingual education.
The district said 195 students are currently enrolled in the program, up from 44 kindergarten students when it launched in the 2022–2023 school year.
District officials said the program will expand to fourth grade in the 2026–2027 school year and to fifth grade in 2027–2028.
Plans also call for a middle school transition between 2028 and 2031 and a high school pathway beginning in 2031, with students eligible to earn the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.
The program uses a 50/50 instructional model, with students receiving half of their instruction in English and half in Spanish across subjects including reading, math, science, and social studies.
Emlyn Frangiosa, supervisor of teaching and learning, said the program supports both language development and broader student skills.
“As the program continues to expand, we are seeing students gain confidence not only in two languages, but also in their ability to connect with classmates from different backgrounds,” Frangiosa said.
“Dual language education recognizes bilingualism as a true asset,” Frangiosa said.
Superintendent Scott DeShong said the district is focused on expanding opportunities for students through the program.
“We are proud to offer Chester County’s only dual language immersion program,” DeShong said.
“As the program expands each year, we are creating opportunities for students to develop valuable language skills, cultural awareness, and global perspectives,” he said.
The district said it is one of four school systems in Pennsylvania offering a program of this type.
Officials said the program will continue to grow as existing student cohorts advance through grade levels and as the district evaluates opportunities for further expansion.
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