Mandarin Dual Language Immersion (MDLI)
San Gabriel Unified School District is proud to offer a Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program that maintains a 1:1 ratio of English speakers to target-language learners.
Applications for the 2026-27 School Year Open January 6 at this link!
Applications submitted after January 23, 2026, will be added to the waitlist.
SGUSD’s Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program starts in kindergarten at Wilson Elementary School. Dual Language classrooms are integrated with a balanced number of English and heritage and native Mandarin speaking students.
80/20 Model:
The Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program at Wilson Elementary follows a 80/20 research-based model. The program provides instruction using Traditional Mandarin Curriculum. This innovative approach affords the opportunity for native English-speaking students and native speakers of other languages to learn Mandarin.
In kindergarten, students learn Mandarin for the majority of their day: 80% of instruction is delivered in Mandarin, while 20% is provided in English. As each year progresses after kindergarten, the time in English instruction increases by 10% per year to achieve a 50% Mandarin and 50% English ratio by 3rd grade. Students begin formal English literacy instruction in 3rd grade. Instruction is evenly divided between Mandarin and English in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade.
The following illustrates the percentage of Mandarin instruction and English instruction:
MDLI Benefits:
SGUSD’s Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program at Wilson Elementary provides many benefits that extend far beyond language learning. Students gain the ability to think, communicate, and problem-solve in two languages, developing strong academic and social skills in a multicultural setting. The program nurtures global awareness, prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, and opens doors to future academic and career opportunities.
- Students achieve proficiency in both English and Mandarin
- Students develop positive cultural proficiency
- Students develop a high level of self-esteem and confidence
- Cognitive development and critical thinking skills are well developed by learning a second language at an early age
- Multilingualism helps prepare students for our global society
- Multilingualism gives students greater career opportunities
Program Acceptance Criteria:
To ensure appropriate placement and long-term success, applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Application Deadline: Application window will be open from Jan. 6-Jan. 23. Applications submitted after Jan. 23 will be placed on a waiting list.
- Sibling Priority: Applicants with a sibling currently enrolled in the Dual Language Program will receive priority placement.
- Primary Home Language: Consideration will be given to the language spoken most consistently at home, to support language balance and classroom diversity.
- Language Screening Results: Incoming students will be screened in the target language to determine placement readiness and ensure appropriate instructional support.
Contact us via email with any questions by clicking either of the links below:
Michelle Low: Multilingual Services Program Administrator
Sonia Nagahiro: Secretary II, Language Services
