3. Is there a lottery in Kindergarten to enter the program?

In order to maintain a balance between the two main program languages (English and Spanish) the goal is to establish a balance of approximately 60-65% native Spanish-speaking students and 35-40% native English-speaking students, or students of other languages. If interest is greater in one or both of the languages than space available a lottery is conducted for one or both language areas. In most years this is the case for at least one of the two language areas.

4. Is there any preference in the Kindergarten lottery?

The only consideration given during the Kindergarten lottery is to establish a balance between the two program languages (English and Spanish)of approximately 60-65% native Spanish-speaking students and 35-40% native English-speaking students. This is important to ensure a long-term balance between both languages that stays at least at or above a 50%-50% split.

5. What if my child’s name does not get selected in the Kindergarten lottery?

Each school will maintain a waitlist for the remainder of Kindergarten and 1st grade. If slots open up then schools will contact students/families to see if they are still interested in participating in the dual language program.

6. When is the Kindergarten lottery?

Parents should contact the specific school to determine if a lottery is anticipated and when the lottery would be conducted.

7. Can my child enter after Kindergarten or 1st Grade?

Kindergarten and First grade will be the initial point of entry into the dual language program for most students. When space is available after 1st grade parents may request for their student to join the program. The Chatham County Schools Dual Language Program Entry Guidelines outline the process by which schools may enroll new students to the program.

8. How do I enroll my child in the DL program if I am new to the district?

Families may apply for the DL program while registering their student at the school. Parents should ask the school’s office staff for any additional paperwork needed to indicate their interest.

9. When can I register for the DL program?

It is recommended that families applying for Kindergarten for the upcoming school year should apply when the Kindergarten registration window opens, usually in late March or early April. Families applying to grades 1st-12th may apply at the school when they complete their initial registration.

10. Our family plans to move to an address outside of our current Dual Language zone. Can we attend the other Dual Language School?

Families who move outside of their Dual Language zone may be placed at the other Dual Language school if seats are available, and there is no waiting list. If there is a waiting list, families may elect to have the student placed on the waiting list.

11. Our family plans to purchase a home outside of CCS. Our children are already in the Dual Language program. Will we be allowed to stay in the program?

Students participating in the Dual Language program must maintain residency within the established borders of the CCS district. Students who move to an address outside of the district are withdrawn from the program and the district.

12. I would like to transfer from one DL school to the next. May I request a transfer?

Parents requesting transfers from one DL school to the next must meet the normal conditions that govern district transfers. Transfers may be granted, provided that the family meets the criteria and there is space at the desired school.

13. What should I do if I move during the year?

Parents must notify the school or District office if their address changes. If a family has moved outside of the school’s attendance zone, you may request a transfer to stay at your original school per Board policy 4150; additional information regarding this process can be found at http://www.chatham.k12.nc.us/Page/21285.

14. What happens to my transportation if I am enrolled in the Dual Language program and move during the school year?

Parents must provide transportation if they do not live in the attendance zone for that school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Design and Locations

Program Entry and Requirements

Program Curriculum and Instruction

Parent Support/Involvement

For more information, contact: