In 2014, Chatham County Schools adopted a 3-year strategic plan for our Dual Language Program.  Due to the increasingly high demand for students to be able to enroll in the program, one action step was to establish and adopt a formal Dual Language Program entry process to be implemented at each of the schools.  After discussions with principals and the Chatham County Schools District Dual Language Committee, the process was presented, and adopted, at the June 2017 Chatham County School Board meeting.  The information below outlines how students may be enrolled in the available slots to ensure a strong and vibrant program that meets the needs of our students.  Please click on any of the links below to review the specific process at each of our grade levels.  

The entry process is subject to periodic review and will be modified, with the approval of the Chatham County Board of Education as needed in response to changes in program neds, level of demand, available resources etc.

Mission of the Chatham County Dual Language Program

CCS Dual Language programs will prepare students as critical thinkers and productive citizens through the acquisition of the literacy and cultural skills necessary to communicate effectively in English and Spanish, expanding their worldview and college and career opportunities. 

What are the goals of the Chatham County Dual Language Program?

1. To ensure our students achieve a high level of proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Understanding and Communicating in both English and Spanish.

2. To ensure our students attain academic levels equal to or exceeding state standards.

3. To foster positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.

What are the benefits of a Dual Language Program?

There are many benefits to participating in a Two Way Immersion (Dual Language Program).  In addition to advanced cognitive skills that last a lifetime and greater employment opportunities, studies show that bilingual people are more able to resolve conflict and tolerate differences in others.  Students who are bilingual also show greater creativity in solving math problems and utilize a broader vocabulary.  

Which Chatham County Schools offer Dual Language?

Elementary Level:

North Chatham and Siler City Elementary Schools – Students enrolling in Kindergarten may request placement in our Dual Language programs. Parents should contact these schools for information regarding space available in the program and any specific procedures for enrolling in the program.In certain cases students may be admitted after Kindergarten grade depending upon available space and a student’s proficiency with English and Spanish.  

Middle Grades Level:

Chatham Middle School - Students enrolled in the Dual Language Program at Siler City Elementary have the opportunity to continue in the program at Chatham Middle School.  The Dual Language Program is implemented in Grades 6, 7 & 8.

Margaret Pollard Middle School - Students enrolled in the Dual Language Program at North Chatham Elementary will have the opportunity to continue in the program at Margaret Pollard Middle School. The Dual Language Program is implemented in Grades 6, 7 & 8.

High School Level:

Jordan-Matthews High School - Students who complete the Dual Language Program at Chatham Middle may choose to continue by completing a course of study combining courses taught in English and/or Spanish with the opportunity to earn a NC Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation. 

Seaforth - Students who complete the Dual Language Program at Margaret Pollard Middle may choose to continue by completing a course of study combining courses taught in English and/or Spanish with the opportunity to earn a NC Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.