Dual language schools in high demand

AUSTIN (KXAN) - This year, several public schools in Central Texas expanded on their dual language programs, where students learn in both Spanish and English.

Schools that specialize in this type of learning are seeing a record number of students -- and waiting lists for up to a year.

At the Magellan International School, math and science come with a lesson in Spanish.

"Eighty percent of the time, they are learning in Spanish. And 20 percent of the time in English," said Magellan International School Head of School Maria Isabel Leon.

The idea of starting kids early with a second language is a growing trend.

"At that age, the brain is very plastic," said Leon. "That's when immersion is very successful because that's when they are acquiring the language."

Unlike the public schools that use their dual language program to pair up Spanish speakers with English speakers, schools like Magellan have mainly English speakers.

At Jardin de Ninos Interlingua in Southwest Austin, most students enroll only knowing English.

"I would say 80 percent of our students only speak English, so they are learning their second language," said Jardin de Ninos Interlingua Head of School Adriana Rodriguez.

Parents are singing the praises of the specialized schools.

"I would say within three months, he was speaking Spanish," said Gisela Triana-Doyal, mother of a third-grader and 3-year-old. "Within the first year, he was completely bilingual."

Students in later grades then take on French and Mandarin, while learning the basic lessons of reading, writing and arithmetic.

“We really want her to have an opportunity to have something we didn't have growing up," said parent Carina Coel.

Teachers look at it as the future model for education in America.

"This is the education of the 21st century," said Leon. "What we are doing here is what kids are going to need in 10 years when they are out in the business world."

Both Jardin de Ninos Interlingua and Magellan International School go up to fourth grade right now, but next year, each plans to add on fifth grade.