Let’s talk Bilingual Schools in New York! It’s a global world and parents today are opting to expose their children to a second (or third) language as soon as they can say mama and dada. Educators contend that speaking a second language can improve problem solving and decision-making. Bilingual education advocates say studies reliably show being bilingual has positive effects on the brain. Where better than the melting pot of New York City to find excellent bilingual schools and programs?
Let’s Go Public
For students that speak a language other than English at home and are not yet proficient in English the New York City school system offers educational services. If the school your child attends does not have a bilingual program you may select another school in the same district that does have such a program. New York City has several programs for English Language Learners (ELL) to choose from:
• Transitional Bilingual Education – Instruction is given in two languages. As the student gains proficiency in English the percentage of instruction in English increases.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) – Instruction is given in English with the support of the student’s native language.
• Dual Language – Dual language programs include both English speakers and English Language Learners. The students learn in both English and their home language. Students get half of their instruction in their home language and the other half in English. The goal of the program is for students to learn how to speak, read, understand, and write in two languages, and also learn about and appreciate other cultures.
Students who speak another language at home must take the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners to determine if they are entitled to support and services to learn English.
Many parents with English speaking children enrolled in the New York City School System are selecting Dual Language programs for their children for a variety of reasons. In our global world many parents feel the additional exposure to another culture and language is helpful, while some critics have claimed that parents whose children do not place in the Gifted and Talented (G&T) schools select Dual Language schooling as just another way of getting a leg up. Generally speaking in New York City children must enroll in schools in their neighborhood, these are called Zoned Schools, but parents can make application to have their child attend another school outside of their district.
According to the City of New York there are some 545 Dual Language programs for students in grades K-12 in the New York City public school system, which includes the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. In February of 2019 Mayor de Blasio and School Chancellor Carranza announced the opening of 47 new pre-K Dual Language programs across the city. A statement from the City of New York indicated that the new programs include the City’s first French, Haitian-Creole, Hebrew and Japanese pre-K Dual Language programs. “By offering even more dual-language pre-K programs across the five boroughs, we’re readying our children for the global economy of the future,” says Mayor de Blasio.
The New York City Department of Education encourages parents to check with their assigned school for possible dual language options. You can also visit, schools.nyc.gov for more information. The current list of New York City dual language programs is currently being updated and should be available soon.
Here are a few to get your research on Bilingual Schools in New York started.
P.S. 145 The Bloomingdale School – Upper West Side
Well known for its music and dance program, this bilingual school that previously had a thriving Spanish dual language program recently added a Russian dual language program.
150 W 105th St., New York, NY
212-678-2857
ps145m.org
New York City Geographic District 03
Grades: Pre-K to grade 5
Application: Priority give to students in District 03 but if seats are available students from other districts can apply. Call the school directly.
P.S. 242 The Young Diplomats Magnet Academy – Harlem
This Magnet school has a dual language program in Italian. The school offers students an International Baccalaureate (IB). The school reports that “students are encouraged to be open-minded towards acquiring a global perspective.”
134 W 122nd St., New York, NY
212-678-2908
ps242.com
New York City Geographic District 03
Grades: Kindergarten through grade 5
Application: Contact the parent coordinator, Celeste Ortega, cortega2@schools.nyc.gov or 212-678-2908, ext.1074 to schedule an appointment to visit the school.
P.S./I.S. 218 Rafael Hernandez Dual Language Magnet School – The Bronx
In this Dual Language school students send half their time learning in English and the other half in Spanish. As a Magnet School P.S./I.S. 218 Rafael Hernandez is held accountable by the state and local school board and is funded by the state. Sports and other extracurricular activities are offered.
1220 Gerard Ave., Bronx, NY
718-410-7230
New York City Geographic District 09
Grades: Kindergarten through grade 8
Application: Priority give to students in District 09. Find more information about how to apply on their website.
P.S. 75 Emily Dickinson – Upper West Side
This well-regarded school is known for their Dual Language program and their expansive art offerings. This school was the first in New York to join the immersion program, International Spanish Academies in 2012.
735 West End Ave., New York, NY
212-866-5400
New York City Geographic District 03
Grades: Kindergarten through grade 5.
Application: Priority is given to students living in District 3. Find a form to fill out on their website to learn about seat availability.
P.S. 311 Amistad Dual Language School – Fort George
This Dual Language School provides that its graduates are bilingual in Spanish and English. Call for information on school tours.
4862 Broadway, New York, NY
212-544-8021
New York City Geographic District 06
Grades: Kindergarten to grade 8
Application: Priority is given to students living in District 6 if seat availability is open students from other districts can be accepted. Go to myschool.com to create an account and fill out an application form.
P.S. 184M Shuang Wen – Chinatown
A bilingual elementary and middle school located in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The school serves mainly Asian families who have a strong desire that their children be proficient in Mandarin and English.
327 Cherry St. New York, NY
212-602-9700
New York City Geographic District 01
Grades: Pre-kindergarten to grade 8
Application: For Elementary School admissions call 718-935-20009, for Middle School admissions call 718-935-2398.
M.S. M247 Dual Language Middle School – Upper West Side
The Dual Language Middle School offers a strong academic program in English and Spanish. Sports and other extracurricular activities are also offered.
100 West 77th St., New York, NY
212-496-1050
New York City Geographic District 03
Grades: 6,7 and 8
Application: Priority is given to students living in District 3. Find a form to fill out on their website to learn about seat availability.
Bilingual Private Schools in New York
Some families select to enroll their children in dual language programs in a private school setting. While this requires a financial investment many parents say it is well worth the investment. Luckily there are plenty of bilingual schools in New York!
Here are a few to consider:
The École – Flatiron District and Gramercy Park
206 Fifth Ave., New York, NY (Nursery to Kindergarten)
111 East 22nd St., New York, NY (1st – 8th Grade)
646-410-2238; theecole.org
Grades: Nursery to 8
At The École, the goal of education is to develop agile minds and open students’ hearts, to give them a bright future in a world filled with possibilities. This belief is at the heart of their uniquely-designed bilingual program, in which students learn to not just speak, read, and write in French and English, but also to think, feel, and act in ways that are informed by two cultures.
HudsonWay Immersion School – Upper West Side
HudsonWay offers Mandarin and Spanish Immersion programs. There’s a Day School as well as after-school and camp programs. All subject matter is taught in the target language as well as English in all major content areas including language arts, literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. They also offer music, visual arts and physical education classes.
175 Riverside Blvd., New York, NY
212-787-8088
Grades: Pre-K through elementary grades
Application: See their website for a guided, step-by-step application process.
International Academy of New York – Upper East Side
A bilingual, multi-cultural and diverse school developing culturally-astute, confident and caring students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish while excelling in literacy and math. The school includes music and art lessons and physical education is required. Lunch is served.
4 E. 90th St., New York, NY
212-641-0260
Grades: Pre-nursery (age 2) to grade 8. Currently accepting applications through grade 4.
Application: Submit the application for admission found on their website. Once it is received you will be contacted to schedule a meeting with the Head of School. Financial aid is offered.
Lycée Français De New York – Upper East Side
Lycée Français is an independent bilingual, college prep, day school. Students are – or become – bilingual in French and English. The school provides opportunities as well for student’s artistic and athletic pursuits through a variety of co-curricular and after-school programs.
505 E. 75th St., New York, NY
212-369-1400
Grades: Nursery (age 3) to grade 12
Application: The process begins one year in advance in the fall before the start of the next school year. Families are encouraged to attend open houses or to schedule a school visit. See their website for a step-by-step process and application form.
Lyceum Kennedy French American School – Midtown Manhattan
This private international school offers a bilingual program in French and English. The school curriculum follows the guidelines of the French Ministry of Education. They are recognized by the New York State of Regents and are an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) school for the Diploma Programme (DP). There is a school uniform and dress code and several lunch program choices.
225 E. 43rd St., New York, NY
212-681-1877
Grades: Pre-K to grade12
Application: See their website for a step-by-step application process including an online application form.
Pine Street School – Financial District
This Green Ivy School offers a dual language immersion program for native Spanish or Mandarin speakers and English speakers that helps students maintain and develop their first language as they learn daily communication skills and literacy skills in a second language. Each classroom has two teachers each working in English or Spanish/Mandarin. Pine Street offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) as well as the IB program Primary Years Program (PYP) for early childhood and elementary school students. The middle school program is new for fall 2020.
25 Pine St., New York
212-235-2325
pinestreetschool.com
Grades: Preschool (age 2) through middle school grades
Application: Reviewed on a rolling basis. Attending a school tour is part of the admission process. Visit pinestreetschool.com/visit-pine-street-school to book a date for a school tour. Start the application process at pinestreetschool.com/apply.
Science Language & Arts International School – Downtown Brooklyn & Carroll Gardens
SLA has developed a pioneering scaffolded immersion model to help students achieve fluency in a supportive, stress-free environment. Their model ensures that all students, regardless of prior exposure to the target language, are able to use important everyday vocabulary and structures right away. Children quickly gain the tools to comfortably communicate in the target language, and learning is reinforced through music, role-playing, games, meaningful play, and conversation.
Main Campus (PK to Grade 5): 9 Hanover Place, Brooklyn
Early Childhood Annex (2-4yo): 132 4th Place, Brooklyn
Grades: Nursery – 8
Application: The application process begins the fall before the desired start. Families are encouraged to attend an information session and tour. There is rolling admissions for current-year transfer applicants. See website for a step-by-step process; online application via Ravenna.
Other Choices
Not every family is looking for a dual language program but they would like to offer their child increased exposure to another language and culture. There are several programs in New York City that can provide comprehensive language and cultural instruction.
Here are a few to consider:
China Institute – Battery Park & Midtown
The School of Chinese Studies at the China Institute teaches children the Mandarin Chinese language and culture through songs, stories, games and art projects in a student-centered classroom environment. Native speakers who are professional language teachers teach classes. Classes follow the academic year and are divided into two semesters from September to June. Each semester consists of 15 weeks. Snacks are included.
40 Rector St., 2nd floor, New York, NY
151 E. 65th St., New York, NY
212-744-8181, ext. 143
Grades: Mandarin Munchkins, ages 18 months to 2 years. After-school programs and Sunday courses for students ages 2 to 17
Application: Limited enrollment on a rolling basis. Schedule an appointment for a 15-minute assessment. Fill out the Inquiry form on their website.
Collina Italiana – Upper East Side
This Italian language and cultural center offers year-round comprehensive language learning and hands-on instruction in the arts. There are four level of childhood instruction staring at age 2. The school also offers workshops, tutoring and private classes for children. Homework help for students studying Italian is also offered.
1556 Third Ave., Suite 603, New York, NY
212-427-7770
Ages: Classes divided in to age groups: 2 to 3; 4 to 5; 6 to 8; and 9+
Application: Registration for children’s group and individual classes is ongoing. See their website to take an Italian Language Placement exam.
German-American School – Upper East Side
This is the only German-American after-school program accredited by the New York State Board of Regents. They offer once-per-week after-school German language programs beginning with basic alphabet and phrases through comprehensive grammar, culture, history and conversation.
Liederkranz Club, 6th floor
6 E. 87th St., New York, NY
212-787-7543
Grades: Kindergarten to grade 10
Application: School year enrollment, see registration form on their website.
Instituto Cervantes New York – Midtown
A wide variety of comprehensive Spanish courses for kids and teens taught either after-school, on the weekends or in summer camp programs.
211 E. 49th St., New York, NY
212-308-7720
Ages: For ages 4 to 17
Application: Call for registration details.
LeapUp Learning – Upper East Side
LeapUp learning center offers three different programs. Ma Liping (MLP) Chinese for the student who understands and speaks Chinese at home though not as a second language. MeiZhou Chinese (MZ) is a curriculum based on the American Foreign Language Education and Teaching Standard (5Cs). And the Chinese as a second language (CSL) is for students who have not been raised in a Mandarin -speaking environment. Classes meet once a week. A Mandarin Immersion Summer Day Camp is also offered.
1751 2nd Ave., Suite 103, New York, NY
646-870-0560
Grades: Kindergarten to grade 5
Application: Contact them for enrollment information.
Planet Han Chinese – Upper West Side & Upper East Side
Founding director, Irene SauKing Coeny, is Chinese-American and the mother to two daughters. Classes are given in Mandarin for all ages of all backgrounds. They offer immersion classes in a variety of age levels from Mommy & Me to teens for fluent and non-fluent speakers, as well as a preschool alternative program. Classes are held once to twice a week.
401 West End Ave., New York, NY
1556 Third Ave., New York, NY
212-742-2421
Ages: From infants to teens
Application: Contact them for enrollment information.
Looking for more information about schools in New York? Check out our guide to the Best New York City Private Schools!
