What is Bilingual Education?
NYC Public Schools offer bilingual education to help your child learn in two languages: English and their home or target language. These programs build your child's skills in reading, writing, and speaking in both languages. Bilingual education also helps your child do well in subjects like math and science while they learn English.
All students learning English also receive English as a New Language (ENL) support. In ENL, teachers help your child read, write, and speak English, with support in your child's home language.
Types of Bilingual Programs
NYC Public Schools offer two types of bilingual programs.
Transitional Bilingual Education for English Language Learners
In a Transitional Bilingual Education program, your child learns core subjects in both English and their home language. Over time, your child moves toward more instruction in English as their English skills grow.
Dual Language Bilingual Education
In a Dual Language Bilingual Education program, your child learns in both English and another language, alongside classmates who speak English and classmates who speak another language. Both groups build strong skills in two languages together, all the way through the program.
Connection to Portrait of a Graduate
New York State's Portrait of a Graduate describes the skills every student should build before graduation. It asks students to become global citizens. It asks them to be strong communicators. It asks them to understand other cultures.
Bilingual education programs build all three skills. When a student learns a new language, they practice speaking clearly. They also learn to understand and respect people from other backgrounds.
How to Find a Bilingual Program Near You
Option 1: MySchools
MySchools is the official NYC Public Schools website for finding and applying to schools. You can search by address, grade, and program type to see which schools near you offer bilingual education.
Option 2: The bilingual programs list
You can also view a complete spreadsheet of every bilingual program in the city. This list shows the school, borough, district, program type, and language for each program. You can filter the list to find programs that match what you're looking for.
View the bilingual programs list
How to Enroll Your Child
Find a program. Use MySchools or the bilingual programs list to find schools with a program that fits your child's home language and grade.
Contact the school. Reach out to the school directly to ask about enrollment in their bilingual program. School staff can walk you through the next steps.
Ask about placement. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that recommends a bilingual special education program, let the school know. These placements follow a separate process.
Need more help? If you have questions about enrollment, contact a Family Welcome Center or reach out to your child's school directly.