Phoenix Union High School District is set to launch its first dual language immersion program this August.
The Spanish and English dual language program will open at Carl Hayden High School at the start of the 2024-25 school year to a group of about 100 ninth graders.
The goal of the four-year program is for students to earn a seal of biliteracy from the Arizona Department of Education on their high school diplomas, according to Carl Hayden Principal Julio Rubio.
It will be the first high school-level dual language program in Phoenix offered by a public school district. With the program’s launch, Phoenix Union will join several elementary schools in the Phoenix area that offer dual language immersion programs.
The district is also joining a growing trend of Valley high schools offering dual language immersion programs.
In the East Valley, two of Tempe Union High School District’s schools offer dual language programs; both started in the past few years. One of Mesa Public Schools’ high schools launched a dual language program this school year, and the district is planning to start two more next school year, according to the district’s website. Scottsdale Unified offers Mandarin-English and Spanish-English dual language programs at the high school level.