Lewis & Clark showcases NCW’s only dual-language elementary program

WENATCHEE — Families considering bilingual education for their children will have two chances in March to see North Central Washington’s only public dual-language elementary program up close.

Lewis & Clark Elementary will host Dual Language Discovery drop-in nights on March 10 and March 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., inviting prospective students and their families to tour classrooms, meet bilingual teachers and learn how the program works.

The events are designed as casual, come-and-go visits with no RSVP required.

“We want families to see our dual-language program in action and understand the incredible opportunities it creates for students,” Principal Mario Avila said in a press release. “These discovery events give parents and students a chance to tour classrooms, meet our bilingual teachers, and ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment.”

In a region where Spanish and English are both widely spoken in daily life and across the workforce, the program draws interest from families throughout the Wenatchee Valley.

Lewis & Clark has offered its two-way dual-language model since 2005, bringing together native English- and Spanish-speaking students for instruction in both languages. The program aims to develop bilingual, biliterate and bicultural graduates.

Literacy is taught in English and Spanish, with science delivered in Spanish from kindergarten through fifth grade. Math instruction begins in English in the early grades and transitions to Spanish in grades three through five. Students are paired in bilingual buddy partnerships to support language development and cross-cultural learning.

District officials say the program is unusual not only for its longevity but for its accessibility. While many dual-language programs elsewhere are tuition-based, Wenatchee School District offers the model at no cost through the public school system. The program has also been recognized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as a leader in dual-language instruction in Washington.

Lewis & Clark accepts neighborhood students as well as those applying through in-district and out-of-district choice enrollment. The priority application window for the 2026–27 school year is open through March 20.

The school is located at 1130 Princeton St. The events are free and open to all interested families.

More information is available at wenatcheeschools.org/lc or by calling 509-663-5351.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media