Dual Immersion

Students are taught in a dual language (Spanish/English) setting, following a 90/10 dual language acquisition model.

STEAM

El Sol Academy’s goal is for the students to enter high school with well-developed skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and a refined artistic ability.

Rigorous Curriculum

El Sol Academy’s educational focus offers a curriculum that is intellectually rich and focused on problem solving.

Community

El Sol believes that a student’s well being is foundational to their ability to succeed. So, we have partnered with several organizations to provide necessary resources.

Learn More

At El Sol Academy, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded academic, language, and community-centered experience. Rooted in cross subject integration and cultural relevance, our approach connects learning across disciplines while honoring students’ identities and lived experiences.

We foster biliteracy, critical thinking, and academic excellence through engaging, meaningful instruction that empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Through collaboration, creativity, and real-world connections, students develop the skills and confidence to contribute to and lead within their communities.

Dual Immersion

What is a Dual Language Immersion Program?

  • A dual language immersion program uses two languages for literacy and content instruction for all students. Specifically, the 90/10 model allows students to develop a solid foundation in their primary language before advancing in the secondary language.

  • The program provides the same academic content and addresses the same standards as other educational programs.

  • All students will learn to read, write, and communicate effectively in Spanish and English while achieving high levels of academic success.

  • Students will have the bilingual skills and cross-cultural competencies needed to succeed in our multicultural society and global economy.

Why Choose the Dual Language Immersion Approach?

  • We know it takes five to seven years to fully develop language fluency.

  • Research also demonstrates that children who maintain and develop academic language skills (not only social language) in their first language, and continue to develop these skills over time as they acquire a second language, have more academic success by middle and high school than those students who did not maintain their first language.

  • Traditional bilingual programs, where students do not maintain their academic Spanish, are associated with lower levels of English attainment.

  • Conversely, in dual immersion programs, students attain higher levels of both English and Spanish fluency while also performing competitively in other academic subjects.

Social Studies and History

Students explore history and social systems to understand their role within their community and the broader world, developing the knowledge and skills needed for active and informed civic engagement.

Real World Applications and Learning

Science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education:

  • Provides readiness for high school’s college preparatory courses
  • Integrates diverse backgrounds and learning experiences
  • Raises ambition for secondary education
  • Develops creativity, leadership skills and ethical problem solving
  • Inspires a STEAM career path

Over the years, we have asked El Sol students about their future dreams. We were not surprised to hear that they want to become scientists, engineers, astronauts, physicists… and more. By providing STEAM education, we give students a chance to convert their dreams to reality! To complement and enhance our existing STEAM program, El Sol is in the process of developing a STEAM lab staffed with high tech experts, volunteer mentors from OC’s high tech industry and its arts communities, and faculty from nearby universities.

El Sol STEAM program

Curriculum

Kindergarten Curriculum

First Grade Curriculum

Second Grade Curriculum

Third Grade Curriculum

Fourth Grade Curriculum

Fifth Grade Curriculum

Gate Program

Special Education Program

Pathways to Biliteracy

We cultivate and celebrate multilingualism by recognizing students’ progress toward bilingualism and biliteracy across their educational journey. This pathway encourages students to continue developing their language skills, builds awareness of the California State Seal of Biliteracy, and supports them in achieving it as a culminating goal. By honoring students’ linguistic and cultural identities, we promote equity, strengthen relationships across communities, and prepare students to lead and thrive in a multilingual, multicultural world.

Students are candidates for the pathway’s recognition at the end of kindergarten and grade 3. The Biliteracy Attainment Award is awarded at the end of grades 5 and 8.

For additional information, please visit the California Department of Education’s website, linked HERE.

Special Education

El Sol Science and Arts Academy of Santa Ana An Excellent Public School Special Education Program The Charter School meets all federal and state requirements for services to Special Education students including providing complete evaluations to develop a student’s Individual Education Plan (“IEP”) or 504 plan and services to fulfill the IEP or 504 plan. No student is denied admission to the Charter School based on Special Education status. In partnership with the district, El Sol Academy ensures that any student, who has qualified for services, receives the maximum allotted time both in the context of the classroom and as a supplement. Teachers work with the special education team, administrators, and parents to monitor and ensure student success. Classrooms with students who have IEPs or 504s provide differentiated instruction and adhere to all services and accommodations outlined in each plan.

For more information about the Special Education Program, please feel free to contact:

Sara Flores
Chief Student & Family Supports Officer
Director of Special Education
sflores@elsolacademy.org
(714) 543 – 0023

Special Education Governance: Link