Dual-Language Immersion is a great way to learn another language. More than that, it’s a proven path to academic success, a culturally-enriched life, and wide range of career prospects.
Canyons School District has some of the most extensive language immersion offerings in Utah. Twenty-one elementary and secondary schools offer dual immersion programs in Spanish, French, or Chinese — and the time to consider applying is now.
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open Monday, Sept. 29 and close Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Any kindergarten-aged student who will be starting the first grade in fall 2026 may apply. A lottery will be held to determine entrance into the programs if the number of applicants exceeds the seats available.
Students in DLI spend half their day learning in English and half in Spanish, French, or Mandarin Chinese. The programs continue through high school where students can work to pass the Advanced Placement exam in the 9th or 10th grades and take college-level courses for early college credit.
The result? Higher academic achievement on end-of-year tests and bilingual skills that open up job opportunities for students and give them a competitive advantage when applying for college.
Families of multilingual learners are especially encouraged to apply as these programs can accelerate English proficiency.
Openings occasionally become available in grades 1–5. Students who already speak the target language and can demonstrate grade-level proficiency may qualify to join these later grades.
To ask about testing for placement, email Yezenia.Frisby@canyonsdistrict.org.
You can view a current list of openings at each DLI school on the Canyons District website.
Key Dates & Application Details
Applications accepted: Sept. 29 – Dec. 19, 2025
Parent Information Night: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, 6:30–8 p.m., Canyons Center, Canyons District Offices, 9361 S. 300 East, Sandy
Even if a student has a sibling in DLI, families must still submit an application by the Dec. 19 deadline. Parents may list their top three program choices on the application.
Elementary Schools With Dual-Language Immersion Programs
Spanish: Alta View, Altara, Midvalley, Silver Mesa, Midvale
French: Butler, Oak Hollow
Mandarin Chinese: Draper, Lone Peak, Ridgecrest
A Proven Record of Success
Since 2009, when the District was founded, Canyons has grown its immersion programs to serve more than 10 percent of its 32,000 students.
Click here to apply.
Questions? Call Canyons District’s Instructional Supports Department at 801-826-5026.
