Coppell ISD Dual Language Immersion Program Registration Form

Coppell ISD Announces Important Changes to Dual Language Immersion Program

As part of its efforts to address significant budgetary constraints, Coppell Independent School District (CISD) has announced that the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program currently offered at Wilson Elementary will be consolidated at Denton Creek Elementary starting in the 2025-26 school year. Families affected by this decision must submit their choices by December 20, 2024, according to a notification sent to parents on December 5. This timeframe provides parents with the opportunity to either continue in the DLI program at Denton Creek or remain zoned to Wilson Elementary without participating in the program.

The decision to consolidate was made during a school board meeting on October 23, where trustees voted 5-2 in favor of the change, which is projected to save the district approximately 8,000 annually. This budgetary maneuver is part of a larger strategy to address a projected .5 million shortfall in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The closure of Pinkerton Elementary, expected to generate savings of .1 million, complements this initiative.

Currently, the DLI program aims to foster bilingual and biliterate students through an immersive educational experience in both English and Spanish. It primarily serves emergent bilingual students—those learning English while retaining a primary language. According to district data, over 17% of students in Coppell ISD speak a foreign language, demonstrating the need for bilingual educational opportunities. Presently, Denton Creek Elementary hosts approximately 162 students in the DLI program, while Wilson Elementary has around 204 enrolled, making a total of 366 participants across the district.

Transportation arrangements have also been clarified in light of the program’s relocation. Students who qualify as emergent bilingual will have transportation provided, while those outside this classification must arrange their own commuting.

As the district plans adjustments to various attendance zones, families from nearby elementary schools—such as Center, Cottonwood Creek, and Lakeside—may also experience shifts in their designated schools. The alterations are intended to accommodate the increased enrollment at Denton Creek post-consolidation.

Looking ahead, the DLI program lottery will take place in the spring, and students not classified as emergent bilingual will be placed on a waitlist if they wish to join the program. Transfer applications for CISD residents will open from March 3 through March 28, allowing additional flexibility for families seeking educational options within the district.

These developments underscore CISD’s commitment to providing effective bilingual education while navigating fiscal challenges. The DLI program’s consolidation at Denton Creek Elementary marks a significant shift in the district’s educational landscape, reflecting broader trends in educational policy and funding allocations. As the implementation date approaches, district leaders remain focused on ensuring a smooth transition for all students and families involved in the DLI program.