NBISD District Seal

Multilingual Programs

Multilingual Programs

New Braunfels Independent School District provides excellent programs for Dual Language, Bilingual, and ESL learners. NBISD believes that being bilingual in our global society is extremely beneficial.

Department Contacts

Nayane Olivas
Director of Multilingual Programs
830-643-5738

Cecilia Trujillo-Lozano
Multilingual Programs Specialist
School: (830) 643-5771

Jafeth Sabogal
Admin Assistant, Multilingual Programs
School: (830) 643-5788

Dual Language Program

NBISD Students Singing

The NBISD Dual Language Program provides an opportunity for students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural in two languages, English and Spanish. The students are provided instruction in both languages in order to facilitate native language and second language development.

This dual language immersion 2-way program is offered in grades K-5 at Carl Schurz Elementary (for Carl Schurz, Lamar, Seele and Veramendi) and Voss Farms Elementary (for County Line, Klein, Memorial, Voss Farms and Walnut Springs).

A mandatory Parent Information Meeting is held each spring for incoming Kindergarten students.

Dual Language is an additive bilingual program model for Spanish-speaking students and a foreign language immersion program for English-speaking students.

In Dual Language Immersion – Two-Way classrooms, native Spanish speakers and native English speakers are taught together in an effort to develop full bilingualism and bi-literacy for both groups of students. The program, curricular, and instructional decisions are based on research on English learners (ELs).

  • Students will participate in a rigorous academic program.
  • Students will become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish.
  • Students will develop positive cross-cultural attitudes.
  • Instruction supports a student’s primary language while learning the second.
  • Program fosters a climate where child’s culture is valued while at the same time valuing the culture of others.
  • Bilingualism research shows positive effects on academic, cognitive, and social skills.
  • Program is K – 5 with opportunities for Spanish language instruction in middle school through high school.
  • Program model is 50-50 where instructional time is split equitably.
  • Class make up will be comprised of 50% Spanish speakers and 50% English speakers as much as possible.
  • Students will be taught grade level TEKS and maintain high academic standards.
  • Program requires a K – 5 commitment.
  • Parent involvement is highly encouraged.
  • Program decisions will be made based on the needs and best-practice research for English Learners.
  • All English Learners are able to participate in the program with parent approval and based on the recommendation of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC).
  • Native English speakers must attend one of the two Parent Informational meetings in the Spring and complete an application. Application is considered parent approval.
  • Native English speakers are determined based on seat availability and should the need arise, be chosen via a lottery system.
  • Siblings are NOT automatically grandfathered into the program and must apply with all other students wishing to enter the program.
First graders whose primary language is English who did NOT attend a dual language program in Kindergarten must meet criteria for entrance.  The criteria is as follows:

  • There are seats available for English speakers in the program, AND
  • MAP Level of  155 (English) and 148 (Spanish).

Students who participated in a dual language program with another district will be accepted into the NBISD Dual Language Program provided there are seats available at the home campus.

EnteringMAP (English)MAP (Spanish)
1st Grade155148
Native English speaking students in grades 2 – 5 will be considered for the program if they are transferring from another dual language program OR if they meet the criteria below:

EnteringMAP (English)MAP (Spanish)
2nd Grade 172168
3rd Grade186183
4th Grade196191
5th Grade204198

In all circumstances, there must be seats available and applicants will be considered in order the applications are received.

  • Dual Language Campuses and feeder schools for the 2022-2023 school year:
    • Carl Schurz Elementary
      • Feeder schools are Carl Schurz, Lamar, Seele and Veramendi.
    • Voss Farms Elementary
      • Feeder schools are County Line, Klein, Memorial, Voss Farms and Walnut Springs.
  •  Parents must provide transportation for the native English speakers unless they live in the Carl Schurz or Voss Farms attendance zone and meet eligibility for district transportation for that school zone.
  • District provides transportation for the native Spanish speakers based on state requirements for participation in a bilingual education program.
Staff:

Elementary teachers will hold a bilingual/ESL certification.
Meet highly qualified criteria established by the NBISD Human Resources Department.
Invite and encourage parents to participate in campus/classroom/volunteer activities.
Promote, advocate, and support the Dual Language Program.

Parents:

Support students in their linguistic, academic, and social development.
Commit to completing the elementary program.
Participate in campus activities/classroom activities/volunteer activities.
Promote, advocate, and support the Dual Language Program.
Encourage use and practice of second language at home and in the community.

Students:

Participate in the program for at least the elementary years, but preferably through secondary levels via Spanish language classes.
Maintain high levels of learning in both languages.
Maintain high academic and conduct standards.
Maintain high level of attendance and punctuality.

 

Dual Language Parent Information Meetings

NBISD will be hosting informational meetings for parents of incoming 2026–2027 kindergarten students who are interested in enrolling their child in the NBISD Dual Language Program.

Attend one of the informational meetings below:

Carl Schurz (Cafeteria)
April 14, 2026
5:00-6:00 P.M.

Voss Farms (Cafeteria)
April 15, 2026
5:00-6:00 P.M.		Lone Star ECC (Gym)
April 16, 2026
5:00-6: P.M.		Virtual Meeting
April 22
5:00-6:00 P.M.
Meeting Link

For more information, please email Jafeth Sabogal or call (830) 643-5788.

ESL Services

NBISD offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program in grades PK – 12

For students who speak a language other than English, the district offers a content-based ESL program in grades PK – 5. This means the teachers of all content areas (Reading, Math Social Studies & Science) have attained an ESL certification that requires them to be proficient in using second language acquisition strategies in their instruction. In grades 6-12, the students who meet the English Learner (EL) requirements are served in pull-out program. This means their English Language Arts teacher is ESL certified along with the opportunity to be provided specialized language instruction by a campus-wide ESL teacher. Any parent has the right to deny ESL services, but the student remains identified as an English Learner.

English as Second Language (ESL) is intensive English language instruction by teachers that are certified to recognize and work with language differences. The ESL program is required by state law in school districts with students who have limited English language skills.

  • An ESL program is structured language instruction designed to teach English to students whose English language skills are limited.
  • ESL instruction considers the student’s learning experiences and cultural backgrounds.
  • ESL is taught through second language methods for teaching mathematics, science and social studies.
  • An ESL program develops competence in the English language.
  • The English language is taught through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • A student’s instructional program is modified to make it easier to learn English.
  • Students in elementary school who speak a language other than English.
  • Students in middle or high school who speak a language other than English in their home and who have difficulty with the English language are ideal candidates.
NBISD provides a dual language immersion/two-way classroom for the native Spanish speaking students in grades K-5. Students with a native language other than Spanish are served in the ESL Program.
  • Yes! All Basic skills in reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies are taught at the student’s  instructional level, depending on how well he or she understands and speaks English.
  • Yes! Other subjects such as health, physical education, and fine arts are also taught in an ESL program as part of the state’s balanced curriculum.
New Braunfels ISD currently has over 700 students for whom English is not the primary language. In Texas, the predominate language of English Language Learners is Spanish, but that is not the only language other than English that we have represented. Currently we have more than 10 languages represented among our students. Languages spoken other than English and Spanish are German, Lithuanian, Yoruba, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, and Ukrainian. To address the needs of these children, New Braunfels ISD has many bilingual teachers and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers who serve these students on a daily basis.

Support for the ESL program in New Braunfels ISD is designed around the philosophy that being bilingual in our global society is extremely beneficial. The ability to listen, speak, read, and write in more than one language is an advantage for our students.

  • Achieve academic proficiency in all subjects, meeting or exceeding expectations.
  • Enable students to maintain skills in their primary languages as well as develop skills in their secondary language, thus enabling them to function fully in the general academic program and in future occupational opportunities.
  • Provide opportunities to develop and identify with their cultural heritage as well as cultivating an understanding of other cultures, thereby developing a positive attitude toward fellow students, their families, and their communities.
  • Become bilingual/ biliterate members of the community as well as life-long learners.
  • Teachers are appropriately certified by the state to teach ESL.
  • Specific ESL instruction materials are adopted in order to ensure students will learn English as a Second Language.
  • The focus is on learning English for effective participation in other classes.
  • Parents can ask their child’s teacher or principal about becoming a member of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) which helps determine how students will be taught and which program to enter.
  • Parents can encourage their child at home, provide a place to study, and show interest in schoolwork and activities.
  • Parents can volunteer for classroom activities.
Teachers who are specially trained and certified to teach in ESL programs meet the special language needs of students.

Resources

Duolingo Button Link

Duolingo is the world’s most popular way to learn a language. it’s 100% free, fun and science-based. Practice online on Practice online on duolingo.com or on the apps!

Raz-Kids Button Link

Find Spanish translated leveled books at raz-kids.com

iStation Button Link

Istation is an award-winning, comprehensive e-learning program used by more than four million students and educators around the world. Access the Istation website here.

Languages Other Than English

OUR
GLOBAL
SOCIETY

NBISD Students Holding Pictures

NBISD believes that being bilingual in our global society is extremely beneficial. In middle school, the students have the opportunity to learn Spanish. See the Middle School Course Catalog for more details. See the Middle School Course Catalog for more details here.

Beginning in ninth grade, students may choose between Spanish, French, and German. See the New Braunfels High School Course Catalogues for more details. 

Multilingual Programs

Multilingual Programs

New Braunfels Independent School District provides excellent programs for Dual Language, Bilingual, and ESL learners. NBISD believes that being bilingual in our global society is extremely beneficial.

Nayane Olivas

Director of Multilingual Programs
830-643-5738

Department Contacts

Cecilia Trujillo-Lozano
Multilingual Programs Specialist
School: (830) 643-5771

Jafeth Sabogal
Admin Assistant, Multilingual Programs
School: (830) 643-5788

Dual Language Program

The NBISD Dual Language Program provides an opportunity for students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural in two languages, English and Spanish. The students are provided instruction in both languages in order to facilitate native language and second language development.

This dual language immersion 2-way program is offered in grades K-5 at Carl Schurz Elementary (for Carl Schurz, Lamar, Seele and Veramendi) and Voss Farms Elementary (for County Line, Klein, Memorial, Voss Farms and Walnut Springs).

A mandatory Parent Information Meeting is held each spring for incoming Kindergarten students.

Dual Language is an additive bilingual program model for Spanish-speaking students and a foreign language immersion program for English-speaking students.

In Dual Language Immersion – Two-Way classrooms, native Spanish speakers and native English speakers are taught together in an effort to develop full bilingualism and bi-literacy for both groups of students. The program, curricular, and instructional decisions are based on research on English learners (ELs).

  • Students will participate in a rigorous academic program.
  • Students will become competent in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish.
  • Students will develop positive cross-cultural attitudes.
  • Instruction supports a student’s primary language while learning the second.
  • Program fosters a climate where child’s culture is valued while at the same time valuing the culture of others.
  • Bilingualism research shows positive effects on academic, cognitive, and social skills.
  • Program is K – 5 with opportunities for Spanish language instruction in middle school through high school.
  • Program model is 50-50 where instructional time is split equitably.
  • Class make up will be comprised of 50% Spanish speakers and 50% English speakers as much as possible.
  • Students will be taught grade level TEKS and maintain high academic standards.
  • Program requires a K – 5 commitment.
  • Parent involvement is highly encouraged.
  • Program decisions will be made based on the needs and best-practice research for English Learners.
  • All English Learners are able to participate in the program with parent approval and based on the recommendation of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC).
  • Native English speakers must attend one of the two Parent Informational meetings in the Spring and complete an application. Application is considered parent approval.
  • Native English speakers are determined based on seat availability and should the need arise, be chosen via a lottery system.
  • Siblings are NOT automatically grandfathered into the program and must apply with all other students wishing to enter the program.

First graders whose primary language is English who did NOT attend a dual language program in Kindergarten must meet criteria for entrance.  The criteria is as follows:

  • There are seats available for English speakers in the program, AND
  • MAP Level of  155 (English) and 148 (Spanish).

Students who participated in a dual language program with another district will be accepted into the NBISD Dual Language Program provided there are seats available at the home campus.

EnteringMAP (English)MAP (Spanish)
1st Grade155148
Native English speaking students in grades 2 – 5 will be considered for the program if they are transferring from another dual language program OR if they meet the criteria below:

EnteringMAP (English)MAP (Spanish)
2nd Grade 172168
3rd Grade186183
4th Grade196191
5th Grade204198

In all circumstances, there must be seats available and applicants will be considered in order the applications are received.

  • Dual Language Campuses and feeder schools for the 2022-2023 school year:
    • Carl Schurz Elementary
      • Feeder schools are Carl Schurz, Lamar, Seele and Veramendi.
    • Voss Farms Elementary
      • Feeder schools are County Line, Klein, Memorial, Voss Farms and Walnut Springs.
  •  Parents must provide transportation for the native English speakers unless they live in the Carl Schurz or Voss Farms attendance zone and meet eligibility for district transportation for that school zone.
  • District provides transportation for the native Spanish speakers based on state requirements for participation in a bilingual education program.
Staff:

Elementary teachers will hold a bilingual/ESL certification.
Meet highly qualified criteria established by the NBISD Human Resources Department.
Invite and encourage parents to participate in campus/classroom/volunteer activities.
Promote, advocate, and support the Dual Language Program.

Parents:

Support students in their linguistic, academic, and social development.
Commit to completing the elementary program.
Participate in campus activities/classroom activities/volunteer activities.
Promote, advocate, and support the Dual Language Program.
Encourage use and practice of second language at home and in the community.

Students:

Participate in the program for at least the elementary years, but preferably through secondary levels via Spanish language classes.
Maintain high levels of learning in both languages.
Maintain high academic and conduct standards.
Maintain high level of attendance and punctuality.

Dual Language Program Parent Interest Meetings

NBISD will be hosting informational meetings for parents of incoming 2026–2027 kindergarten students who are interested in enrolling their child in the NBISD Dual Language Program.

Attend one of the informational meetings below:

Carl Schurz (Cafeteria)
April 14, 2026
5:00-6:00 P.M.

Voss Farms (Cafeteria)
April 15, 2026
5:00-6:00 P.M.

Lone Star ECC (Gym)
April 16, 2026
5:00-6: P.M.

Virtual Meeting
April 22
5:00-6:00 P.M.
Meeting Link

For more information, please email Jafeth Sabogal or call (830) 643-5788.

ESL Services

NBISD offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program in grades PK – 12

For students who speak a language other than English, the district offers a content-based ESL program in grades PK – 5. This means the teachers of all content areas (Reading, Math Social Studies & Science) have attained an ESL certification that requires them to be proficient in using second language acquisition strategies in their instruction. In grades 6-12, the students who meet the English Learner (EL) requirements are served in pull-out program. This means their English Language Arts teacher is ESL certified along with the opportunity to be provided specialized language instruction by a campus-wide ESL teacher. Any parent has the right to deny ESL services, but the student remains identified as an English Learner.

English as Second Language (ESL) is intensive English language instruction by teachers that are certified to recognize and work with language differences. The ESL program is required by state law in school districts with students who have limited English language skills.

  • An ESL program is structured language instruction designed to teach English to students whose English language skills are limited.
  • ESL instruction considers the student’s learning experiences and cultural backgrounds.
  • ESL is taught through second language methods for teaching mathematics, science and social studies.
  • An ESL program develops competence in the English language.
  • The English language is taught through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • A student’s instructional program is modified to make it easier to learn English.
  • Students in elementary school who speak a language other than English.
  • Students in middle or high school who speak a language other than English in their home and who have difficulty with the English language are ideal candidates.
NBISD provides a dual language immersion/two-way classroom for the native Spanish speaking students in grades K-5. Students with a native language other than Spanish are served in the ESL Program.
  • Yes! All Basic skills in reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies are taught at the student’s  instructional level, depending on how well he or she understands and speaks English.
  • Yes! Other subjects such as health, physical education, and fine arts are also taught in an ESL program as part of the state’s balanced curriculum.
New Braunfels ISD currently has over 700 students for whom English is not the primary language. In Texas, the predominate language of English Language Learners is Spanish, but that is not the only language other than English that we have represented. Currently we have more than 10 languages represented among our students. Languages spoken other than English and Spanish are German, Lithuanian, Yoruba, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Indonesian, and Ukrainian. To address the needs of these children, New Braunfels ISD has many bilingual teachers and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers who serve these students on a daily basis.

Support for the ESL program in New Braunfels ISD is designed around the philosophy that being bilingual in our global society is extremely beneficial. The ability to listen, speak, read, and write in more than one language is an advantage for our students.

  • Achieve academic proficiency in all subjects, meeting or exceeding expectations.
  • Enable students to maintain skills in their primary languages as well as develop skills in their secondary language, thus enabling them to function fully in the general academic program and in future occupational opportunities.
  • Provide opportunities to develop and identify with their cultural heritage as well as cultivating an understanding of other cultures, thereby developing a positive attitude toward fellow students, their families, and their communities.
  • Become bilingual/ biliterate members of the community as well as life-long learners.
  • Teachers are appropriately certified by the state to teach ESL.
  • Specific ESL instruction materials are adopted in order to ensure students will learn English as a Second Language.
  • The focus is on learning English for effective participation in other classes.
  • Parents can ask their child’s teacher or principal about becoming a member of the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) which helps determine how students will be taught and which program to enter.
  • Parents can encourage their child at home, provide a place to study, and show interest in schoolwork and activities.
  • Parents can volunteer for classroom activities.
Teachers who are specially trained and certified to teach in ESL programs meet the special language needs of students.

Resources

Duolingo is the world’s most popular way to learn a language. it’s 100% free, fun and science-based. Practice online on Practice online on duolingo.com or on the apps!

Raz-Kids Button Link

Find Spanish translated leveled books at raz-kids.com

Istation is an award-winning, comprehensive e-learning program used by more than four million students and educators around the world. Access the Istation website here.

Languages Other Than English

OUR GLOBAL SOCIETY

NBISD believes that being bilingual in our global society is extremely beneficial. In middle school, the students have the opportunity to learn Spanish. See the Middle School Course Catalog for more details. See the Middle School Course Catalog for more details here.

Beginning in ninth grade, students may choose between Spanish, French, and German. See the New Braunfels High School Course Catalogues for more details.