Redlands Unified to launch Spanish dual language program

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Unified School District will launch a Spanish dual language immersion program at McKinley Elementary School beginning in the 2026–27 school year, district officials announced.

The program will open with transitional kindergarten and kindergarten and will expand one grade level at a time in subsequent years.

Dual language immersion programs are designed to develop students who are bilingual, biliterate and culturally proficient, according to the district. Instruction will be provided in both English and Spanish with the goal of building strong academic foundations while supporting language development and cultural awareness.

“Introducing this program at the earliest grades allows students to develop these skills naturally and progressively,” Superintendent Juan Cabral said in a statement. “This reflects our commitment to preparing students for future academic, social and global success.”

The district has appointed Minerva Castorena as principal at McKinley Elementary to lead the program. District officials said Castorena brings experience in bilingual education and instructional leadership that will support the program’s rollout.

Redlands Unified will also host a dual language immersion information day on Jan. 28, with a virtual session scheduled for 9 a.m. and an in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. at McKinley Elementary School.

Additional information will be posted on the district’s website this week, including an interest form for families with students entering TK or kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year.

More information is available at redlandsusd.net.