Spanish-speaking students who are entering school with either no-English or very limited-English speaking abilities may qualify for Leander ISD’s bilingual education program. These classes are for Pre-K – 5th grade students.

In bilingual education classes, children are taught the core academic concepts in Spanish while they are being taught/learning English. English vocabulary is introduced at the Pre-K and Kindergarten level. The amount of English is increased each year until each student is successfully transitioned into total English.

The intent of the bilingual education program is for students to be fluent speakers, readers, and writers in both English and Spanish. To maximize student success and taxpayer dollars, Leander ISD clusters bilingual education students on four LISD elementary campuses. Students in the Bilingual Education Program living in the  Bagdad, Pleasant Hill and Jim Plain attendance zones are provided bilingual services at Bagdad Elementary.  Students in the Whitestone, and Winkley zones are provided services at Whitestone Elementary.  Students in the Knowles, Giddens and Block House attendance zones are provided services at Knowles Elementary.  All other LISD students in the Bilingual Education Program are provided services at Westside Elementary.

Leander ISD also provides English Language Learner services for adults, thanks to funding received through the English Literacy and Civics Education Grant. This grant funds a program at Bagdad Elementary for non-English speaking parents of Leander ISD students.

The EL Civics Programs provides evening classes so that parents can learn to speak, read, and write English while preparing for citizenship. Elementary aged children who attend the program with their parents get assistance with homework to increase their academic skills. Pre-school children are cared for by program staff, and are introduced to pre-literacy skills that help prepare each child for future reading and academic success.

There is limited space available. If space becomes an issue, priority will be given to parents whose children are served through the ESL or bilingual programs. All others are placed on a waiting list for acceptance to the program when space becomes available.