The Winchester Public School Board held a work session on February 10, 2025, focusing on the expansion of the dual language program within the district. The meeting began with an overview of the program's success at two elementary schools, highlighting the benefits of bilingual and biliterate skills for students. The discussion emphasized the importance of equity and access, aiming to provide more families with opportunities to participate in the program.

The board reviewed data demonstrating the positive impact of the dual language program on academic achievement and community engagement. The growing demand for bilingual education was noted, with an increasing number of families choosing to enroll their children in the program, even from outside the Winchester area.

A timeline was presented, detailing the program's development since its inception in 2016 at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. The program has since expanded to Virginia Avenue and has reached the intermediate and middle school levels. The board discussed the merging of students from different schools and the importance of maintaining a cohesive educational experience as they progress through grades.

Looking ahead, the board proposed the possibility of adding dual language classes at Corals Elementary for kindergarten in the upcoming year and at John Kerr Elementary by 2026. The meeting concluded with a visual representation of the program's structure, illustrating its reach from elementary through high school.

Overall, the work session underscored the district's commitment to enhancing bilingual education and ensuring that all students have access to valuable language skills that prepare them for a globalized world. The board plans to continue discussions on the implementation of these expansions in future meetings.