Despite a decade-long trend of reducing foreign language programs in schools all over the country, three local schools are at the forefront of turning the tables — all while maintaining the highest academic achievement.

Students enrolled in two-way language immersion programs achieve at the same academic level on California state tests as those at traditional schools, while receiving additional cultural benefits, according to results of a yearlong study by doctoral students at California State University, Stanislaus.

Walnut Grove School Principal Steve Charbonneau, a researcher in the study, presented the results to the Patterson Joint Unified School District board at its Nov. 2 meeting.

According to the Center for Applied Linguistics, Walnut Grove, Grayson Charter and Creekside Middle schools were among only 600 schools in the nation — about 13 percent of all schools — to offer two-way immersion as of 2008. They are also part of the Central Valley Dual-Language Consortium, a support group that comprises the bilingual faculty of CSU Stanislaus and six other dual-language schools in the area.

The program splits the teaching of academic content in all subjects, beginning in with a 90-10 ratio of Spanish-to-English instruction in kindergarten and progressing gradually to a 50-50 split between the languages in fourth grade and beyond.

“We are making baby steps — literally — towards making sure both languages are taught comprehensively,” Grayson Principal Arturo Duran said. “We know that these kids will absorb the most information if they can have the support of their families at home, so it’s essential to keep everyone involved.”

In most cases, students are separated into two groups that rotate between two teachers who cover all required subjects each day. At Grayson, for example, students switch daily for math and weekly for all other subjects.

A large number of proud parents voiced their support during the meeting, as well — agreeing that the program’s concentrated immersion has not only challenged their children with the same high academic standards, but also developed an invaluable cultural awareness.

“The first time my child came home and sang me the days of the week in Spanish, it brought tears to my eyes,” said Cristina Gutierrez, a parent of a kindergartner at Walnut Grove School. “My son can now communicate with his grandparents that only speak Spanish, and I am thrilled. This program will give him so many wonderful opportunities in life.”

The program is in its eighth year at Grayson School, with 229 students enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade. At Creekside, 55 students are enrolled in sixth and seventh grades. Walnut Grove, in its first year, has 48 kindergartners in the program. The district plans to add more grades at each school in the near future.

“We are very proud of our excellent two-way immersion programs,” Superintendent Patrick Sweeney said. “These programs challenge students to be high achievers in English and Spanish, and the students will gain language skills to enhance great career opportunities.”

• Contact Kendall Wright at 892-6187 or kendall@pattersonirrigator.com.