Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula

Posted: August 4, 2021

POV from English-speaking parent with a child at Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula (DLAMP)

Parents who are looking for an inclusive, dual-language school option for their children should know that schools with bilingual programs won't rank as well on state testing because, well, half of the student body doesn't speak English in their homes and testing is done... you guessed it, in English. Also, your little prince(ess) may not necessarily be the majority anymore so you'll need to embrace other cultures/religions/politics, the goods and the not-so-goods, with empathy and open minds.

Our personal experience at DLAMP has been a positive one. No school is perfect but the teachers at DLAMP have all been engaged and cared about my son's education and social happiness. The biggest issue at DLAMP is the teacher turnover rate. Because the MPUSD schools cannot pay as well as neighboring districts, they have an issue keeping and recruiting Bilingual teachers for their program. Fortunately, they've recently partnered with CSUMB and set up programs to help solve that problem.

DLAMP is trying to educate children to equal proficiency in two languages by the time they reach 8th grade, regardless of what language is spoken in their homes. This is the reason I chose DLAMP for my son - I want him to think in and speak two languages. This increases his opportunities in life, critical reasoning, and overall global understanding. The COVID distance learning probably affected the bilingual schools more than traditional schools but I was impressed at how the teachers and admin rose to the challenge. My son really missed his friends in 2020 and dropped a bit academically but still talked fondly of his teachers and felt loved by them.

If you chose DLAMP or a similar bilingual program, it may seem like a child is lagging behind while in k-3 grades but, if you can be patient and encourage them at home (cartoons in Spanish, penpals, etc), you'll reap the benefits starting around 4th and 5th grades. We are seeing it now and I'm hearing the same from the other parents. YOU, the parents, have to throw in some Spanish activities and time at home, too, though... this is a group effort and needs to be supported at home as well as school. If you're not willing to at least set their apps, games, and cartoon controls to Spanish... then please don't take up an English speakers spot in a limited program that should go to families who understand and will accept the challenge.

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Posted: June 7, 2021

My kids went through this school/program and they enjoyed their time there. Their friends come from various neighborhoods and the school manages to keep everyone in their place. I would totally recommend this school to anyone who wants their child(ren) to be bilingual!

Posted: June 7, 2021

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Posted: October 12, 2020

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Posted: October 12, 2020

i would rate it three stars because it in the midle

Posted: December 16, 2019

Horrible,would not recommend to my worst enemy

Posted: December 16, 2019

Every kid there is below average in education and have low self asteem

Posted: December 16, 2019

The counselor is okay but somewhat lazy

Posted: December 16, 2019

Teachers don´t explain properly so kids can get a good education

Posted: December 16, 2019

I don think so the bully only gets a thinkery which is a reflection form.

Posted: May 29, 2018

There is no leadership at this school. When an issue is brought to the attention of the staff at the school, the parents are mocked and the principal simply says "I'm not sure about that."

Posted: May 29, 2018

Posted: May 29, 2018

ALL 3 of my children have encountered issues with bullying at this school. One teacher asked my child "well, did you put it in the secret box?" and when my child said no, she responded with...well, how can I know? while that may be true, she simply dropped it at that point. Implying that because my child didn't put it in the secret box - it was invalid - or she was lying. By the way, the bullying was in regards to someone saying they were going to shoot my daughter. Another one of children was being picked on, physically beat on the playground and we were told that my child was "white and simply didn't understand the culture at this school" Really???!!!! THAT is the response?

Posted: May 29, 2018

With our Kinder, they send home homework ONCE a month, in a folder that we turn in at the end of the month. it's 10 assignments...most of it repetitive month to month. Our 2nd grader, she only has to read, and it has to be signed off as completed - by a student???? That makes no sense to me. Our 4th grader, no clue. He never has homework. never seems to have it assigned and when we ask his teacher, he says "well, he must have completed it".

Posted: May 29, 2018

Our kids' teacher are ineffective, unresponsive, incapable of decent communication and not helpful.

Posted: May 29, 2018

Posted: May 29, 2018

My children literally can't wait to leave. The school choices in the school district are horrid.

Posted: April 3, 2018

There are moments when I think it's going to be alright and then another glaring issue is discovered- year after year.

Posted: April 3, 2018

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