Oyster-Adams Bilingual School teaches students in grades PK-8 through a school-wide dual language model, providing classes in all subjects (as well as student activities, interventions, and parent engagement) through a mix of English and Spanish. Additionally, students have the opportunity to learn Mandarin beginning in 4th grade. A key element of the school’s success is the strong commitment of all educators to the school’s mission. As school leader Mayra Cruz puts it, “everyone who works at Oyster believes deeply in the dual language model, and regardless of what they teach, they know that they are language teachers”. In this video profile, educators and students explain how dual-language education at Oyster-Adams works, and why they love it so much.
Read the accompanying video Reflection Guide to help prompt further ideas for your school or district context.
Read a transcript (in English and Spanish) of the Oyster-Adams Bilingual School video.
Read Oyster-Adams Bilingual School’s 2020 National Blue Ribbon School application.
School Information
Oyster-Adams Bilingual SchoolMrs. Mayra Cruz
Principal at time of Nomination
Washington, DC 20008-2666
(202) 671-6130
| Student Demographics 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Number of students grades Pre-K-8 | 735 |
| Students eligible for subsidized meals | 19% |
| Students receiving special ed services | 10% |
| ELL Students | 27% |
| African American students | 4% |
| White students | 33% |
| Asian students | 2% |
| Hispanic or Latino students | 56% |
| Two or More Races | 5% |
| Student mobility rate | 6% |
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