The TWBI Program: A Commitment to Language, Learning, and Lifelong Opportunity

At San José Unified, we believe that speaking more than one language is a powerful gift. For more than 30 years, our Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI) Program has been helping students succeed in both English and Spanish. This program is designed to give children the opportunity to become fully bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural while achieving academic excellence from an early age.

In the TWBI classroom, students receive instruction in both English and Spanish in a balanced way. These classrooms typically include both native Spanish speakers and native English speakers learning together. This collaborative environment allows all students to grow and support each other as they develop their language skills, deepen their understanding of different cultures, and master academic content across subjects. TWBI is more than learning a second language—it’s about creating meaningful connections, building confidence, and opening doors for the future.

At Walter L. Bachrodt Elementary, student Ariday Martínez Hernández is already experiencing the benefits of TWBI. She says, “Learning in two languages helps me gain more perspective and broadens my knowledge.” Her words reflect the heart of the TWIBI experience —learning to see the world through a wider lens, think critically in two languages, and grow both academically and personally.

Ariday’s mother, Yadira Hernández, has witnessed the transformation firsthand. She says, “One language forms you, but two languages transform you.” For many families like hers, TWBI is not just about learning another language—it’s about embracing new possibilities for their children, their families and their community.

The benefits of this program extend well beyond elementary school. At Abraham Lincoln High School, Iliana Pérez, a Spanish teacher, sees how TWBI students carry their bilingual skills into the next phase of their academic journey. She explains, “In addition to being bilingual, it will open many doors for them in college and in life.” These students are more than prepared for higher education—they are ready for a global world that values communication, collaboration, and cultural awareness.

To get the most out of the TWBI experience, families are encouraged to commit to the program from kindergarten through fifth grade. This commitment allows students to build a strong foundation in both languages and grow into confident bilingual learners. Before enrolling, families are required to attend an orientation session that explains how the program works and what to expect. These sessions are an important first step in understanding how TWBI can support your child’s academic and personal growth.

For families interested in joining, TWBI information sessions can be found here. The first English session will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The first Spanish session will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, also from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. 

San José Unified is proud to offer the TWBI program at several school sites, including Gardner, Merritt Trace, Walter L. Bachrodt, and Willow Glen Elementary Schools, as well as River Glen K-8 School. Students can continue in the TWBI pathway at Herbert Hoover and Willow Glen Middle Schools, and at Abraham Lincoln and Willow Glen High Schools. Families who already have a child in the program do not need to attend an orientation, but should contact their school for sibling enrollment information.

The TWBI program is more than a classroom experience—it is a community. It connects families across languages and cultures, and it helps students become proud of who they are while preparing for success in an increasingly bilingual world. 

If you’re looking for a program that will challenge, inspire, and support your child, TWBI is a path worth exploring.We invite you to take that first step, attend an orientation, learn more, and discover how two languages can lead to one bright future.