In the 2014-15 school year, Lively began offering dual-language courses to our sixth-grade students to support the district's dual-language programming that has been in place in elementary schools. Our Dual Language Program provides students the ability to become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural through high-level cognitive instructional practice.
Enroll NOW for Lively's Dual Language Academy!
Eligible students may now enroll in the Lively Dual Language Program via the new Austin ISD Enrollment System
Eligibility
Lively Middle School is proud to have the largest Middle School Spanish Dual Language Program for sixth through eighth grade students in Austin Independent School District.
Eligible students include:
- Students who participated in AISD's K-5 Dual Language Program
- Students who have developed Spanish language skills at home
- Students who have recently moved to the United States from a Spanish-speaking country
Interested in Lively’s Magnet Program as well?
Approximately 50% of our nearly 400 Dual Language students also participate in Lively’s Law and Humanities Magnet program! Find out more about applying to Lively’s Law and Humanities Magnet Program.
Students who wish to be considered for participation in both programs must fill out the Dual Language application form AND the Magnet application form. Both applications are required for students who want to participate in Lively’s Magnet Dual Language Program.
Sample schedule for 6th grade Magnet Dual Language Students
English Language Arts - Magnet Level
World Cultures - Magnet Level
Math - at the students’ level (PreAP, Advanced Algebra track, Advanced Geometry track - requires two math classes)
Science in Spanish - Pre AP Level
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 3A - earns .05 high school credit
Intro to Humanities/Intro to Law- Magnet Required Electives
Physical Education, or Dance and Functional Fitness
Elective (if not taking Geometry track math)
Why Dual Language at Lively?
Dual Language is an extension of Lively's Mission, “To provide educational opportunities that inspire global thinking and social responsibility.” In Lively's Dual Language Program, students take a Spanish for Spanish Speakers class from sixth through eighth grades and another core content class in Spanish, which have included Mathematics, Science and Social Studies classes. In addition, Lively Dual Language students have the option to take the Latin American Studies elective, taught in Spanish.
Lively Dual Language 8th graders take Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture IV, the only College Board AP class available at the Middle School level. Upon successful completion of AP Spanish Language and Culture IV, students leave Middle School with 4 high school language credits. Students who choose to take the Advanced Placement exam in May of their 8th grade year may also earn up to 12 college credits. In May of 2020, of the 55 Lively eighth graders who took the exam, 96% qualified for college credit, scoring a 3 or above with a mean score of 4.05 out of 5. The Lively community is proud of our 8th grade AP Spanish students who have historically scored very well on the AP exam. Each year, more of our Lively Dual Language students are also choosing to continue their DL education career into High School, working toward a Biliteracy Seal upon graduation.