School districts in Texas are required by state law to assess the English language proficiency of all students whose Home Language Survey indicates that the home language is a language other than English.      

If a child demonstrates limited English proficiency on the assessment, s/he will be eligible for enrollment in the appropriate language program:  bilingual education or English as a Second Language (ESL).  The goal of both programs is to enable English language learners to become competent in the understanding, listening, speaking, and writing of the English language through the development of literacy and academic skills in grade level content areas. 

Bilingual Education

Bilingual education (PreKindergarten-5th grade) is a full-time instructional program that utilizes the student’s native Spanish language as a foundation for teaching the academic content outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).  Student eligibility for the program is determined through the administration of Spanish and English oral language tests, and parent permission is required for entrance into the program.  Bilingual education affords students of limited English proficiency an equal opportunity to master grade level TEKS using their native Spanish language while attaining proficiency in English.  The amount of English used increases as the student acquires academic English proficiency.  District guidelines are implemented to ensure that the program is developmentally appropriate, that the amount of instruction in each language is appropriate, and that the students are challenged to perform at a level commensurate with their linguistic proficiency and academic potential.     

English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL) is an intensive instructional program designed to develop proficiency in the comprehension, listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language.  All instruction is provided in English and utilizes the TEKS for the cultivation of English language skills and the promotion of academic success in all grade level content areas.

Elementary ESL

The ESL program for kindergarten through fifth grade is offered as a pull-out model of English-only instruction based on the student’s individual language level.  Student eligibility for the program is determined through the administration of an English oral language test, and parent permission is required for entrance into the program.  Bus transportation is available to an ESL cluster site if service is not available at the home campus.  

Secondary ESL

The ESL program offers classes in grades 6 through 12.  Students are enrolled in an ESL class in place of an English class. Student placement in ESL is determined by the results of an English language proficiency test in speaking, reading, and writing.  Parent permission is required for entrance to the program. 

Locations of the Bilingual and ESL Programs

The following FISD schools offer bilingual education or ESL:

Bilingual/ESL Education (Head Start)

Acker Elementary

Bilingual Education (PreK-5th)

Christie Elementary

ESL (K-5)

Anderson Elementary
Ashley Elementary
Bledsoe Elementary
Boals Elementary
Borchardt Elementary
Bright Elementary
Christie Elementary
Corbell Elementary
Curtsinger Elementary
Elliott Elementary
Fisher Elementary
Gunstream Elementary
Isbell Elementary
Mooneyham Elementary
Ogle Elementary
Pink Elementary (cluster site for Carroll Elementary)
Riddle Elementary
Robertson Elementary
Rogers Elementary
Sem Elementary
Shawnee Trail Elementary
Smith Elementary
Sparks Elementary
Spears Elementary
Tadlock Elementary
Taylor Elementary

ESL (6th-8th)

Clark Middle School (cluster site for Wester)
Fowler Middle School
Pioneer Heritage Middle School
Roach Middle School
Scoggins Middle School
Stafford Middle School (cluster site for Griffin)
Staley Middle School

ESL (9th-12th)

Centennial High School

Frisco High School

Wakeland High School

Liberty High School

If the English language learner’s home campus does not have a Bilingual/ESL program, the student will be transferred upon parent approval to a cluster site that offers these services.  Bus transportation is available.  Children will continue as full-day students of these schools until they are dismissed from the Bilingual/ESL program. 

Dismissal from the Bilingual or ESL Programs