Emerson Dual Language School
Minneapolis School Finder Rating
About
About Us
Emerson Dual Language Citywide Magnet School, located in the Loring Park neighborhood of Central Minneapolis, welcomes students from throughout the city. Students at Emerson will experience a collaborative learning environment in two languages. Beginning in Pre-K & kindergarten, students receive 90% of their instruction in Spanish & 10% of their instruction in English. Instruction in English gradually increases with the English/Spanish ratio culminating at 50/50 in grade 5. All students learn to speak, read & write in both languages. Students are encouraged to continue with the Spanish Dual Language program at Andersen United Community School. Emerson is the oldest Spanish Dual Language program in Minnesota.
Languages spoken by school staff
English, Spanish
Extra programming
Emerson’s after-school program offers a wide range of extracurricular activities through Community Education. These classes run a few days a week throughout most of the school year, providing enriching opportunities for students to explore their interests beyond the classroom.
Common offerings include engaging activities like coding through their GEMS & GISE program, sports, chess, yearbook, & more. These programs are designed to build new skills, foster creativity, & encourage teamwork in a safe, fun environment. A detailed schedule & registration information will be available for families at the start of each semester in the school newsletter.
Extracurriculars Offered:
Cultural Extracurriculars, Music, Sports
Uniforms
Students who attend Emerson Dual Language School are not required to wear uniforms.
How to enroll
If interested in enrolling, contact Student Placement Services at (612) 668-1840 or sps.department@mpls.k12.mn.us.
Students at this school
Teachers at this school
Average student to teacher ratio
Academics
Average
Academic programming
Emerson’s academic programming continues to be centered on their dual language model. They are dedicated to providing a well-rounded education with instruction delivered in both English & Spanish at the elementary level.
Students receive rigorous, standards-based content in both languages. This approach not only builds fluency in two languages but also strengthens cognitive skills, fosters a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, & prepares students to do well academically & socially in an interconnected world. Emerson’s goal is to ensure all students are on a path to bilingualism & biliteracy.
Academic Programs Offered:
Language Immersion
Special education programming
Emerson’s special education programming provides a comprehensive continuum of support for all learners. They offer a specialized Autism Spectrum Disorder classroom that provides a structured, supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of students with autism.
In addition, Emerson has two dedicated resource teachers who provide targeted academic support to help students with diverse learning needs meet their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Their programs are designed to empower students to build skills, grow in confidence, & participate fully in the school community.
Curricula
No response from school.
English language learner programming
Emerson’s English Learner (ELL) programming is designed to provide comprehensive support for students on their path to English language proficiency. The school provides dedicated, targeted support to students with lower language scores, ensuring they receive the specialized instruction needed to quickly build language skills.
Emerson’s program emphasizes co-teaching whenever possible, allowing ELL teachers to work with classroom teachers to provide in-class support & accommodations for all learners. This integrated approach ensures students receive both specialized instruction & a rich, grade-level academic experience. The goal is for all students to achieve linguistic & academic success.
Proficiency
3 out of 10 students are performing math at grade level
3 out of 10 students read at grade level
Progress
3 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in math
4 out of 10 students are progressing to graduate on grade-level in reading
Climate
Above Average
School values
Emerson’s values are rooted in their mission: to provide a high-quality, culturally responsive education for every student. They believe that a truly excellent education is one that actively dismantles systemic barriers & celebrates the rich diversity of the community.
This means Emerson is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student’s identity is affirmed & their unique background is valued. They do this by ensuring their curriculum, classroom practices, & school culture are designed to honor all cultures & empower every student to succeed. Emerson staff is dedicated to continuous learning, challenging biases, & fostering a community where empathy & equity are at the heart of everything they do.
Recess
No response from school.
Discipline Policy
Emerson’s discipline policy is built on restorative practices & a commitment to creating a safe, inclusive learning environment. They focus on teaching students to make responsible choices by understanding the impact of their actions on themselves & the community.
Emerson proactively teaches behavioral expectations through their values (show respect, make good decisions, & resolve problems), interrupts minor misbehavior with respectful redirection, & uses restorative conversations to help students take ownership of their actions & repair harm caused to others. This process is supported by the school’s staff, who are trained to build positive relationships with all students, ensuring every child feels respected & supported.
Teacher retention
Attendance
Discipline
Equity
Average
Equity vision
Emerson’s equity vision is directly tied to its mission: to create bilingual students leading the way for a more equitable future. The school believes that achieving its mission requires an unwavering commitment to anti-racism & culturally responsive education.
This vision means Emerson is actively working to dismantle barriers that hinder student success. They are dedicated to ensuring that every student’s cultural background is not just acknowledged, but is an integral part of their learning experience. By fostering bilingualism, the school empowers its students with the skills & global perspective needed to advocate for themselves & others. Emerson’s goal is to cultivate a new generation of leaders who will champion justice & create a more equitable world for all.
