U.S. K-12 Dual Language Immersion Market Size

U.S. K-12 Dual Language Immersion Market size was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 25% between 2024 and 2032. In an era of globalization, where communication and collaboration transcend borders, multilingualism is increasingly recognized as a valuable skill. The demand for dual language immersion programs is led by the acknowledgment that individuals proficient in more than one language are better equipped to navigate the interconnected & diverse global landscape. Multilingual individuals are often viewed as assets in the job market.

Employers value language skills as they expand their operations globally. The demand for a multilingual workforce is encouraging parents and students to seek dual language immersion programs to gain a competitive edge in future career opportunities. A survey conducted by the American Council for International Education in 2022 showed that there were over 3,600 DLI programs in the country. A total of 44 states reported generating dual language immersion programs with nearly 60% of the programs coming from California, Texas, New York, Utah, and North Carolina. Approximately 80% of all dual language immersion programs were in Spanish with 8.6% and 5% covering Chinese and French, respectively.

U.S. K-12 dual language immersion is an educational approach where students learn academic content in two languages, usually their native language and a second language. This method fosters bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competency by integrating language learning into various subjects, promoting fluency and academic proficiency in both languages throughout the K-12 educational journey.

The shortage of qualified bilingual teachers poses a significant obstacle to K-12 dual language immersion programs in the U.S. The demand for educators proficient in both languages surpasses the available supply, impacting the expansion and effectiveness of these programs. This scarcity hampers the program’s ability to meet the growing need for high-quality bilingual education, hindering student access to immersive language learning experiences.