Lone Star Online Academy Launches Nation’s First Virtual Dual Language Kindergarten Program
Jul 29, 2025
Roscoe, Texas — July 29, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move for bilingual education and virtual learning, Lone Star Online Academy (LSOA), a tuition-free online public school serving K–8 students across Texas, will launch the nation’s first-ever virtual dual language immersion kindergarten program in Fall 2025. This initiative marks a major step forward in academic innovation, offering students across Texas the opportunity to build bilingual fluency and cognitive skills from the very start of their educational journey — all in a flexible, online environment.
LSOA’s new one-way dual language immersion (DLI) program will begin with kindergarteners in the 2025–2026 school year, expanding annually to follow students as they advance — adding first grade in 2026, second grade in 2027, and so on. More than 100 bilingual kindergarten students are expected to participate in the inaugural year.
Unlike traditional English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, which primarily deliver instruction in English, DLI programs teach academic content in both English and a partner language, typically the student’s home language. This approach not only reinforces subject mastery but also strengthens long-term comprehension, cultural connection, and student confidence.
This program follows a Spanish/English immersion model, providing kindergarten students with 90% of their instruction in Spanish and 10% in English. In later grades, English instruction gradually increases, setting the stage for students to become confident in both languages.
“Dual language immersion gives students the academic foundation and life skills to thrive in a global society,” said Laura Thiess, English Language Learners (ELL) Manager, at LSOA. “The research is clear — biliteracy supports stronger test scores, better emotional regulation, and higher graduation rates. But more than that, it empowers students with cultural pride, empathy, and real-world readiness.”
Backed by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards and aligned with the Texas Effective Dual Language Immersion Framework, the program delivers rigorous instruction in both English and Spanish. LSOA currently serves nearly 15,000 students statewide, 11.7 percent of whom are bilingual.
The benefits of dual language immersion programs are wide-reaching and well-documented:
- Academic: Increased achievement in reading, writing, math, and science
- Cognitive: Improved literacy, problem-solving, planning, and flexibility in thinking
- Social-emotional: Enhanced self-esteem, empathy, cultural awareness, and reduced anxiety
- Long-term: Higher graduation rates, stronger college and career readiness, and greater employability
By introducing this innovative bilingual program at the foundational kindergarten level, LSOA is not only expanding access to high-quality instruction but setting a new national standard for what’s possible in virtual public education.
To learn more about LSOA’s Dual Language Immersion program, click here.
About Lone Star Online Academy
Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe (LSOA) provides a strong educational foundation for young learners in grades K-8. LSOA offers daily live Class Connect sessions, engaging instruction, and certified teachers who support students every step of the way. The tuition-free, full-time online model gives families the flexibility to create a learning environment that meets their needs. Powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, LSOA draws from 25 years of experience in virtual education to help students thrive. Learn more at lsoa.k12.com.