At Hickman Elementary, students are gaining more than classroom knowledge. They are becoming bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware through Garland ISD’s Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program, an unmatched opportunity that sets them apart in school and in life. The program is also offered at Lister Elementary, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade, and Parsons Pre-K Center, which feeds into both Hickman and Lister.

“This program is really unique and one of the things that sets us apart as a district,” said Rachel Fendley, principal at Hickman Elementary. “As a Choice of School district, the Vietnamese DLI program serves 272 students from Pre-K through fifth grade, with 127 of those students right here at Hickman. Many families seek us out specifically for this program because of the strong instruction and cultural experiences we provide.”

Students learn Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts in both English and Vietnamese, with English used to support individual needs in Vietnamese-taught lessons. Vietnamese Language Arts is conducted entirely in Vietnamese, and English Language Arts is conducted entirely in English. 

Kindergarten teachers play a critical role in laying the foundation.

“I love teaching and get excited to see my students every day. Kindergarten sets the stage for success, so we’re doing important work to ensure students learn to read, write, and speak in both languages,” said Thao Tam Nguyen, a dual language kindergarten teacher. 

This 50/50 approach helps students master both languages.

The immersion program serves a diverse population. Some students are born in the U.S., others are newcomers from Vietnam, and many come from bilingual households.

“The challenge and the joy is ensuring that students’ English and Vietnamese skills grow together,” said Johanne Bui, a dual language third-grade teacher. “We want them to become truly bilingual and biliterate, which gives them an advantage later in life, whether applying for jobs or navigating global opportunities.”

Cultural celebration is woven throughout the program, from bilingual signage to classroom materials and school events. Students enjoy Lunar New Year performances, fashion shows, and activities with traditional Vietnamese food and music.

“Family and community engagement is at the heart of what we do,” Fendley said. “Parents appreciate that their children’s culture and language are celebrated. It strengthens the connection between home and school.”

Students’ progress is monitored through assessments such as the TELPAS test, which measures English proficiency. Many newcomers eventually become proficient in English while continuing to strengthen their Vietnamese skills. By fifth grade, students are fully bilingual and biliterate, ready for future academic and career opportunities.

Bui reflected on the program’s impact: “I grew up speaking Vietnamese, and I didn’t have this kind of support. Now I can help students and families navigate school while celebrating their culture and language. Seeing our students grow academically, socially, and culturally is incredibly rewarding.”

Garland ISD’s Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion Program at Hickman Elementary is more than a classroom offering. It is a pathway to academic excellence, cultural pride, and global opportunity. The program was recently spotlighted in a local news story by WFAA Channel 8, showcasing the impact of bilingual education in our community.

For more information, please visit the Emergent Bilingual page.