The Greek Dual Language Immersion Program
The Dual Language Immersion Track
The Greek Dual Language Immersion program is an immersion track available within the Odyssey Greek language program. It was launched in the 2017 to 2018 school year beginning in Kindergarten and expanded to Grade 1 in 2018 to 2019. It builds directly on OCS's existing FLES Greek program experience and extends bilingual instruction across the full K to 12 journey.
The fundamental premise of immersion education is that bilingualism is best developed through immersion from a young age. Research consistently confirms that students who receive immersion instruction from early childhood develop higher fluency and literacy in both languages, stronger working memory, and greater cognitive flexibility than students who learn a second language through traditional methods.
OCS is one of the only schools in the United States offering a Greek dual language immersion program from Kindergarten through Grade 12. That is not a small distinction. It is a singular educational opportunity available free of charge to every Delaware family.
How Greek Immersion Fits Into Every School Day
Kindergarten – Grade 5
Immersion School Building
DLI students learn in the dedicated OCS Immersion School building. Every classroom has two teachers. One Greek teacher delivers Math, Science, and Greek Language Arts entirely in Greek. One English teacher delivers Social Studies and English Language Arts entirely in English. The instructional day is split 50/50 by subject area.
Grades 6 – 8
Middle School
Immersion students continue their program within the standard OCS middle school buildings. Social studies and Greek language instruction continue in Greek alongside the same core academic standards as non immersion students.
Grades 9 – 12
High School
Immersion students continue in the standard OCS high school building. Greek language and Greek associated classes continue at an advanced level. Immersion students are well positioned to achieve Advanced proficiency and Ellinomatheia certification by graduation.
Why Immersion Works
Immersion is the most effective way to learn a foreign language within a school setting. The research behind this is not new. It is decades old, extensively documented, and consistently replicated.
Second Language at No Cost to First Language
One of the most common concerns families have is whether immersion will slow down their child's English development. The research is clear. It does not. Adding a second language through immersion comes at no cost to first language development. Immersion students develop strong English literacy alongside Greek fluency. The two languages reinforce each other.
Research: Dual Language Immersion Does Not Impede Native Language ProcessingHigh Fluency and Literacy in Both Languages
Immersion students develop genuine bilingual fluency, the ability to think, read, write, and communicate in both Greek and English at an academic level. This is a fundamentally different outcome than traditional foreign language instruction.
Improved Working Memory and Cognitive Skills
Bilingual immersion education strengthens working memory, attention, and executive function. These cognitive gains transfer directly into stronger academic performance across all subjects. OCS Immersion students outperform state peers by 140 to 200% in ELA and Math.
Positive Cross Cultural Attitudes
Immersion students develop a deeper understanding of Greek culture and humanity. They do not just learn about another culture. They experience it daily through language, literature, and learning.
Built on Proven Standards Frameworks
The DLI curriculum at OCS is the first integrated American and Greek language curriculum of its kind. Greek is not just a subject. It is the medium of instruction for half the school day. But the academic standards are identical to those of every other OCS student.
ACTFL World Readiness Standards
The national standard for world language education in the United States. OCS uses this framework to set proficiency targets and measure student progress at every grade level.
Common Core State Standards
All core academic subjects are aligned to Common Core, ensuring DLI students meet or exceed grade level expectations in English alongside their Greek language development.
Center for Greek Language
OCS curriculum is directly aligned to the Ellinomatheia certification framework.
Delaware World Readiness Standards
OCS meets all state level world language standards as defined by the Delaware Department of Education.
Expected Proficiency Outcomes
The DLI program is built around clearly defined proficiency targets at each stage of the K to 12 journey.
Intermediate proficiency
On the ACTFL scale
Advanced proficiency
On the ACTFL scale
Ellinomatheia certification eligible
Students able to speak, read, and appreciate Greek fluently and accurately.
See the Program in Action
The OCS Immersion Presentation Video gives families a firsthand look at what a DLI classroom looks and feels like. Watching it before making your program choice is strongly recommended.
The Greek Program
Beyond Odyssey.
Nine years of Greek language builds something most students never have. Here is what it unlocks.
Earn High School Credit Early
Scoring 5 or higher on the AVANT Greek language test earns OCS students high school credit before graduation.
Achieve the Seal of Biliteracy
Reaching B1 level Ellinomatheia certification earns the Seal of Biliteracy — recognized by colleges and universities across the US.
A Free Bachelor's Degree
Passing the B2 Ellinomatheia exam unlocks free tuition at any public university in Greece. A fully accredited four-year degree at no tuition cost.
The Financial Advantage.
OCS students realize approximately $7,500 or more in pre-college savings through waived college language requirements and dual enrollment credits. The long term savings are even more significant. Passing the B2 Ellinomatheia exam makes the Greek University option a real possibility, saving up to $215,000.
View PDF InfographicCompare the Cost of a Degree
Greek University, English Program
A real possibility with B2
University of Delaware, In-State
Private or Out-of-State US University
Is DLI Right for My Child?
The DLI program is a K to 12 commitment. Families should understand the long term nature of this choice before applying. Here is what to consider.
What to Consider When Choosing the Track
The immersion track requires a commitment to continuing through your child's entire enrollment at OCS. This is not a year to year decision. It is a family wide investment in a bilingual future that compounds in value with every year your child stays in the program.
Who Thrives in an Immersion Environment
Students who thrive in immersion are curious, resilient, and comfortable with the discomfort of not understanding everything immediately. They do not need to be gifted. They need to be willing. The research is clear — immersion works for students of all ability levels when families are committed and supportive.
What Families Should Expect at Each Stage
Early Years: Your child will be immersed in Greek without translation. This is intentional and research backed. Comprehension develops naturally through context, repetition, and content. By Grade 3 most immersion students are reading and writing in Greek independently.
Middle & High School: By middle school your child will be thinking in Greek, not translating from English. By high school they will be pursuing Advanced proficiency and Ellinomatheia certification with the confidence of a genuine bilingual learner.
FAQ — Do We Need to Speak Greek at Home?
No. 99% of OCS immersion students come from non Greek speaking families. You do not need to speak Greek at home to support your child's immersion journey. OCS does offer Greek language for adults if families want to engage more deeply with the program.
Want to Learn More About the Full Greek Program?
All OCS students follow the Greek program regardless of track. The FLES program page covers what Greek language instruction looks like for non immersion students.
A Foundation of Confidence
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The OCS DLI program is one of the most extraordinary educational opportunities available to Delaware families. Free, public, and built to produce genuine bilingual learners from Kindergarten through Grade 12.