Our School
Welcome to Dolores Gonzales Elementary
Our Vision
We are a historic, diverse, multicultural and multilingual community of learners and educators who fiercely love, guide, and educate all students as we grow together.
Our Mission
To provide grade-appropriate assignments, strong instruction, deep engagement and high expectations for all students.
Dual Language Education
Dolores Gonzales Elementary School was the first APS school to implement a dual language program for their students. Our school is named in honor of a well-known pioneer and advocate for bilingual education within New Mexico, Dolores Gonzales, “La Doctora.” We proudly carry on her legacy with our Dual Language Immersion Program. Students in our Dual Language Program receive an enriched education and an opportunity to become bilingual and bi-literate. Our students develop a strong cultural awareness and appreciation for living in a diverse world.
We strongly believe in building a strong foundation in our student’s first language. Therefore, our kinder and 1st grade dual language students receive direct and explicit instruction in literacy in their first language while developing their second language through content area instruction following a 70/30 model. All teachers use 1st and 2nd language acquisition strategies and best practices in order to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
Beginning at 2nd grade, our Dual Language students receive instruction in all academic content areas in both languages, following a 50/50 model. Students are given homework and their progress is continuously assessed in both English and Spanish. Our goal is to graduate bilingual, bi-literate students who value both languages and cultures.
Bilingual Seal
In recognition of the importance of bilingualism and bi-literacy, the Bilingual Seal pathway provides students with an opportunity to acquire a District Seal and a State of New Mexico Bilingualism and Bi-literacy Seal in Spanish, Native American languages, and other foreign languages. The Bilingual Seal signifies proficiency skills in two languages. Elementary students can earn a bilingual seal by taking half of their academic content in English and the other half in Spanish and completing a portfolio. The program is student driven, and recognizes exemplary work and collaboration.
Historic Marker
Inscription, Side A
La Doctora María Dolores Gonzáles, (1917-1975). Dr. Gonzales was a pioneer in bilingual and bicultural education. She developed educational materials for students in New Mexico and Latin America and trained teachers in the curriculum. Born in Pecos, “Lola” taught in the area for many years and at the University of New Mexico. She held a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate from Pennsylvania State University. Dolores Gonzales Elementary School in Albuquerque is named in her honor.