Merced, CA (February 3, 2026) — The Dual Language Academy operated by the Merced County Office of Education is scheduled to close at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year, according to information released by MCOE and confirmed through local reporting. The program is set to cease operations on June 30, 2026, and will not be offered during the 2026–27 academic year.
The Dual Language Academy operates on the campus of Merced Scholars Charter School on Wardrobe Avenue and provides a dual immersion instructional model with instruction in Spanish and Hmong. The program serves students enrolled through MCOE and is currently operating for the 2025–26 school year.
MCOE officials have stated that the decision to discontinue the academy is based on financial considerations, citing ongoing budget constraints and enrollment levels that the agency has indicated are not sufficient to sustain the program long term. According to MCOE, the academy will continue operating through the end of the current school year to allow families time to prepare for the transition.
The planned closure has prompted concern from some parents and community members, who have stated that they were surprised by the announcement and are seeking options to keep the program in place. Families have indicated plans to attend upcoming Merced County Board of Education meetings to voice their concerns and request that alternatives be explored.
MCOE has advised families that students may seek placement in dual language programs offered by neighboring school districts. Parents have noted that availability in those programs may be limited due to enrollment caps, lottery systems, or grade-level restrictions. As of now, MCOE has not announced any changes to the planned closure timeline, and the Dual Language Academy remains scheduled to close at the end of the 2025–26 school year.
