Dual language in gentrifying neighborhoods
Another challenge with creating so many dual language schools: Several neighborhoods once home to many Spanish-speaking immigrants are gentrifying or have gentrified. This has pushed families out who are unable to afford housing, and now some of the oldest dual language schools are now in desperate need of students.
A WBEZ analysis of dual language schools found that half are in Chicago neighborhoods that are at high risk of gentrifying, according to data from University of Illinois at Chicago’s Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Change. The Voorhees Center makes this determination by looking at demographics and area rents.