These programs group native speakers of English with native speakers of the target language. The mix is approximately 50% of each group and both become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural. Instruction is provided both in English and in the target language on alternate days, according to academic subjects, or according to a daily schedule (morning in one language and afternoon in the other.) There are a variety of models, and percentages like 90/10 and 50/50 are used to refer to how much of the instruction at different grade levels is conducted in the target language versus how much is given in English. For example, one school might have 90/10 in K-1 and then move to 50/50 for grades 2-5 while another school starts at 50/50 in kindergarten and continues with that through grade 5.

The following districts have two-way programs:

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Carrboro Elementary (K-5), Spanish
Frank Porter Graham Elementary (K-5), Spanish
Glenwood Elementary (PreK-5), Chinese (Mandarin)
Mary Scroggs Elementary (K-5), Spanish

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Collinswood Language Academy (K-5), Spanish
Oaklawn Language Academy (K-5), Spanish

Chatham County
Siler City Elementary (K-4), Spanish

Durham Public Schools
Southwest Elementary (PreK-5), Spanish

Greene County
Snow Hill Primary (K-2), Spanish
West Greene Elementary (3-5), Spanish

Johnston County
Selma Elementary (K-5), Spanish

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
Ashley Elementary (K-5), Spanish

Charter School
Casa Esperanza (PreK-5), Spanish