The specialized language immersion program allows English-proficient students to become bilingual and bi-literate in Spanish. Students attending the immersion program receive all classroom instruction in Spanish beginning in kindergarten. Through exposure to and practice with the language, students gain understanding and develop language proficiency. English language arts are introduced beginning in 3rd - 5th grade. Parents of this program agree to read to their child in English for a minimum of 20 minutes a day. Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English prior to enrollment at Sonia Sotomayor.

The application process occurs the year before students enter kindergarten.