Skip to main content
District
  1. Academic Programs
  2. Dual Language Immersion
  3. Educational Model & Languages

Educational Model & Languages

Dual Language Immersion

Apply Now for the 2025-26 School Year! 

 

A white computer monitor with a cursor clicking on a red background. The text 'Apply Online!' is above the monitor.Glendale Unified School District proudly offers dual immersion in seven languages beginning in TK and kindergarten. This opportunity is open to students living in and outside GUSD boundaries!

Benefits of Dual Language Immersion

  • Bilingualism and biliteracy
  • Academic achievement
  • Cultural competency

Application Process

  • GUSD dual language immersion and magnet programs require an application
  • Students are selected each year by a random lottery
  • Students entering the dual language immersion program after first grade must demonstrate proficiency in their target language

TK Dual Immersion Opportunities

Dr. Nancy Hong, Director, Dual Language Immersion and Magnet Programs, (818) 241-3111 x1243

Languages Offered

Educational Model

Elementary Dual Language Immersion Programs 

90:10 Program Model – French, German, Italian, Spanish

Students participate in a 90:10 program model when the target language of instruction uses a Latin-based alphabet (French, German, Italian, and Spanish). Students initially receive instruction in the target language for 90% of the day and in English for 10% of the day, starting in kindergarten. The percentage of English increases annually until 50% of the day is taught in the target language and 50% in English by 5th grade.

50:50 Program Model – Armenian, Japanese, Korean

Students participate in a 50:50 program model when the target language of instruction uses an alphabet distinct from the Latin-based English alphabet (Armenian, Japanese, and Korean). Students receive instruction in the target language for 50% of the day and in English for 50% of the day throughout elementary school.

Middle School Dual Language Immersion Programs

Students wishing to continue in the dual language immersion program for middle school take a language arts class in their target language as an elective. Some middle school programs offer a second core-content subject, such as history/social studies or science, in the target language. Visit the page for each language to learn more about the specific pathways available.

High School World Language Programs 

All languages are available as world language course offerings at the high school level. Students may continue taking advanced language courses as their elective and most languages offer a capstone exam for potential college credit. Students are also eligible to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy in their target language.