G.L.A.D. to Expand Their Horizons
Apply Today!Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.)
Downey Unified’s G.L.A.D. dual language immersion program teaches children to think, read, write, and communicate naturally in two different languages with the goal to become biliterate in both English and a target language.
G.L.A.D. empowers students to achieve high levels of academic success and develop cross-cultural skills that will give your child various advantages for the rest of their lives!
G.L.A.D. Programs
How Does G.L.A.D. Benefit Your Child?
Brain Development
Learning a second language stimulates the brain to develop higher-level reasoning skills. These skills are also needed for complex critical thinking in math, science and language arts.
Self-Esteem
Children who are educated in two languages have stronger self-esteem with more tolerance for, and more interest in, other cultures.
Community
The whole school community, including parents, is viewed as partners in learning and actively contributes to a holistic educational experience.
Respect
Students acquire a sense of respect for different cultures and the world.
How Does G.L.A.D. Benefit Your Child?
- Brain Development: Learning a second language stimulates the brain to develop higher-level reasoning skills.
- Self-Esteem: Children who are educated in two languages have stronger self-esteem with more tolerance and interest in other cultures.
- Community: The whole school community, including parents, is viewed as partners in learning and actively contributes to a holistic educational experience.
- Respect: Students acquire a sense of respect for different cultures and the world.
Application Process
The application window for the 2026-2027 school year is now open until January 31, 2026.
1. Attend a mandatory informational meeting
2. Complete and submit an application
3. Receive an e-mail notification if accepted or waitlisted
4. If accepted, complete online enrollment
TK Age Eligibility:
For the 2026-27 school year in CA, children are eligible for TK if they turn 4 years old by September 1, 2026.
Kindergarten Age Eligibility
The child must turn 5 years old before September 1, 2026.
Now accepting inter-district permits!
Informational meetings are mandatory for new families
It is important to meet with us to further discuss the expectations and requirements for this program. If you were unavailable to attend a meeting, but are still interested in applying, please contact us before January 31, 2026.
Phone: (562) 469-6523
Email: glad@dusd.net
G.L.A.D.’s Application Window is Open
The application window for G.L.A.D. (Global Language Academies of Downey) is now open through January 31, 2026!
Embarking on a Dual Immersion Journey: What to expect
Starting a dual immersion program is exciting. Here are some things to remember as your student embarks on this new journey.
Carpenter’s Promotion of Inaugurating Class
Carpenter Elementary 5th graders celebrated their graduation as the first class to complete all their elementary education while Carpenter has been an International Baccalaureate (IB) school.