G.L.A.D. to Expand Their Horizons

Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.)

Our G.L.A.D. program, located at Carpenter Elementary, begins by exposing TK students to a second language (Spanish), facilitating the transition to our dual-language immersion program starting in Kindergarten.

Additionally, Carpenter Elementary is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), pursuing authorization as an IB World School. Our G.L.A.D. program’s foundation is focused on encouraging students to think critically and creatively, making connections and learning to apply their learned skills into unfamiliar scenarios, becoming excellent problem-solvers in the process.

These skills will provide your child with various advantages for the rest of their lives!

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

Our Global Language Academies of Downey Dual Language Immersion Program will follow a unique, and exciting educational model where children learn to think, read, write and communicate naturally in both English and Spanish. Native Spanish and native English speaking students study together, beginning in kindergarten through 5th grade, to be biliterate in both languages. The goal of the program is to empower students to achieve high levels of academic success and develop the cross-cultural skills needed to be college and career ready for success in a global economy.

Our program will follow a 90/10 model, which means that Spanish will be taught most of the day in the primary grades (80-90%). Our goal is for each class to be made up of 50% native English speakers and 50% native Spanish speakers. To ensure we keep this balance, students must apply and undergo a free assessment as part of the selection process.

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education. IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 to 12 follows an inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework. PYP challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.

Carpenter Elementary is a candidate school* for the PYP, pursuing authorization as an IB World School. For further information about the IB, visit www.ibo.org.