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 is now closed.
Subscribe to our email list for updates about the 2026-2027 window.
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
Contact Us
Phone: (562) 469-6523
Email: glad@dusd.net
Interested?
Sign up to receive more information about the program and RSVP for a parent meeting.
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.
Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.) is Expanding to Unsworth
Beginning the 2025-26 school year, Unsworth Elementary will provide this dual-language program for all qualified Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten-aged students.