We are excited to share that the Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.) will be expanding to a new location—Ward Elementary School!
Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, and due to growing community interest and demand, Ward Elementary will proudly join the G.L.A.D. family, bringing Dual Language Immersion to its campus. Families will now have access to this highly sought-after program as part of Ward’s expanding academic offerings within Downey Unified.
Through G.L.A.D., students become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally connected in both English and Spanish while continuing to excel academically across all subject areas. The program is designed to build strong language skills early, beginning with immersive instruction in the earliest grades and growing into a balanced bilingual model as students advance through elementary school.
Research consistently shows that dual language immersion strengthens cognitive development, boosts academic achievement, and prepares students with valuable skills for the future. Even more importantly, students gain the confidence to communicate naturally in two languages and appreciate the richness of multiple cultures.
With this expansion, Ward Elementary joins the G.L.A.D. family alongside Carpenter, Imperial, Williams, and Unsworth Elementary Schools, continuing our commitment to providing high-quality dual language opportunities across Downey Unified.
We are thrilled to bring this program to Ward and look forward to welcoming our first TK cohort in Fall 2026!
For more information about G.L.A.D. Dual Immersion, visit web.dusd.net/ward/glad or call (562) 904-3588.