English Language Development
Glendale is home to many families who have come from around the world. As a result, the district is recognized nationally and statewide for developing instructional programs for limited- and non-English-speaking students. The main goal is helping students make the transition from their native language to speaking and writing English as quickly as they are able. Meanwhile, they are encouraged to maintain pride in their cultural heritage.

Special efforts are made to involve English language learners' families in the process, through activities such as information meetings, parent education, and multi-cultural events. This strengthens bonds of understanding between home and school.

Students who are bilingual at the time of graduation from high school receive a special seal on their diploma and a Certificate of Bilingual Competency.

Visual and Performing Arts
The arts are an integral part of the district's instructional program. Schools are often honored for excellence in this subject area.

English Language Development
Arts education in the elementary schools is part of the basic curriculum. In addition, students may join the school chorus and learn to play an instrument. They also are introduced to various visual arts experiences in the classroom program.

The three comprehensive high schools have strong performing arts programs, including dance, drama, technical theater, band, orchestra and choral music. Visual arts offerings include ceramics, design, drawing and painting, and photography.

An ArtsWork grant and strong community partnerships provide artists in the classroom, master classes and performances for students at all levels.

Competitive Athletics
Boys and girls in grades 9-12 may compete in high school competitive athletics. More than 15 sports are offered.

Crescenta Valley, Glendale and Hoover are members of the California Interscholastic Federation1s (CIF) Pacific League. They participate in a host of sports ranging from football and soccer to swimming and water polo. Clark Magnet students may participate in sports at their comprehensive high school of residence.

Teams and individuals who excel in the Pacific League move up to regional and statewide competition. District schools have produced many CIF Champions and finalists.

Glendale Schools also have an enviable record of producing student athletes who have attained nationwide fame in the Olympics and in collegiate and professional sports such as football, baseball and basketball.

Nevertheless, the district's primary goal in athletics is that all students should have an equal opportunity to participate up to their potential. Student athletes must maintain a "C" (2.0) average in their studies to remain eligible for competition, according to district policy.

In addition, they must agree in writing that they will not consume any alcoholic beverages or abuse dangerous drugs. The agreement also is signed by a parent, who shares responsibility for enforcement.

Drug-Free Schools
Recognized nationally for excellence is the district' curriculum on dangerous drugs, tobacco and alcohol abuse and violence prevention.

Instruction begins in kindergarten when children's concepts and habits are developing. As students grow into middle and senior high school, programs are more sophisticated and the information more advanced.

Emphasis is placed on building students' resistance skills to dangerous substances and dealing with peer pressure. Students are not just taught to say "no." Instruction reinforces values and provides information that relates to adolescents.