Glendale Unified Invites Families to Tour its Dual Language Immersion Programs
GLENDALE, Calif., October 23, 2026 – A world of learning opportunities awaits families exploring Glendale Unified School District’s dual language immersion (DLI) programs for the 2027–2028 school year. Registration is now available for school tours and virtual presentations, giving families an opportunity to explore participating campuses, learn how students develop skills in two languages and ask questions about the award-winning programs.
This year brings a special addition: families can tour Glenoaks Elementary School, which will welcome the first kindergarten class in GUSD’s new Western Armenian Dual Language Immersion program in fall 2027. The program will offer students the opportunity to learn academic content in Western Armenian and English while building connections to language, culture and community.
Families can view tour schedules and register online. Applications for the 2027–2028 school year open November 1, 2026, with a January 31, 2027 deadline for consideration in the lottery.
“A school tour gives families a chance to picture their child’s experience and ask the questions that matter to them,” said Dr. Nancy Hong, Director of Dual Language Immersion and English Learner Services. “We are especially excited to introduce families to our new Western Armenian program at Glenoaks. Alongside our established programs, it offers another opportunity for children to grow as learners, develop language skills and connect across cultures. We encourage families to join us, explore their options and find the program that’s right for their child.”
A New Western Armenian Pathway at Glenoaks Elementary
Beginning with kindergarten in the 2027–2028 school year, students in the Western Armenian program will spend half of their instructional day learning in Western Armenian and half in English. Students will learn to speak, read and write in Western Armenian through their academic lessons, rather than studying the language only as a separate subject.
Upcoming tours for the Western Armenian program begin at 9 a.m. on October 26 and 28; November 4 and 10; and December 2 and 9. Additional dates and registration information are available on the district’s tour webpage.
The new program builds on GUSD’s longstanding commitment to multilingual education and creates an opportunity for families to help sustain Western Armenian across generations.
Explore GUSD’s Award-Winning Dual Language Immersion Programs
Glendale USD is known for its high-quality dual language immersion programs and was recognized in 2024 as the “District of Distinction” by the Association of Two-Way and Dual Language Education (ATDLE). The first DLI program was implemented in Spanish in 2003, and GUSD’s language offerings now include Eastern Armenian, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish, with Western Armenian joining in fall 2027. Dual language immersion combines academic instruction with language learning, supporting students as they develop literacy in English and a partner language.
Elementary programs use either a 90:10 or 50:50 instructional model. French, German, Italian and Spanish programs begin with more instruction in the partner language and gradually move toward an equal balance with English. Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, Japanese and Korean use a 50:50 model where half the day is taught in English and the remaining half in the target language.
GUSD middle schools offer pathways to continue the DLI program with an advanced language arts course in the target language designed for DLI students. The Spanish DLI programs at Roosevelt STEAM Academy and Eleanor J. Toll Middle School also offer a second core-content subject in history/social studies.
Students in GUSD’s established DLI pathways can continue their language studies through high school world language and advanced courses. Most languages offer a capstone exam for potential college credit, and students may qualify for the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Tour Registration and Applications
In-person tours and virtual presentations are available on scheduled dates, with options varying by school and language. Families are encouraged to review the schedules and register in advance online.
Families living within and outside GUSD boundaries are welcome to apply for dual language immersion programs. Students residing outside the district must complete the required interdistrict permit process if offered placement.
Applications for the Dual Language Program lottery open November 1, 2026, and must be completed by January 31, 2027, for consideration in the 2027/28 school year. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist. Families can find application instructions through the tours webpage.
For more information, visit the District’s Dual Language Immersion information page.