FAQs & Resources

What are Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) Dual Language Immersion programs?

Glendale Unified's Dual Language Immersion programs allow students to learn in both English and another language beginning in kindergarten. Using 90:10 and 50:50 instructional models, these programs help students develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and strong academic skills.

Glendale Unified offers Dual Language Immersion programs in eight languages. All programs meet district requirements for grade-level promotion and graduation.

What is a target language?

A target language is the language students learn alongside English in a Dual Language Immersion program. The amount of instructional time spent in each language depends on the program's educational model.

French, German, Italian, and Spanish programs follow a 90:10 model, while Armenian, Japanese, and Korean programs follow a 50:50 model. The district should confirm the model used for the eighth language.

How long will my child be enrolled in a Dual Language Immersion program?

Students are expected to remain in the program through at least elementary school to develop bilingualism and biliteracy. All programs are available throughout elementary school, with opportunities to continue studying the target language in middle and high school.

Who may apply to a Dual Language Immersion program?

Students eligible to enroll in Glendale Unified schools may apply to Dual Language Immersion programs. Families living outside district boundaries may also apply but must obtain additional release and acceptance documents if selected. Some grade-level restrictions apply.

Students experiencing homelessness are exempt from standard residency documentation requirements when eligibility is established through the district's Homeless Education Liaison. For assistance, call (818) 241-3111, ext. 1283.

Does my child need to speak another language to apply to a Dual Language Immersion program?

No previous knowledge of the target language is required for kindergarten applicants.

Children who already speak the target language may qualify for a language assessment. Students applying after kindergarten should be proficient in the target language and may need an assessment to determine eligibility.

Is there a Dual Language Immersion language assessment?

Yes. Applicants who indicate proficiency in the target language may be eligible for an assessment to determine their language skills and help maintain a balanced classroom.

After submitting an application indicating knowledge of the target language, families will be asked to schedule an assessment or contacted by an assessor.

Families are encouraged to apply at least one month before the deadline to allow enough time for testing.

How many program choices may I select?

Families may select up to three programs on their application. If choosing more than one program, list them in order of preference.

What if I have twins (or multiples) who are applying to a program?

Submit a separate application for each child. Indicate that your child is a twin or multiple and include the names of their siblings on the application.

Are applications approved on a first-come, first-served basis?

No. Applications completed and submitted by the deadline are considered through a random student selection process. Applying earlier does not increase an applicant's priority. Selection follows district-approved placement priorities.

How will I know that my application was received?

Families will receive a confirmation email after submitting an application and can track its status online.

Families who do not provide an email address will be contacted by telephone. If you have not received confirmation five days before the random selection, contact the Office of Student Support Services at (818) 241-3111, ext. 1283.

What happens if my application is received after the deadline or is not received?

Applications cannot be included in the random student selection without proof that they were submitted by the application deadline.

May I change my program selection(s) once I have submitted my application?

Families may update demographic information on their original application. To change program selections, contact the Office of Student Support Services at (818) 241-3111, ext. 1283.

If multiple applications are submitted for the same child, only the most recent application will be considered for random selection. Earlier applications will become ineligible.

Do siblings of currently enrolled students in a Dual Language Immersion program get priority in the application process?

Yes. Applicants with siblings who currently attend the requested school and will continue attending the following school year receive priority over applicants without siblings.

Siblings residing within district boundaries receive priority over siblings residing outside the district. To qualify, siblings must live in the same household and share at least one parent or guardian.

Do applicants who reside within the boundaries of Glendale Unified have priority over applicants who reside outside the district boundaries?

Yes. Applicants residing within Glendale Unified boundaries receive priority over out-of-district applicants during the district's centralized random selection process.

However, living within district boundaries does not guarantee admission to a Dual Language Immersion program.

If I'm currently on a waiting list for a Dual Language Immersion program, do I need to re-apply for the upcoming school year?

Yes. Waiting lists expire before the next application period begins. Families interested in admission for the following school year must submit a new application.

How and when will I be notified of the Random Student Selection System results?

Families will receive selection results by email following the random student selection process. Applicants who do not provide an email address will be notified by telephone.

What happens when an offer is accepted?

When a family accepts an offer from a program, all other program applications are automatically declined.

Families cannot accept admission to one program while remaining on the waiting lists for other programs.

If I do not get accepted to a Dual Language Immersion program, how do I determine my child's home school?

Families can use Glendale Unified's online School Finder to identify their assigned neighborhood school based on their residential address.

May I withdraw my child from a Dual Language Immersion program?

Students are encouraged to remain enrolled through elementary school to develop bilingualism and biliteracy.

Families wishing to withdraw must meet with school staff and complete a Dual Language Immersion withdrawal form.

Withdrawal from a Dual Language Immersion program does not guarantee placement in an English-only program at the same school.

What happens to a student's enrollment status in a Dual Language Immersion program if the family moves outside of the Glendale Unified School District boundaries?

If a student moves outside district boundaries after attending a Dual Language Immersion program for at least six months, the family must obtain a release from the district where they now reside and an interdistrict permit from Glendale Unified to maintain enrollment.

Is transportation provided?

No. Families are responsible for transportation to and from school.

How do I get additional information about applying to Glendale Unified School District Dual Language Immersion programs?

For additional information about Dual Language Immersion applications, contact the Office of Student Support Services at (818) 241-3111, ext. 1283.