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District

About the Japanese Program

Japanese Dual Language Immersion Program

Apply now for the 2025-26 school year!

Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025, to be included in the enrollment lottery.

 

A white computer monitor with a cursor clicking on a purple background, with the text 'Apply Online!' above it.Students in the elementary Japanese dual language immersion program spend 50% of their day learning in Japanese and 50% learning in English. Students learn to speak, read, and write in Japanese through content, not as a separate course of study.

  • Elementary Japanese dual immersion is offered at Dunsmore and Verdugo Woodlands Elementary Schools
  • Middle school Japanese dual immersion is offered as an elective at Rosemont Middle School
  • High school Japanese world language is offered as an elective at Crescenta Valley High School

For more information, contact Aya Taylor, Teacher Specialist.

Educational Model

Elementary Dual Language Immersion Programs 

90:10 Program Model – French, German, Italian, Spanish

Students participate in a 90:10 program model when the target language of instruction uses a Latin-based alphabet (French, German, Italian, and Spanish). Students initially receive instruction in the target language for 90% of the day and in English for 10% of the day, starting in kindergarten. The percentage of English increases annually until 50% of the day is taught in the target language and 50% in English by 5th grade.

50:50 Program Model – Armenian, Japanese, Korean

Students participate in a 50:50 program model when the target language of instruction uses an alphabet distinct from the Latin-based English alphabet (Armenian, Japanese, and Korean). Students receive instruction in the target language for 50% of the day and in English for 50% of the day throughout elementary school.

Middle School Dual Language Immersion Programs

Students wishing to continue in the dual language immersion program for middle school take a language arts class in their target language as an elective. Some middle school programs offer a second core-content subject, such as history/social studies or science, in the target language. Visit the page for each language to learn more about the specific pathways available.

High School World Language Programs 

All languages are available as world language course offerings at the high school level. Students may continue taking advanced language courses as their elective and most languages offer a capstone exam for potential college credit. Students are also eligible to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy in their target language.