Language Immersion @ LAUSD

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If you’re dreaming of giving your kid a leg up in Mandarin or Spanish, Venice (& the Westside) have got you covered! Broadway, Braddock, Mark Twain, and Venice High all offer pathways to keep that language journey rolling from kindergarten through graduation. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the language yourself - you’ll find a community to support you (Google Translate anyone?).

Language Immersion: Your Crash Course

In this little pocket of LA, your kid can go from preschooler to high school graduate speaking Mandarin or Spanish — thanks to these language immersion pathways.

Broadway Elementary (Venice)

The Venice favorite! Broadway offers both Mandarin and Spanish dual immersion programs. Kids spend half the day in English and half in their target language, soaking up songs, stories, and enough cultural spark to make you want to hop on a plane. (Or at least try a new restaurant down the street.) Parents love the vibe: artsy, diverse, and full of community energy.

Braddock Drive Elementary (Culver City-ish)

Just a hop away, Braddock has a Mandarin immersion program that’s also a 50/50 split. Think small classes and teachers who are pros at turning language learning into daily magic.

Mark Twain Middle School (Mar Vista)

Here’s where it all really keeps going. Mark Twain’s Dual Language Academy (DLA) is where your kiddo can keep leveling up — in Mandarin or Spanish. It’s not just more vocab drills; they’re learning science, social studies, and real-world connections in their second language.

Notes:

TIE-INS: Community mentorship and cultural exchange projects to make the language feel real.
Dragon Sprouts: A nonprofit championing Mandarin language education across LA — they’re helping bridge elementary immersion to middle and beyond.

And best of all? It sets your kid up perfectly for the final stage…

Venice High School: The Bilingual Finish Line

Yep, Venice High offers dual language classes too. Your kid can graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma - an official flex for college apps and future job interviews.

Something to think about: Many parents report that kids coming through these immersion pathways feel so solid in their language skills by high school that they’re ready to branch out and explore something else. Venice High has a whole menu of options - like the Academy of Law and Public Service, Media Arts & Technology, Sports Medicine, STEMM Magnet, and more.

We’ll cover all the Venice High options in another post, but just know: the language journey doesn’t have to end at dual immersion if your kiddo wants to switch gears and explore other passions!

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Do Parents Need to Speak the Language?

Nope! You’ll figure it out together. Most parents aren’t fluent (or even close). Schools know that - they’re used to it, and they’ll work with you. And yes, it might mean getting cozy with Google Translate for homework. That’s part of the adventure!

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Homework can be tricky — but there’s usually a supportive parent community to help.
Switching schools just for 5th grade (to snag those sweet magnet points) can be a gamble — great if it works, but it’s not a sure thing.
Long game: It’s about community, culture, and giving your kid a different lens on the world — even if it’s a bit of a wild ride.

Got your own experiences with immersion — or just feeling curious? Drop us a note!