A child who spoke Korean fluently at home responds with "What?" to their grandmother after a few months in kindergarten is something many Korean parents might fear. When it feels overwhelming to rely solely on weekend Korean school, the public school bilingual program catches your eye.

In discussions around LA, the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) is almost always mentioned. The application window for the 2027-28 school year opened on November 1.

The deadline is January 31, 2027. If you miss this date, you won't be entered into the lottery and will be placed on the waitlist instead.

First, let's look at where the program is held. The elementary Korean bilingual program is available at two schools: Mark Keppel and Monte Vista.

The classes follow a 50:50 model. Half of the day is taught in Korean, and the other half in English.

This is not a separate subject for teaching Korean; rather, the content of the classes is taught in Korean. In contrast, French or Spanish classes start with 90% of the instruction in that language from kindergarten, while Korean begins with a balanced approach from the start. This structure sounds a bit less intimidating for parents worried about their child falling behind in English.

What about children who don't use Korean at home? Kindergarten applicants can apply even if they have no knowledge of Korean.

Conversely, children who already speak Korean may undergo a language assessment. If they pass, they will be classified as target language proficient speakers in the lottery, and the district explains that this assessment helps maintain classroom balance.

However, the FAQ does not specify how this balance is calculated. I can't definitively say whether being assessed is advantageous, so it's best to ask the district directly if you're curious.

One common misconception is about the order of applications. It is not first-come, first-served. The FAQ clearly states that submitting early does not grant priority.

So, there's no need to click at dawn like you're trying to get BTS concert tickets. You can take your time gathering your documents.

The lottery is random, but there are priorities. If a sibling is already attending the school you are applying to, that application is prioritized, and families living within the district are given preference over those living outside.

However, living in Glendale does not guarantee a spot. You can apply even if you live outside the district.

If you are selected while living outside the district, there will be additional steps. You must obtain a release from your current district and apply for an inter-district permit after March 1. Without the permit, you cannot register.

This means you will be pushed back in priority and need to obtain a release, creating a two-layered process. If you are a family living outside the district, I would recommend preparing a Plan B as well.

Applications are submitted online at glendale.schoolmint.com. You can select up to three programs in order of preference, and if you have twins, you must apply separately for each child.

The lottery will take place in February. Last time, it was on February 11, 2026, but the exact date for this year has not yet been announced.

Getting selected does not mean it's over. You must complete the enrollment packet within three weeks, and approval is required for admission to be confirmed.

If you are not selected, you will be placed on the waitlist, but this list will disappear before the next application period. If you want to apply again next year, you must submit a new application.

Age is also a factor. In California, children must turn five by September 1 of the school year, so this year, the cutoff is September 1, 2027.

If your child is in the TK age group, the situation is a bit different. I couldn't find clear guidance on how TK is handled in the bilingual program lottery, so it's best to confirm by phone before applying.

Make sure to attend a tour if possible. Mark Keppel has in-person tours on November 10, December 1 and 8, and January 12 and 19, with an online tour on November 16. The phone number is 818-244-2113.

Monte Vista has tours on November 10, December 9, and January 15 at 9 AM. The phone number is 818-248-2617. Note that Mark Keppel's start times vary on the same page, so be sure to ask before you go.

Now for the really important point. The district expects students to remain in the program at least until they finish elementary school.

If you want to leave in the middle, you must meet with the school and submit paperwork. However, this does not guarantee a spot in an English class at the same school.

There is no transportation provided. Honestly, this is the most disappointing aspect. Since it's a public program, families with morning and evening rides have an advantage, which creates an additional hurdle for working families.

So, on the day of the tour, try driving during the actual school hours. The 25-minute estimate on a map and the 8 AM rush hour on the 134 freeway can be two completely different worlds.

It's also worth considering what comes after elementary school. Middle school options include electives at Rosemont and Toll, and high school options include world language electives at Crescenta Valley and Hoover.

The time spent in Korean will only last through elementary school. However, you can aim for the State Seal of Biliteracy in high school.

If I were in your position, I would apply when the conditions are right. You can enter the lottery and then assess transportation and long-term commitments within three weeks. Just remember that the commitment is not solely on the child; parents are also involved.

Schedules can change, and the page I checked for the deadline had a note indicating it was an older version. Before applying, check gusd.net/DLI again or call (818) 241-3111 extension 1243 for confirmation.