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The Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) has announced the launch of a new
Foreign Language Program at Frank D. Parent School, offering daily Spanish
instruction beginning in Kindergarten. This marks a significant investment in early
language learning within the district, with the program currently available only at Frank
D. Parent.
Students in grades K–2 will follow a FLEX model—building vocabulary and cultural
awareness through songs, stories, and interactive activities. By grades 3–5, the
curriculum shifts to a FLES model, where students begin developing core skills in
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The goal is for students to confidently engage
in conversational Spanish and apply their knowledge across different subject areas by
the time they complete elementary school.
With growing emphasis on bilingualism in education—and its proven links to academic
achievement, cognitive development, and cultural competence—the question becomes:
how long before this type of programming expands to other IUSD schools?
Frank D. Parent’s language program is designed to build a strong foundation for middle
and high school language courses, dual language programs, and real-world
communication. As the only school currently offering this model, it may serve as a pilot
for broader district implementation.
