Recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence using technology
LA HABRA, Calif., — Ladera Palma Dual Immersion Academy is pleased to announce it has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2026-2027 program term. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.
Schools all over the world are using iPad and Mac to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place.
Ladera Palma’s Commitment to Innovation and Dual Language Learning
Ladera Palma Dual Immersion Academy is committed to preparing students to thrive academically, linguistically, and socially in an increasingly interconnected world. The school’s Dual Immersion program is grounded in the Three Pillars of Dual Language Education: bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement, and sociocultural competence.
Students develop the ability to speak, understand, read, and write confidently in both English and Spanish while engaging in rigorous learning experiences across the curriculum. iPad is integrated into teaching and learning to provide students with opportunities to create, communicate, collaborate, demonstrate their understanding, and access learning experiences in both languages.
Technology supports Ladera Palma’s broader goal of developing thoughtful, confident, and culturally aware learners. Through purposeful use of iPad, language development, academic instruction, and meaningful cultural experiences, students are encouraged to explore different perspectives, express their ideas, and take an active role in their learning.
“This recognition reflects the incredible work of our students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Mr. James Valadez, principal of Ladera Palma Dual Immersion Academy. “Our goal is not simply to use technology, but to use it purposefully to strengthen learning, language development, creativity, and connection. We are proud of the innovative experiences our teachers create for our Dragons and excited to continue building on that work.”
About Ladera Palma Dual Immersion Academy
Ladera Palma Dual Immersion Academy is part of the La Habra City School District and provides students with a learning environment focused on bilingualism, biliteracy, academic excellence, and cultural understanding. Through strong partnerships among students, families, educators, and the community, Ladera Palma strives to ensure every child feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and proud to be a Dragon.
The school promotes a safe, positive, and respectful learning environment in which students are encouraged to demonstrate the Dragon expectations of being safe, respectful, and responsible each day.
About Apple Distinguished Schools
Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. They use Apple technology in innovative ways to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.