As Spring ISD prepares to open its new School for International Studies at Bammel this August, prospective families are invited to tour the school on June 1 at 8 a.m. or at 6 pm. to see everything the school will offer, including a dedicated dual language program. 

The school is initially recruiting for students in pre-K through 2nd grade with plans to add another grade level each year until the program serves students in pre-K through 8th grade. The two-way dual language immersion program will feature Spanish at the elementary level with additional languages for students to explore once they reach middle school. 

“The goal is to develop scholars who are bilingual, biliterate, bicultural and ready to take on the challenges of our global society,” said Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, the district’s Chief of Innovation and Equity. “We are very excited to be able to offer this international focus at what will become our district’s first pre-K through eighth grade campus. The benefits include a continuity of learning that will ensure success in high school and beyond.”

In launching the new school this August, the district is inviting all parents whose students are currently enrolled in the dual languages programs at Hirsch Elementary and Clark Primary schools to enroll. The district is also inviting any other families interested in a dual language program for their pre-K, kinder or first grade students to also register. 

“It makes sense to bring the programs at Hirsch and Clark together under one roof at the School for International Studies at Bammel because we’ll be able to leverage both educator expertise with students already immersed in dual language,” Hinojosa said.  “It’s also a great way to attract new students whose families might be considering dual language.”

Once students are enrolled at the School for International Studies at Bammel, the district is also planning to screen them for its Gifted and Talented program, with the goal of setting up dedicated classes of gifted students. 

Having gifted and talented dual-language programs is an approach taken by other districts in the state, including Dallas and Houston ISDs. 

“We know that students who are able to learn two languages are high-ability kids, so this is an opportunity to identify, challenge and enrich these learners so they can really grow and be successful,” said Bammel Middle School Principal Corey LeDay. “As we eventually create one integrated pre-K through 8th grade campus, we’re going to see these very strong students make a seamless transition into middle school where they are going to get additional opportunities to explore world cultures and global competencies.”

The program is being developed in partnership with the Asia Society with students in the middle school grades having the opportunity to sample other languages, including French, German, Mandarin and American Sign Language. 

In hosting an open house for prospective families, LeDay said his goal is to showcase all the benefits of the new School for International Studies, which will have its very own wing of the campus, complete with separate entrance and outside play area for the younger students. 

“We have wonderful classroom spaces that were renovated and ready for our dual-language students,” he said. “We’re looking forward to seeing families come out so I can meet them and they can meet our teachers and get to know everything we’re offering at the School for International Studies. It’s really a fantastic opportunity for students and for the future of our school community at Bammel.”