Dual Language Program Coming to Nichols Middle School!

Dear Nichols Families,

We are excited to share the news that we are expanding our dual language program to Nichols Middle School beginning in the 2026-2027 school year! This means expanded academic offerings for students and access to a full continuum of bilingual learning from potentially pre-kindergarten through high school! If there is demand, it is our desire to offer families the option of dual language programming at all of our neighborhood middle schools by the 2027-2028 school year.

The dual language program will provide students with the opportunity to develop high-level skills in both Spanish and English while learning in a rigorous, engaging, and culturally rich environment. Research shows that dual language programs help students become strong, confident bilingual learners, leading to greater academic success, critical thinking skills, and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the dual language program will begin in 6th grade at Nichols and expand each year as students matriculate through the program. This means that current 4th graders will have the opportunity to be part of our very first Nichols dual language cohort when they enter middle school!

This is currently the first year of dual language programming being offered in District 65 and is open to students at Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies and will expand to serve students at Haven Middle School in the 2026-2027 school year. Selecting Nichols as the next location for sixth graders was recently recommended by a stakeholder-based Dual Language Committee as part of the third phase of our Student Assignment Plan (SAP) process. The committee included TWI parents/caregivers, middle school educators, and district administrators. 

Together they looked at enrollment data, parent/caregiver interest in dual language middle school for their TWI student and school readiness. After completing an analysis of this data and having several rounds of discussion, the committee made the recommendation to Superintendent Dr. Turner to name Nichols as the second location for the Dual Language Middle School program.  

We believe in the power of language to open doors and create opportunities for our students.  Over the next year, we’ll share more details about how the program will work and how families can enroll. There will be informational sessions, opportunities to ask questions, and ways to get involved in shaping this exciting new chapter for our school.

We can’t wait to build this program with you and for your children. Thank you for being part of our vibrant Nichols community—we look forward to this incredible journey together!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With enthusiasm,

Dr. Angel Turner (she/her)
Superintendent 

Amy Correa (she/her)
Director of Multilingual Services