MISD Celebrates First Dual Language Cohort at Ben Milam International Academy

MISD Celebrates First Dual Language Cohort at Ben Milam International Academy

Students marked a milestone in the growth of Midland ISD’s Dual Language Program

May 27, 2026 — Midland ISD’s Ben Milam International Academy (BMIA) celebrated a major milestone as the campus honored the first group of students to complete the school’s Dual Language Two-Way Program after beginning kindergarten when the program launched in 2019. Nineteen students completed their entire elementary education within the Dual Language program.

The celebration recognized the growth and success of a program that began with two kindergarten sections serving 37 students within an existing neighborhood school. Since its launch, the program has expanded one grade level at a time and now serves 92% of the campus population. During the 2026-27 school year, Ben Milam International Academy will become a full Dual Language campus.

“The Dual Language Two-Way program, at Ben Milam International Academy, represents the power of bilingual education to transform opportunities for all students,” stated Brenda Jones, BMIA principal. “This program not only supports emergent bilingual students in developing academic success and biliteracy but also allows English-dominant students to become bilingual and globally prepared leaders. Our students have shown what is possible when high expectations, strong family partnerships, and meaningful learning experiences come together in one of the most effective models of bilingual education.” 

Students in the Dual Language program learned to read and write in Spanish first, while English instruction gradually increased each year. In fourth through sixth grade, students received balanced instruction in both languages. The program integrates emergent bilingual students and English-proficient students in a learning environment designed to prepare all students for long-term academic success in both languages.

The inaugural cohort demonstrated strong academic achievement. Eighty-four percent of participating students earned placement credit recommendations for Spanish I and II, with recommended placement into Spanish III Honors as they enter junior high. 

Ben Milam International Academy’s long-term goal is to build a sustainable Dual Language program where students become bilingual, biliterate, and academically successful in two languages.



The celebration also recognized the educators who helped launch the program in 2019, including one of the original kindergarten Dual Language teachers who continues to serve students at the campus today.

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Media Contact:

Jasmine Huerta

Communications Specialist

communications@midlandisd.net

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