Strengthening Language Pathways for Middle School Students in Wards 7 and 8
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) is leading a community-centered study to explore how we can expand access to high-quality dual language and advanced language programs for middle school students in Wards 7 and 8. This effort is part of our commitment to ensuring all students—whether English learners or English-dominant—have equitable opportunities to thrive in multilingual learning environments. This study will fulfill the requirements of the Council legislation in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act (see pages 117-118) and inform the DCPS public plan for ensuring access to dual language programs across the city that was recommended in the Boundary and Student Assignment Study 2023.
What is this Study About?
The Dual Language Feasibility Study, running from October 2025 through January 2026, will assess the feasibility of creating or expanding dual language middle school options that align with existing elementary programs. This includes:
- Evaluating potential sites like the Winston Education Campus, Shirley Chisholm Elementary School, and existing middle schools such as Kelly Miller, Sousa, and Jefferson Academy.
- Exploring program models, feeder patterns, and advanced language tracks that support continued language development.
- Considering how existing public charter dual language elementary schools in Ward 7 without any nearby middle school feeders might feed into DCPS middle school programs.
This study is not about opening new elementary schools. Instead, it focuses on strengthening the middle and high school pathways for students already enrolled in dual language elementary programs East of the River.
Why It Matters
Dual language education helps students build academic content knowledge in both English and a partner language. It supports bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding—skills that benefit all learners. Students enrolled in dual language education in elementary schools in Wards 7 and 8 do not currently have nearby options to continue their dual language education in middle school.
How Can Families and Communities Get Involved?
We want to hear from you! The DME is committed to inclusive, multilingual engagement through:
- Focus groups and interviews with families, educators, and school leaders
- School-based meetings and community events
- An online poll (available in English and Spanish from mid-October 2025 through November 2025)
- A virtual public meeting to review draft recommendations
We’re especially focused on meeting families where they are—in schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces across Wards 7 and 8.
Spread the word! Share information with your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about this study and upcoming focus groups, school meetings, and the online poll.
Timeline at a Glance
- October-November 2025: Community engagement, data collection and analysis, and school visits
- November 2026: Draft recommendations shared for public feedback
- January 2026: Final report delivered to the DC Council and released publicly
Learn More
- Read the full legislative directive.
- Learn more about DCPS dual language programs.
- Check out resources on dual language education from OSSE.
- Examine where existing dual language programs are offered in public schools in Washington, DC.
Questions? Contact DeAndra Brooks.