DESE Approves Collins Middle School for Dual Language Bilingual Education
CMS to offer Spanish/English education beginning 2026-27 school year
SALEM (Jan. 5, 2026) – Collins Middle School has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to become a dual language bilingual education school, announced Salem Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike Monday.
Collins Middle School joins the Bentley Academy Innovation School as the District’s second dual language school. It is expected to begin offering classes in Spanish to multilingual students – in addition to its current curriculum for English language learners – beginning the 2026-27 school year.
“We are appreciative of the Department of Education’s support of our request for programmatic expansion,” said Dr. Zrike. “Consistent with our values and strategic priorities, we remain committed to growing access to an asset-based program that promotes bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism. Students will now be able to strengthen this superpower into their middle school years. It’s very exciting!”
The Dual Language program at CMS will be open to all grade 6 students who are multilingual learners and can demonstrate proficiency in Spanish – a prerequisite for success – in screening exams. The goal is to prepare 50 students each year to reach a high level of proficiency in both English and Spanish to prepare them for success on the Seal of Biliteracy exam their junior year at Salem High School, said Andre Fonseca, Director of Multilingual Learner Education at SPS.
“The program will also accept non-multilingual learners who are coming from other English-Spanish dual language programs and who can demonstrate proficiency in Spanish,” said Mr. Fonseca. “We intend to maintain 50 seats at each grade level.”
Along their multilingual journey, students will receive pathway awards demonstrating their proficiency between grades 6-11.
“The dual language program enhances our middle school curriculum by engaging students in deeper learning, fostering bilingualism, and promoting cross-cultural understanding,” said CMS Principal Gavin Softic. “At CMS, it empowers students to think globally while succeeding academically.”
Salem’s application, overseen by Mr. Fonseca, will be used as the example for other districts to follow during the application process, said DESE’s Bilingual Education Lead Dr. Elenita Irizarry Ramos, who lauded Salem’s planning, clear alignment to student needs, and a strong vision for ensuring continuity of bilingualism and biliteracy.
Salem Public Schools is one of approximately 25 school districts in Massachusetts which offers dual language bilingual education.
For more information on the SPS multilingual learner education program, visit: https://salemk12.org/district-departments/multilingual-learning/.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts, a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens through which we view our work. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff unconditionally serves each of our 4,000 students across 11 schools regardless of ability or language.
