SAISD announces new dual-language South Side middle school

It will be the twelfth dual-language school in the SAISD system.

According to Ryan Loyd, Assistant Director of Communications at SAISD, Hot Wells will open on August 9, the same day students in the district head back for fall classes.

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The new school is launching in the existing building housing the Ball Academy. All middle school grades currently at Ball, Foster, and Forbes academies are zoned to attend the new Hot Wells Middle School.  

According to a release, the new middle school will prepare students to focus on project- and problem-based learning.  

A Spanish-language pathway for students interested in dual language will be available. Hot Wells will act as a feeder school, meaning students will focus specially on science, technology, engineering, and math courses, in preparing for their next journey at Highlands High School

Pre-AP courses, AVID, and a Leadership Officer Training Corps (LOTC) program will also available to enrolled students.

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SAISD says the Hot Wells team is working with a local design firm to update campus furniture, create branded wall decals, and add special touches to give the old building a fresh look.

Outdoor bleachers at the sports fields are being replaced, and a new virtual reality innovation lab is now under construction. Additionally, the library is undergoing a total makeover. Students will also find a Makerspace, broadcast studio, and media collaboration area when they return.

Besides academic courses, dance, mariachi, theater, visual art, band, and orchestra will also balance STEM with the arts. Hot Wells also will provide a full set of athletics for its students with the Hot Well’s Dragon representing them as their mascot.