(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Mar. 6, 2026) — In one classroom, students count rhythmically in Mandarin. Down the hall, a group of other students speak fluently in Spanish. By lunchtime, those same children are collaborating on a writing assignment in English.
This is the daily symphony at the Mesita Elementary Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos Academy, a program that doesn't just teach languages, it builds bridges between cultures.
As El Paso ISD’s premier Gifted and Talented Two-Way Dual Language magnet, the academy offers a unique educational journey that spans two campuses. The story begins at Mesita ECDC at Vilas, which nurtures students from Pre-K3 through first grade, before they "cross the bridge" to the Mesita Elementary campus for second through fifth grade.
“The journey from ECDC to Mesita is a seamless path of discovery,” said Jennifer Mata, Principal of Mesita ECDC. “We provide the foundational soil for dual language to take root during the most critical years of brain development. It’s inspiring to watch our youngest learners embrace new sounds and cultures, knowing they are building the confidence to lead once they reach the main campus.”
That foundation is reinforced by educators who see bilingualism as more than just a skill. “Speaking a second language is a superpower that strengthens the mind and the heart," said Briana Jaime, a first-grade teacher at Mesita ECDC. Fellow teacher Gabriela Romero added, "Our Dual Language GT students are learning to think critically, excel academically, and lead with empathy.”
The academy is built on the three pillars of Dual Language Education: bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement, and sociocultural competence. By integrating Mandarin as a third language alongside a 50/50 English-Spanish model, Mesita is preparing students for a world that is increasingly interconnected.
For the students, the benefit is both academic and personal. “I feel more confident because if there is a teacher or a student who doesn’t know Spanish or English, I can communicate with them,” shared Mesita Student Micah Dismukes. “Learning a new language also means I can have conversations with new people and make friends who don’t speak my first language.”
Another young student added, “The thing that I like most about learning English and Spanish are that I can learn all my school subjects in both languages. That helps me understand both languages equally,” said Mesita Student Sasha Martell.
For the younger scholars at the ECDC campus, the program fosters a resilient and kind mindset. “I like this school because my classmates are nice, and learning is fun. When I make a mistake, I learn from it and try again," said Winton Harmonson, a first-grade student at Mesita ECDC. "Learning in two languages helps me communicate with more people and understand their feelings, which can help make the world a better place.”
For educators, these moments are the ultimate reward. “As an educator, the moment you realize this program is having an impact is when a student who was initially hesitant to participate in their non-dominant language is now leading discussions in their second and third language,” said teacher Cinthia Ovalle.
The academy’s rigor is fueled by advanced Gifted and Talented (GT) strategies. Using Dr. Sandra Kaplan’s model of depth and complexity, teachers push students to look beyond the surface of their lessons.
“What makes this program unique is that it’s not just about learning a second language; it’s also about developing biliteracy at a high academic level,” said teacher Laisha Barraza. “Students are not only learning two languages, but they’re also engaging in rigorous, GT-level thinking.”
Principal Laila Ferris agrees, noting that the expectations are high for every child. “Our goal is not simply to teach students another language; it is to empower them to think globally and lead confidently,” Ferris said. “Our students grow as scholars who embrace diverse perspectives and rise to rigorous academic expectations.”
Showcasing the Future: The GT Expo
The community will soon have a chance to see this innovation in action. On March 25, the academy will host its GT Expo and Showcase. The event is a celebration of the "real-world" problem-solving that defines the Mesita experience.
Visitors can expect to see:
• Interactive STEM and STEAM projects presented in multiple languages.
• Creative exhibitions that blend cultural art with scientific inquiry.
• Problem-solving displays where students tackle global issues using critical thinking skills.
Click here to learn more about the GT Expo and Showcase.
Research consistently shows that students in dual-language programs, especially those challenged with GT curriculum, develop enhanced multitasking skills, stronger empathy, and superior academic performance in all subjects.
To discover more about the Mesita Elementary Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos Academy click on the links below: