ALLENTOWN, PA – February 26, 2026 – At its Regular School Board of Directors’ Meeting held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Allentown School District presented plans for a significant capital expansion at the Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy. The project aims to address immediate capacity needs and support a carefully structured, intentional long-term growth plan.
This strategic investment aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation & Excellence 2030, by ensuring all families, regardless of zip code, have access to high-quality, interest-aligned learning pathways.
The initial phase of the proposed expansion includes the purchase and installation of 10 modular classrooms, totaling just over 7,000 square feet of additional instructional space. The project supports a carefully structured growth plan for the school, adding one grade level each year.
Currently serving 146 students in grades PreK-2, the school is projected to require 10 additional portable classrooms by the 2028-2029 school year as it adds grades 3, 4, and 5. Long-term planning for the addition of middle school grades will begin in the 2026-2027 academic year. This final phase will include renovations and new construction to provide permanent facilities for grades PreK through 8.
“The expansion of the Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Academy is a key component of our District’s commitment to providing high-quality, specialized schooling experiences for our families,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent and CEO of the Allentown School District. “As we advance through our expansion plan, these new facilities will allow us to continue providing a rigorous, language-additive environment where our scholars can achieve biliteracy in both English and Spanish.”
The new modular unit will be located on the Tacoma Street side of the campus. It was specifically designed as a custom-sized unit to minimize impact on the Midway Manor concession and storage areas.
This expansion is a testament to the dedication of our families and staff who have embraced this dual-language model,” said Ms. Jennifer Aponte, Principal of Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy. “By adding these modern learning spaces, we are ensuring that as our students grow, our facility grows with them, providing the stable and nurturing environment necessary for them to excel in two languages.”
Beyond standard classrooms, the expansion includes a dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) room to support the whole child.
The proposal is scheduled for review by the City Planning Commission on March 11, 2026, with the goal of having the first of the new classrooms occupied by August 2026.