Twin Falls, Idaho – This fall, Bickel Elementary celebrated a remarkable milestone: 120 years of continuous operation, making it the oldest school still serving students in the community. The historic building, named for Twin Falls’ first mayor Paul S. Bickel, has evolved from a one‑room schoolhouse to a modern dual‑immersion magnet school, reflecting the town’s growth and commitment to innovative education.
From Horse‑Drawn Carriages to a Modern Magnet Program
According to longtime district counselor Lucy Wills, the original Bickel opened in 1906, predating the Twin Falls School District itself. “In fact, the school was here before the district – they didn’t establish the school district until later,” Wills explained. Early students arrived on horse‑drawn carriages, with about ten to twelve children per carriage, and the building housed both lower and upper grades under one roof.
Named after Paul S. Bickel, Twin Falls’ first mayor, the school quickly filled to capacity. The town’s population surged from a handful of settlers in 1904 to roughly 3,000 residents within two years, prompting the construction of a new elementary school, Lincoln, in 1908. For a brief period, Bickel served as Twin Falls’ first official high school before reverting to an elementary school in 1912 when a dedicated junior‑senior high was built.
Surviving Fire and Preserving History
In 1938, a fire destroyed the original Bickel schoolhouse. Within a year, the community rebuilt the school on the same site, preserving its historic character. The rebuilt structure remains today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to the town’s dedication to its educational heritage.
Current teacher Kristi Henkelmann shared her experience working in the historic building. “I love it and I think everyone that I’ve brought in here is like, ‘oh my gosh, this is so beautiful,’” she said. She noted the unique V‑shaped layout, which requires careful navigation of furniture and equipment to avoid damage.
Launching a Dual‑Immersion Magnet School
Facing declining enrollment, the Twin Falls School District turned to innovation. In 2025, Bickel became the district’s first dual‑immersion magnet school, offering instruction in both English and Spanish from kindergarten through fourth grade. Principal Jorge Pulleiro, the 15th principal in the school’s history, highlighted the program’s early success. “Last year we started with K‑3 and this year we have K‑4, a few transfer students, and our migrant pre‑school program as well. It’s been an amazing transition,” he said.
The magnet program aims to attract families seeking bilingual education while preserving the school’s historic roots. Enrollment is expected to grow as word spreads throughout Twin Falls and surrounding communities.
Community Pride and Future Outlook
The 120‑year celebration featured a special ceremony, student performances, and a video retrospective of the school’s evolution. Residents expressed pride in the building’s endurance and excitement for its new role. “Bickel has always been a cornerstone of our town, and now it’s leading the way in bilingual education,” said longtime Twin Falls resident Maria Torres.
Looking ahead, district officials plan to expand the dual‑immersion model to additional grades and explore partnerships with local businesses to support language‑learning resources. The school’s historic status, combined with its modern educational mission, positions Bickel Elementary as a unique asset for Twin Falls’ future.
Preserving Heritage While Embracing Change
As Twin Falls continues to grow, Bickel Elementary stands as a bridge between past and present. Its century‑plus legacy demonstrates the community’s resilience, and its new magnet program reflects a forward‑looking commitment to academic excellence and cultural enrichment for the next generation of students.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
