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ESL PROGRAMS

ESL Prep School

Many international students begin their preparatory school or university careers in an ESL program.  Even one semester of ESL can increase confidence and provide essential skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing for success in a demanding academic environment.

 

All ISES Preparatory School Partners offer ESL Programs.

 

Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall, Waltham, Massachusetts

The English as a Second Language Program aims to integrate students from around the world into a full schedule of courses with native English-speaking students in order to prepare them for study at a university in the United States.  Students have the opportunity to strengthen their language skills through a flexible course design that incorporates individual goals and interests. 

Courses include:

  1. ESL Transitional English helps student develop their language and culture skills and prepares them for integrated English classes.
  2. ESL American History and Culture has students studying various themes and events in the history of the Americas, and looks closely at the culture of this country in light of the student’s own culture.
  3. The Learning Center has students enrolled in at least two days of classes, which provide academic, language and study skills support.  Students learn in small classes along with native English speaking peers.

 

Hebron Academy, Hebron, Maine

Hebron Academy strongly recommends that students participate in a rigorous summer English immersion program before arriving at Hebron Academy for the fall term.  ISES can make suggestions for reputable programs.

 

Students who enroll at Hebron Academy and are part of the ESL Program will take Hebron’s traditional university preparatory curriculum in addition to all of the ESL courses listed below:

  1. Intermediate ESL – focuses on reading writing, listening and speaking for those with moderate English skills.
  2. Advanced Intermediate ESL – the major goal is preparation for the TOEFL exam using a thorough, intensive grammar review textbook
  3. Literature and Composition –  a mainstream English class to build writing and analytical skills
  4. ESL American Cultures – designed to acquaint international students with the broad cultural patterns and regional differences of the United States.
  5. ESL U.S. History – a brief historical survey which allows students to focus on issues of contemporary concern in American society, including foreign policy and the American political system.

 

Lawrence Academy, Groton, Massachusetts

The ESL Program helps international students improve the English skills needed to maximize their potential for academic success at Lawrence Academy and beyond.  Because success in language learning is influenced by a range of factors that vary from individual to individual, all non-native speakers of English are given a placement test when they arrive at Lawrence. 

  1. ESL1/Literature is an intermediate level class focusing on the skills of reading and writing in English. 
  2. ESL1/Skills emphasizes acquiring skills in English that will allow students to improve their academic achievement in their other courses.  Special attention is paid to grammar and a special review for the TOEFL exam is part of the spring term.
  3. ESL1/Practicum focuses on the practical knowledge and skills needed by students who are not native English speakers and deemed crucial by the faculty for students to succeed academically.
  4. ESL II/Literature is an advanced course that assumes knowledge and competency in intermediate skills in English.  It serves as a bridge to the mainstream classroom and is, therefore, more demanding.
  5. ESL II/Skills focuses on grammar and writing in preparation for the expectations of the mainstream classroom.
  6. ESL II/History allows students to work on the skills of reading, grammar, and writing at a much higher level but still within an ESL context.  Readings in history allow students to practice and improve classroom discussion.
  7. ESL/US History is taken at the ESL director’s recommendation.

 

Perkiomen School, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania

The ESL Department offers courses to international students who need additional support in learning the English language.  As their English skills become more proficient, students are mainstreamed into non-ESL courses.

  1. ESLI – a highly individualized course designed to increase proficiency skills in the beginning stages of learning English.
  2. ESLII – an intermediate level course focused on increasing vocabulary, improving enunciation and listening skills and preparing students for traditional classes
  3. ESL Literature I – beginning ESL students read short stories and essays, build vocabulary, develop writing skills and improve comprehension.
  4.  ESL Literature II – is a mid-level course in which students read short stories, essays, poetry and short novels appropriate to their proficiency levels.
  5. English Composition and Literature is an advanced level course that prepares students for mainstreaming into regular classes through intensive literary analysis.
  6. ESL World Cultures – in addition to studying various cultures around the world, students in grades seven through nine study current events.  These topics introduce critical thinking and writing skills.
  1. ESL US History – students in grades 10 – 12 review the chronological sequence of events from the US Colonial Period to the present day.  This course fulfils the US History graduation requirement.
  2. ESL Science I – students in grades seven and eight are exposed to geology, astronomy, meteorology and conservation of natural resources.
  3. ESL Science II – ninth and tenth grade students delve deeper into earth sciences and are exposed to introductory chemistry.

 

The Stony Brook School, Stony Brook, New York

The International Student Partnership (ISP) & English as a Second Language Program is a required English Language and American culture immersion program designed specifically for all international students attending Stony Brook School for the first time who are not fluent in English.

Two weeks before the school year begins, international students are welcomed into the homes of Stony Brook faculty.  During the week, the students attend intensive ESL classes.  On the weekend, the students, along with their American partners, travel to different American cities.  The international students also attend special dinners and cultural events, and experience “everyday” life in the local community.

Each international student is paired with an American partner of the same gender and roughly the same age and grade who is selected by the School. 

Once the school year begins, the international students are required to take ESL classes as well as participate fully in the daily life of the school.  All first year students are enrolled in ESL I or ESL II classes, and will continue onto ESL III in the following years.  Other academic classes will be based on previously completed coursework and grade level.  All international students must be fully mainstreamed by their senior year.

The Partnership Program continues throughout the year.  Over Thanksgiving vacation, in November, the international student travels home with the American student partner.  During spring vacation, in February, the American student spends at least one week with the international student in their home.
 

© ISES, Inc. 2007