ESL Program
English as a Second Language instruction is provided in a variety of ways dependent on the
age of the child and his/her English language level. Primary classrooms, by their very nature,
provide rich oral environments and consequently ESL learners who enter kindergarten to grade 3
develop significant language fluency from the regular classroom setting. Foundational (“Foundations”)
English support is provided as needed. Beginning language learners
from grades 4 to 9 are placed in a “Foundations Class” where emphasis is placed on language
development. As their English proficiency improves, students transition into academic classes,
typically one subject at a time. The length of time in the “Foundations Class” depends
on the student’s English language proficiency and grade level. Higher grades require a higher
level of language proficiency in order to understand the more complex subject content. For this
reason higher grade level students can spend one or more years in Foundations prior to entering
the academic program.