Lower School ESL Program

The JK-6^th grade ESL program is a pull-out program designed to help prepare students to transition to full inclusion in their grade level class. Instruction is highly-individualized, with a low student-to-teacher ratio (averaging 3:1 per class). The ESL teacher and regular classroom teachers collaborate to address the unique needs of each student, and parents are provided with regular updates throughout the year.

In ESL, students will:

• Develop both social and academic language skills in a positive and caring environment, utilizing communicative language learning methods;
• Practice reading, writing, grammar, listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills through engaging, developmentally-appropriate projects, activities, music, excursions, and games.
• Learn tips, tools, and technology applications that will help them become self sufficient problem solvers, and speed up their academic development in all areas.

Daily ESL classes are offered as 30-90 minute time periods, depending on each students language needs. Placement will be based on a language proficiency test administered before classes begin.

Catherine Ball, our ESL teacher,  is a certified to teach English Language Learners with an additional Masters degree in Education.  For more information on the JK-6^th grade ESL program, please contact her at cball@sacredhearts.org.

High School ESL Program

The Academy also offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for non-native English speaking students, grades 7 -12, to assist in mainstreaming into the Academy high school program.

Classes are available in grammar, composition and integrated skills at beginning and intermediate-advanced levels.

In a nurturing environment under the guidance of an ESL teacher and boasting a low student-to-teacher ratio, the program aims to assist students so they can:

• Comprehend and communicate, in verbal and written form, using the English language,
• Understand and apply grade-level content and knowledge,
• Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities,
• Understand and embrace the local and national culture.

Students accepted into the program must demonstrate scholastic aptitude commensurate with the Academy’s standards.

In order to aid their success in the Academy environment, each ESL participant is given an assessment test so the curriculum can tailored to best help them meet the program’s goals. Their ESL development is supplemented with courses in English, math, computers, physical education and art or music.

ESL Fees

The English as a Second Language Program fee is in addition to the regular tuition. The initial fee of $1,000.00 includes registration, processing fee, placement tests and evaluation.

  1 ESL class - $1,000.00 + initial fee of $1,000.00
  2 ESL classes - $2,000.00 + initial fee of $1,000.00
  3 ESL classes - $3,000.00 + initial fee of $1,000.00