At Southwestern Academy, we understand the unique journey that international students embark upon when they choose to study abroad. We take immense pride in our three-level English Language Learners (ELL) Program, meticulously designed to offer targeted support and an inclusive environment for students whose native language is not English.
Tailored Learning for Individual Success
We recognize that every international student arrives at Southwestern with varying degrees of English proficiency, which is why our ELL Program offers tailor-made English language instruction. This personalized approach addresses the specific needs of your child, ensuring their growth and confidence in English. From engaging classroom activities to immersive language experiences and targeted support, we are committed to enhancing your child's fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing skills, and oral communication.
The goal of the ELL program is to help students move to mainstream classes as quickly as possible. While the duration varies based on individual progress, typically, it takes around 18 to 24 months for a novice-level student to achieve this goal. Southwestern's ELL Program is offered year-round to accommodate students' needs.
Our program encompasses three distinct levels: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced, ensuring that students are placed in classes perfectly aligned with their abilities. ELL classes cover reading and phonics, grammar, vocabulary development, writing, conversation, (including speaking and listening skills), and note-taking (Advanced Level).
Beginning Level: For those just embarking on their English language learning journey, our Beginning Level classes provide a solid foundation. Here, students will build essential language skills from the ground up, setting the stage for future success.
Intermediate Level: Intermediate Level classes are designed for students who have made substantial progress in their English language proficiency. These classes enable students to refine their skills and prepare for more complex academic subjects.
Advanced Level: Our Advanced Level classes are the pinnacle of linguistic achievement. Students in these classes have reached an impressive level of fluency and can confidently transition into college preparatory subjects with ease.
Transition Classes: To further support our students' growth, we offer Transition Classes that serve as a bridge between language acquisition and college preparatory subjects. Here, students have the opportunity to practice and fine-tune their English language skills as they transition into more advanced coursework. These classes include:
- Exploring the Arts
- American Culture and History
- General Science
- Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry
Nurturing Growth, Inspiring Success
Our ELL Program is not just about language; it's about fostering holistic development. We are dedicated to helping your child not only gain English proficiency but also flourish academically and socially.
At Southwestern Academy, international students are not just visitors; they are an integral part of our tight-knit community. Your child will live on campus, forging friendships with peers from across the United States and around the globe. ELL students are encouraged to participate in our athletic program and join student clubs. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that your child feels at home from day one.