English Language Learners
Last Updated on Friday, 29 January 2010 10:00
English Language Learners
Bloomfield Hills Schools welcomes children from all over the world. Our goal is to expedite English language learning and enhance each child's acculturation into American schooling. We have several options available for English language learners.
Our Newcomer Programs are designed as a one-year intensive English language experience. The District classrooms, located at Lone Pine Elementary and West Hills Middle School hosts non-English speakers in first through eighth grades. Children are welcomed into a friendly group atmosphere where basic interpersonal communication skills and academic language are taught in an anxiety-free learning environment. As the students' English proficiency increases so does the opportunity to join their English speaking peers for additional academic instruction.
Non-English speaking high school students are enrolled in English and social studies classes specified for English language learners.
Students who have limited English proficiency (LEP) receive academic support from certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in addition to their classroom instruction. ESL support continues until students reach a level of English proficiency as determined by annual assessments.
Parents are notified when students are eligible for ESL services and are encouraged to be involved in the educational process.
International Club-
Originally established to welcome new families from the Lone Pine Newcomers Program, the International Club has expanded to include more than 100 international and American families living across the district. The International Club hosts a variety of multi-cultural events and provides support and resources for families new to the country.
International Baccalaureate
Bloomfield Hills Schools offers fully-authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes. The Primary Years Programme (K-5) is at Lone Pine Elementary. The Middle Years Programme (grades 6-10) is at West Hills Middle School and Andover High School. The Diploma Programme (grades 11-12) is at the International Academy.
If your family is temporarily in the United States, your children will maintain their education at or above grade level performance. This will ease their transition back to their native schools and help when they sit for their native proficiency exam.
