ESL

During the academic year students from many different countries call Oakwood Friends School their home. Oakwood Friends School enrolls international students whose English is deemed to be at the “high intermediate” level. Students are assessed prior to admission based on standardized scores, (SSAT, TOEFL Jr. or TOEFL), interviews, writing samples, and grades and recommendations from previous schools. Once students arrive on campus they are assessed again through interviews, writing samples, and placement exams.

Most new students for whom English is not a first language are placed into the ESL (English as a Second Language) program. The program has two tiers. The first tier is the Core Program, which includes courses in ESL Reading, ESL Writing, ESL Grammar, and ESL Lab. Some students entering Oakwood Friends School with higher English language proficiency are not required to take the Core ESL courses and may place into the second tier of ESL support. These students take ESL Literature & Writing, ESL World History, and are also enrolled in non ESL English classes usually English 9 or English 10.

Concurrent with ESL classes at either tier, students are also enrolled in math courses and science courses based on previous coursework, their performance on placement tests, and the recommendation of Oakwood Friends School department chairs. Students are also enrolled in both studio and performing art courses. Incoming students who are enrolled in the Core ESL Program must seek permission of the instructor before enrolling in academic electives.

ESL TIER ONE: CoreProgram ESL Grammar

ESL Reading

ESL Writing

ESL Lab

ESL TIER TWO: ESL World History

ESL Literature & Writing while enrolled in non

ESL English (usually English 9 or 10)