Student proficiency in a second language is an educational objective of the school. For many students, English is a second language. To the extent that limited English proficiency may interfere with students’ achievement in the English-medium curricula, the school may offer English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) instruction. However, it is the school’s mission to teach in English. Adequate English proficiency must be present or quickly attained if students are to benefit from instruction in English in the various subjects taught at the school. Therefore, the admission of the non-native English speakers will be subject to the following restrictions:

1. Examinations will be given to all applicants for admission. One purpose of the examinations is to determine the applicant’s level of English language proficiency. The results of the examinations will determine whether or not the applicant requires ESL instruction and, hence, whether or not the school can accommodate the applicant in its academic and/or ESL programs.
2. Non-native English speakers whom the school cannot accommodate in the regular academic classes and/or in the ESL program will not be admitted to the school.
3. Students who are in need of ESL services and who are admitted to the school will be given a language proficiency assessment at the beginning and end of each school year. The purpose of this assessment is to be able to see the student’s growth in the areas of English speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
4. Enrollment in an ESL instructional program is short-term. Two academic years of ESL support is the maximum. If a student does not, in this time and in the school’s determination, exhibit proficiency in English sufficient to perform adequately in the regular academic classes, he or she may be asked to leave the school.
5. While a student is in the ESL instructional program and missing regular academic classes, the student will not receive credit for those classes. This will delay the student’s accumulation of credits and date of graduation.

Students of Limited English Ability

Students of limited ability in English, who are otherwise qualified, may be admitted to the school at the discretion of the School Head. The following may be required:

1. Students who, after testing, are not capable of functioning in an English speaking school may be admitted to the intensive English-as-a-Second-Language program (ESL). No student will be retained in an ESL program longer than two years. They shall be admitted to the regular program as they demonstrate adequate functioning in an English speaking school.
2. Students admitted to the regular IISA program may be required to attend special ESL classes for as many periods a day as the school can provide until the School Principal determines they are able to participate fully in the regular academic program.
3. Parents may be required to provide additional English language instruction, at their own expense, outside school hours.
4. Upon achieving English language proficiency, students will be assigned to grades according to their performance capabilities as demonstrated by standard aptitude/achievement tests and teacher judgment. Parents will be advised that the time required for their children to achieve English language proficiency may result in their falling behind in grade levels which they would otherwise have attained in their own countries.
5. If upon placement in a regular classroom and after intensive ESL, a student does not achieve, enrollment in this school will be reconsidered.