Georgetown Prep offers a full program in English as a Second Language. Study of English is supplemented by other courses as appropriate to the student's English facility. As the student's facility with English improves, and with each additional academic year, the student's integration into the regular curriculum is increased. ESL courses are identified by notations on the transcript. Depending on the international student's background, he may also be placed in a special ESL section of American Studies and/or Religious Studies. Study of a language other than English is usually not required for ESL students.
Course Offerings
American Studies is an overview course designed to introduce ESL students in their first year at Prep to U.S history and government. In addition to the focus on the mastery of the content, emphasis will also be given to the development of the necessary academic skills in English: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This course is a supplemental class designed exclusively for ESL students and does not take the place of another course at Prep.
ESL II is an Intermediate level course for ESL students to practice and reinforce their reading and writing skills. The focus is on mastering the writing of paragraphs. Students also read short stories and novels in addition to studying grammar. Students hone their reading and writing skills over the course of each semester and then collect the reading and writing assignments in a Portfolio which is evaluated and graded at the end of each semester; the Portfolio takes the place of the exam in this class. This course is taken in place of the English class for the student’s given year, such as Freshman English.
ESL III is an Advanced level course for ESL students to practice and reinforce their reading and writing skills. The focus is on mastering the writing of essays and summaries. Students also read short stories and novels in addition to studying grammar. Students hone their reading and writing skills over the course of each semester and then collect the reading and writing assignments in a Portfolio which is evaluated and graded at the end of each semester; the Portfolio takes the place of the exam in this class. This course is taken in place of the English class for the student’s given year, such as Freshman English.
Faculty: Rosita Whitman