English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program of ACS Athens respects the origins and diversity of our students and provides a holistic and constructive approach to immersion. ESL classes seek to empower English Language Learners to build skills for a variety of purposes with the objective of reaching proficiency in English and accelerating academic achievement. Academic language is taught and reinforced in all four domains of reading, writing, listening and speaking. While primarily supporting students in language development, the ESL Program also serves to assist them in adapting to the American educational system and inspire them to be confident and productive members of the student body. ESL classes are provided for students in grades 9 and 10 only at two different levels according to English competence which range from low-intermediate proficiency to advanced. Students are initially placed in the program based on a placement test following international standards (CEFR and WIDA). A standardized exit test (IELTS Academic) is provided twice a year to confirm their level or validate that they have mastered the linguistic competence required to be mainstreamed and succeed in academics without support from ESL classes. Students receive one elective credit per ESL course.

The ESL Program has been tailor-made to meet international standards and the needs of our diverse student population, to assure smooth transition into mainstream classes, and to strongly reflect the student-centered spirit of the ACS Mission Statement encouraging our students to thrive as responsible global citizens.