English Language Learning Pathways

The Stamford American EAL program offers a unique environment that sees students integrated into the homeroom classroom and supported by dedicated EAL experts.

EAL students are taught by highly qualified homeroom and subject teachers along with highly qualified English teachers. Every EAL student has at least one EAL teacher who supports them throughout the year as they move toward independence in English.

We provide each EAL student with tailored support based upon their unique needs academically, socially as well as emotionally. The extent of assistance each child receives initially depends on their level of English competency. At Stamford American we have a two-tier system, depending on their grade level:

Level A EAL – Entering, Emerging, and Developing (low-mid level) sees students integrated in a homeroom class with the exception of 80 minutes of English language instruction each day. These students also receive support from an EAL co-teacher during one period each day.

Level B EAL – Developing, Expanding, and Bridging (mid-high level) involves students being fully integrated in homeroom classes and receiving support from our team of co-teachers each day. Our EAL teachers plan lessons with every grade level homeroom teacher so even when they are not in the class the EAL students receive English language support from the homeroom teacher.

For Kindergarten 2 (KG2)

We offer an engaging and responsive educational pathway designed for our Mandarin speakers who are beginning their English language learning journey. Starting as young as KG2 (aged 5-6), we recommend our young learners to join the Mandarin to English Transition program. KG2 learners will undergo an external language assessment for appropriate program placement.

This excellent program is a tailored transitional language education that utilizes age-appropriate materials and activities to facilitate language learning in both Mandarin and English. Our Mandarin to English Transition program provides your child with a familiar environment and fosters not only language skills but also a sense of belonging. This is made possible through our research-based approach to language development.

For Grade 1 to Grade 5 students

This program is based in a homeroom class and follows the International Baccalaureate PYP curriculum delivered in English. This pathway is suitable for native Mandarin-speaking students who may benefit from intensive English language support to help them excel academically. Through this program, students partner with the bilingual classes for Art, Drama, PE, and Music, which allows them to build fluency in both English and Mandarin, while providing positive socialization and authentic opportunities to use both languages in order to facilitate learning.

Additionally, our program provides native Mandarin-speaking students with support by EAL teachers in daily 80-minute English Language Acquisition classes. During this time, they will learn in a multicultural and multi-linguistic environment.  This targeted language class provides a unique opportunity for students to build connections across cultural groups and accelerate their English proficiency.

For Kindergarten 2 (KG2) and beginner level students in Grade 1 to Grade 5

This program is based in a homeroom class and follows the International Baccalaureate PYP curriculum delivered in English. This pathway also provides students with daily “in class” support by EAL teachers as well as a daily 80-minute English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes. During this time, students will learn in a multicultural and multi-linguistic environment. This targeted language class provides a unique opportunity for students to build connections across cultural groups and accelerate their English proficiency.

For Grade 1 to Grade 5 students with an intermediate to high level of English proficiency

Students will be placed in homerooms and will be fully immersed in the grade level content, allowing them to learn alongside their grade level peers throughout the day, based on their English proficiency and test result at the point of admission. 

These students are taught by homeroom and subject teachers along with highly qualified English Language Acquisition teachers. EAL students in this pathway will have daily “in class” support from one of our EAL teachers. Our EAL teachers plan lessons with every grade level homeroom teacher so even when they are not in the class the EAL students receive English language support from the homeroom teacher.

Students in this pathway, in addition to English language support, are also offered Mandarin or Spanish as a Foreign Language, giving students the opportunity to expand their language skills and broaden their cultural understanding.

Students who are in grades 6 – 10 who need academic English language support may be placed in the Preparatory Course for Secondary School (PCS) program or the Level B EAL program depending upon the outcome of the English assessment test at the point of admission and interview with an English Language Acquisition expert. This holistic process ensures that students are placed in the appropriate course in order to maximize learning in an international school context.

PCS is an intensive 20-week program where students will learn how to fully engage with an IB MYP style curriculum in Math, Science, English Literature, Language Acquisition, Humanities and Physical Health Education (PHE), while improving their fundamental English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Our highly skilled faculty are at the forefront of English language acquisition pedagogy and social-emotional learning. 

At Stamford American, we proudly embrace diversity, and imagine a world where every child has an equal chance to learn and thrive. This thinking underpins our Foundational Academic English Program, designed for those in need of supplementary English Language tuition. This unique program prepares highly motivated students from Grade 6 to 10 for entrance to our Preparatory Course for Secondary School (PCS) and for our world-renowned academic pathways. Through an intensive 10-week program delivered by our highly skilled PCS faculty, students will strengthen their foundation in academic English, form an understanding of IB teaching and learning methodology, and be well-poised for success at Stamford American International School and beyond.

We offer EAL Level B for Grade 6 to Grade 8 students. Our EAL Level B program provides full day immersion in subject classes, with a great teacher-to-student ratio for personalized support. EAL students receive English language support every day for 80 minutes in our IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Language Acquisition – English class (phases 3-5) and our English Skills Development class which focuses on building students’ foundational English skills. EAL students also have the opportunity to attend an after school session for additional English language support. Internal and external language assessments, including iTEP SLATE Plus, STAMP and MAP given twice per year, ensure continuous progress monitoring and support for students’ language development. In addition, we offer MYP Language and Literature classes specifically designed for Mandarin and Spanish speakers once per week. 

Our EAL Level B program for Grade 9 to Grade 10 offers a comprehensive language acquisition program to support students in developing their English proficiency. Students benefit from full day immersion in subject classes, where they are exposed to English language in various contexts, and receive instruction and resources that facilitate practical language-embedded experiences. Our program follows the MYP Language Acquisition curriculum with multiple phases, allowing students to progress at their own pace and build language skills progressively.  In addition to our MYP Language Acquisition classes, EAL students will also attend our English Language Development class.  This class provides responsive and individualized English language support based on the needs of each student.  

As part of our commitment to student success, we conduct internal and external language assessments, including the iTEP SLATE Plus, which is given twice per year to track students’ progress and provide targeted support. Additionally, we offer after-school EAL sessions twice a week to further support students’ language development. Our multimodal instruction and resources provide students with engaging and interactive learning experiences, helping them to develop their language skills in a meaningful way.

At Stamford American International School, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and welcoming atmosphere for all of our students. Our language programs are specifically designed to aid learners of all abilities in cultivating robust language skills and attaining academic excellence. We warmly invite you to speak with us and discover more about our language programs and how they can enrich your child’s educational voyage.