English as a Second Language (ESL)

There is a lot of information about English as a Second Language programs and bilingual programs on our district website. Click here to find out about identification procedures, levels of instruction, state/federal regulations, program design, how to help your child, contacting the schools, and other links.

East Hartford High School offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for students learning English. There are basic, intermediate, and advanced level classes. Students are placed in classes as a result of the English test of listening, speaking, reading, and writing which they take when they enter East Hartford High School. Students who speak very little English usually have three ESL classes and few mainstream classes. As students progress, they take fewer ESL classes and more mainstream classes.

Since there are a large number of Spanish-speaking students, there also is a bilingual support program available for them (called Study Skills). These students receive extra assistance in their class work, home work, class projects, and study skills three to five times per week. The assistance is available in either English or Spanish.

There also are two other classes available. One class is ESL Social Studies. This class is for students learning English. The class covers basics of social studies (geography, etc.) and also civics. There is a mathematics class available for students who speak little English and also have lower math skills.