If your first language is not English but you have been in a school where all of your courses have been taught in English for four years, then you probably will not need ESL.

If your first language is not English and you have not been in a school where English has been the primary language of instruction, then we need to gather more information to establish your level of English fluency.  So, in addition to the usual application materials, you will need to send us English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or SSAT) and a videotaped interview (See International FAQ page). 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)   
Program Fee:  $3,000

Monte Vista’s one-year English as a Second Language Program is a strong comprehensive program.  It is designed for students who demonstrate intermediate to advanced English skills.  Students must achieve a minimum TOEFL test score of 425 (113 points on the computerized TOEFL test, 38 on the internet based TOEFL test) prior to enrollment. 

• Reading is designed to teach effective reading comprehension strategies, to strongly expand English vocabulary, and to raise reading comprehension and speech skills in English.
• Speaking & Listening is designed to increase English speaking proficiency through vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation and grammar practice, as well as through formal speech assignments.  Listening skills are increased through discussions and audio tape exercises.
• Both Intermediate Writing and Advanced Writing are designed to improve basic English grammar, to refine composition mechanics, and to strongly develop both oral and written fluency in English.  ESL Intermediate Writing differs from ESL Advanced Writing in that topics are reviewed more thoroughly and students are graded on a less competitive scale in the Intermediate class.

While each course is taught separately from the others, they all complement one another in guiding students to develop their English comprehension and usage skills. These courses are taken in conjunction with mainstream classes and, upon their completion, and upon achieving a TOEFL score of 475, the student is completely mainstreamed. 

International students whose TOEFL score is between 475 – 550, will be placed in a one-year Transitional English class.

TRANSITIONAL ENGLISH 
Program Fee:  $1,000

Transitional English is for those international students whose TOEFL score is between 475-550.  This course is an integration of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through oral and written presentation.  This course is designed with two strands: reading/writing; speaking/listening to improve reading comprehension, provide models of good writing, and improve general language skills through a series of structured practice opportunities. 

Standardized tests are only a partial indicator of a student’s English competence.  Upon their arrival, students will be asked to write a critical essay.  Writing skills, the videotaped interview and test scores are weighed equally in the placement.

In addition to ESL/mainstream academic placement, TOEFL scores are used by the academic departments to validate a student’s placement in AP and/or Honors classes.