English as an Additional Language

At Nido de Aguilas, we believe that every teacher is a language teacher, and multilingualism is a valuable asset linked to a student’s identity and culture. Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) program empowers students to develop a proficient level of social and academic English language, which enables them to acquire the skills to independently access the curriculum.

The EAL program uses a blended service delivery model, which combines specialized instruction in English language acquisition in small groups and scaffolded in-class content instruction through collaborative planning. Instruction and support are provided by qualified and experienced EAL teachers and planned according to a student’s proficiency level and scheduling needs. EAL specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to adapt instruction, scaffold learning, and provide targeted support—focused on developing all four domains of literacy (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

 

Classrooms are designed to support all learners, including those who are new to English. Additional staff help adapt lessons so that all students can thrive.

 

Students identified as still acquiring English proficiency receive additional instruction in the four domains (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) from an EAL specialist either inside or outside of the regular classroom. 

 

Students with beginning English levels participate in the EAL Academy in Grades 4 and 5, which provides intensive English instruction and additional support in core subjects. This program has an additional fee.

 

Students identified as still acquiring English proficiency in the Middle and High School are eligible to participate in the following courses:

• EAL Academy is for students who need more intensive English instruction. These students receive their English instruction with qualified EAL specialists outside of the standard English class. In the Middle School this may also include an adapted Humanities class. Students are also provided in-class support from EAL specialists in their core subjects. 
• English for Academic Purposes is a course that helps students continue to improve their academic English, focusing on reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as reinforce student learning in their core subjects.

This program has an additional fee.