English as a Second Language (ESL)

At QISS, the language support program has been designed to meet the needs of students whose native language is not English. Our ESL faculty focuses on language instruction for the grade-level curriculum as well as language for basic interpersonal communication. The purpose of these classes is to assist our students in developing the competencies, language learning strategies, and cognitive skills necessary for success in the mainstream classroom.
ESL and mainstream teachers work together to coordinate classes with grade level instruction. This team collaboratively plans grade-level units for all students, incorporating teaching strategies, assessments, and when appropriate, co-teaching in the mainstream classroom.

Overview of the QISS English Language Support Program

Lower School (Pre-K through 5)

Students with beginning to intermediate English proficiency for their grade level may be admitted, provided there are spaces available for them in our Language Support Program. Students receiving support may be given one period of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in lieu of mainstream Language Arts instruction and/or one period of ESL instead of Chinese language class. Since research indicates that the pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms provide an optimal environment for learning English, students at these levels generally do not receive additional English language support.

Middle School (6-8)

Beginning in grade 6, students at QISS are expected to meet all of the mainstream standards leading to graduation. For this reason, successful Middle School applicants must generally demonstrate at least intermediate English language proficiency for their grade level, based on a reading test, writing sample and oral interview, prior to acceptance at QISS.  In order to facilitate further language development, Middle School students are enrolled in a Communication Skills class that meets daily.  Additional  ESL support is available for students as needed.

High School (9-12)

By the time non-native English speaking students reach grade 9, they are expected to successfully participate in all of their classes with a minimum of English language support. Therefore, High School applicants must generally demonstrate at least upper-intermediate to proficient English language skills for their grade level, based on a reading test, writing sample and oral interview, prior to acceptance at QISS. In order to further boost English skills, all students are enrolled in a daily Communication Skills class in place of one of their electives. Additional ESL support is available for students as needed.

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