Through our program and practice students become fluent

NOVA offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) program to students who do not have sufficient proficiency in English to successfully learn the corresponding grade level curriculum and fully participate in the mainstream classes. As a member of the WIDA International School Consortium, amongst others, NOVA uses WIDA's research-based standards and assessments to decide upon each student’s placement. 

NOVA’s ESL program consists of push-in and pull-out classes; it offers small group instruction by trained ESL teachers and takes place during the regular school day. This hybrid model of teaching English language is currently the best one offered by many international schools around the world, as ESL students benefit from both receiving sheltered language instruction as well as from taking part in the mainstream classes with appropriate scaffolding and support. Students are required to attend sheltered ESL classes until they reach the necessary proficiency to be able to independently and/or with minimal support follow the curriculum in the mainstream classes. Depending on our students' progress, this may happen at different times throughout the school year. 

ESL students may be assessed differently until they have reached a level of proficiency where they can understand and respond to the information and skills taught in each subject area. Enrollment and completion of the program will be determined by the homeroom and ESL teachers after proper assessments have been made. Students may remain in the ESL program for a few years, and will exit only after reaching a specific level of proficiency. 

After school tutoring by a trained teacher can also be provided for an additional cost.