English Language Program

List of 5 items.

• Program Overview

  Most English Language Program students begin in grade seven or eight, with the goal of joining Fay’s mainstream classes in ninth grade as preparation for secondary school. The ELP is composed of three courses: Literature and Composition, a reading, writing, and discussion course; American History, a history course focused on the struggles and triumphs of the earliest years of the American project; and Inquiry and Analysis, a research-based non-fiction and philosophy course. Since mastery of English comes from learning key cultural and social contexts, the ELP also features robust outside-the-classroom experiential learning on the American and Western cultural experience. ELP students take all other courses—which include math, science, art, music, Creators, and wellness—with their mainstream classmates.

• Immersion and Community

  Students enrolling in Fay’s English Language Program are full and integral members of the Upper School community, which is composed of 275 day and boarding students from more than 50 local towns, 13 American states, and over 25 countries. Students have opportunities throughout the school day and on weekends to participate in engaging, immersive activities that foster friendships and new interests. Students play a team sport each season, choose music and art electives, participate in after-school activities, compete in our color team competitions, share dorm rooms, and enjoy meals and social events with students from around the world. By using English continuously in meaningful contexts, students achieve proficiency and fluency at a faster rate.

• Structure and Support

  Fay’s structured language program facilitates the steady
  development of language skills. Our ELP teachers are
  experienced in teaching English to international students, and

  they are trained to provide engaging activities and meaning-
  ful feedback that foster progress. Dorm parents, advisors, and

  class deans are also part of the ELP student’s team of sup-
  port. They are on hand before and after class hours to provide

  supervision, guidance, and encouragement as students learn
  and grow.

• Who is Eligible?

  English speaking experience is a requirement for this program,
  but students need not be completely fluent. Successful
  applicants will be able to demonstrate a strong school record,
  effective study skills, earnest effort, the ability to hear and
  incorporate feedback, and a willingness to be a contributing part
  of our community. During the application process, students are
  placed into the English Language Program by the
  Admissions Committee and the chair of our English
  Department, who consider the applicant’s written and spoken
  English, academic record, interview, and standardized test
  scores.

• Courses - 7th and 8th Graders

  Course 1: Literature and Composition

  Students participate in literary study and analysis through individualized instruction, choice reading, and guided analysis of texts. Students move toward the organization and development of longer compositions, including five-paragraph essays based in strong
  thesis statements.

   

  Course 2: American History

  This course introduces students to the study of American history and offers advanced preparation for historical study and research. A
  course rich in content and writing, this class provides students with the tools they will need for success in high school history courses.
  
  

  Course 3: Inquiry and Analysis 

  This highly individualized course offers a workshop environment in which students learn the vocabulary, organizational skills, and study
  strategies needed for success in their entire academic program.