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Villanova enjoys a culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse student body. International students bring an exciting and enriching dimension to any educational community. English language learning is a top priority at Villanova. Villanova's English as a Second Language Program is premised on two important principles: immersion and individualization.
For international students whose English is not yet strong enough for a full college- preparatory course load, a comprehensive English Immersion with Support (EIS) Program is available. Depending on their previous coursework and English proficiency, students enter the program at either 9th or 10th grade and are immersed in mainstream classes for credit and cross-curricular support classes for English language and content-specific instruction. There are limited options available for entering 11th and 12th graders as English language learners.
Prior to admission, international students are evaluated using a combination of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of Written English (TWE), and their academic history to determine their potential placement. Upon arrival, students are given the TOEFL again, as well as a math assessment, to ensure their correct placement. In order to meet individual needs and promote successful outcomes, student progress is carefully monitored by the EIS Program Coordinator. Students may be "exempted" from the EIS Program when they meet a variety of criteria to determine their English proficiency.
The criteria for exiting the EIS Program are:
- A score of 525 or higher on the Villanova institutional TOEFL
- A score of 4.5 or higher on the Villanova-administered TWE
- Above-average grades in all academic subjects
- Evidence of effective use of spoken English
- Approval of the ESL Coordinator
Parent involvement plays a key role at Villanova. Parents are encouraged to regularly check their child's progress on-line. Should students require additional assistance, all teachers remain after school to provide extra help sessions, and additional evening study halls are available to students in the EIS Program.
ESL program fees are in addition to base tuition rates. ESL fees are dependent upon assessed student needs.
Admission criteria:
- MINIMUM TOEFL score of 350
- MINIMUM TWE score of 2
- Satisfactory academic history
Program: EIS 4-year Program
Year ONE (9th): English 9, Math, Physical Science, Religion 9 (for credit)
Cross-curricular support classes: 3 (non-credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
SUMMER COURSEWORK REQUIRED
Year TWO (10th): English 10, Math, Biology, Modern History, Religion 10 (for credit)
Cross-curricular support classes: 2 (non-credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
SUMMER COURSEWORK REQUIRED
Year THREE (11th): English 11, Math, Chemistry, US History, Religion 11, Fit for Life (for credit)
Composition support class: Introduction to Writing/Speech (for credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
Year FOUR (12th): English 12, Math, Civics/Economics, Religion 12, Fine Arts,
Elective I, Elective II (for credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
Exemptions:
Students may be "exempted" from the program by demonstrating mastery of English as follows:
- TOEFL scores in the highest range in all categories (listening, reading, grammar)
- Exemplary scores on the Verbal Sections of the PSAT
- Passing of an independent Writing Assessment Exam
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects
Admission criteria:
- MINIMUM TOEFL score of 450
- MINIMUM TWE score of 3
- Satisfactory academic history, including passing grades in 9th grade math, science, and English in home country
Program: EIS 3-year Program
Year ONE (10th): English 10, Math, Biology, Modern History, Religion 10 (for credit)
Cross-curricular support classes: 2 (non-credit
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
SUMMER COURSEWORK REQUIRED
Students are assessed at the end of 10th grade and then progress in either Year TWO Intermediate or Year TWO Advanced.
Year TWO Intermediate (11th): English 11, Math, Chemistry, US History, Religion 11 (for credit)
Composition support class: Introduction to Writing/Speech (for credit)
Cross-curricular support class: 1 (non-credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
SUMMER COURSEWORK MAY BE REQUIRED
Year TWO Advanced (11th): English 11, Math, Chemistry, US History, Religion 11, Fit for Life (for credit)
Composition support class: Introduction to Writing/Speech (for credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
Year THREE (12th): English 12, Math, Civics/Economics, Religion 12, Fine Arts, Elective I, Elective II (for credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
Exemptions:
Students may be "exempted" from the program by demonstrating mastery of English as follows:
- TOEFL scores in the highest range in all categories (listening, reading, grammar)
- Exemplary scores on the Verbal Sections of the PSAT
- Passing of an independent Writing Assessment Exam
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects
Note:
- These students may not have enough credits to receive a Villanova HS Diploma, although they may receive a Villanova Certificate of Completion.
- These students will be required to complete an additional year of English over the summer at an institution pre-approved by Villanova.
- Villanova will not transfer 9th and 10th grade credits onto the Villanova transcript. Students applying to college will depend on college assessment of necessary HS credits for 9th & 10th grade.
Admission criteria:
- MINIMUM TOEFL score of 500
- MINIMUM TWE score of 4
- Satisfactory academic history including passing grades in 9th and 10th grade Math, Science, Social Science and at least one year of English in home country
Program: EIS 2-year Program for incoming 11th grade students
Year ONE (11th): English 10, Math, Biology, US History, Religion 11 (for credit)
Composition support class: Introduction to Writing/Speech (for credit)
Cross-curricular support class: 1 (non-credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
SUMMER: English 11 (full year) at a pre-approved institution
Year TWO (12th): English 12, Math, Chemistry or Physics, Civics/Economics, Religion 12, Fine Arts, Elective I (for credit)
Evening study hall support: twice weekly
Exemptions:
Students may be "exempted" from the program by demonstrating mastery of English as follows:
- TOEFL scores in the highest range in all categories (listening, reading, grammar)
- Exemplary scores on the Verbal Sections of the PSAT
- Passing of an independent Writing Assessment Exam
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects
Certificate of Completion ONLY
Villanova cannot offer a HS Diploma to incoming 12th grade international students coming from abroad, but under exceptional circumstances, Villanova may offer a single academic year to incoming 12th grade students with a high level of English proficiency. The program would be created to meet the needs of the student. These students receive a Villanova Certificate of Completion only.
The ESL Resource Center has been open since 1996. It now currently houses nine eMac computers, one laser jet printer, one Sharp Liquid Crystal Video/Computer Projector, one laser jet color printer, one color scanner, one digital Olympus camera and one Sony digital camcorder. All students have their own folders, e-mail accounts, and access to the Internet, which is to be used as a research tool for classroom assignments.
The department has a Sony DV digital camcorder and a Laser-Link receiver. This equipment enables public speaking students to review, evaluate, and assess skills mandated for successful completions of course standards.
Student progress is regularly and carefully monitored. Individual course adjustments are made to meet each student’s need, and additional follow-up takes place with teachers and student on an as-needed basis. All teachers are available for after-school help and students are encouraged to take advantage of this additional tutor time.
For further information please contact Admissions
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