English Support Programs (EAL Support)

As part of our personalized learning approach, Stamford provides a range of English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for families looking for high-quality international education with children still developing English language skills. Students benefit from an academically rigorous American standards-based curriculum and inquiry-based learning approach with progressive STEMinn education while being supported to acquire the English language skills they need to succeed. Spaces for students requiring EAL support are limited so that students can practice and improve their language skills with their peers in a rich English-speaking environment in addition to teacher support.

At Stamford, we are an IB World School dedicated to helping every student to follow their path to global destinations. Our experienced faculty nurture students to exceed their growth targets by having the language support to access our curriculum fully, including the International Baccalaureate Programme.

The result from the admissions English assessment will determine if your child would benefit from EAL support and which program would be most beneficial to their learning.

The Mainstream English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program enables English language learners to develop their language skills in an immersive English environment while benefitting from international IB education. This program is for students who enter Stamford with a medium to a higher level of English proficiency but would still benefit from support. Students will receive support based on their individual language needs. Their homeroom teacher provides support, and depending on the need, EAL specialists will target essential English acquisition skills. The support model for students is balanced to ensure students acquire the necessary language skills while benefiting from an immersive English environment.

Alongside this, daily Spanish and Mandarin classes expand students’ linguistic horizons, preparing them for the global nature of the 21st Century.

The English B pathway, with its unique focus on enhancing students’ language acquisition skills in English as an additional language, stands out as a valuable choice for language learners.

Focusing on vocabulary and grammar enhances language proficiency, while literary analysis and writing skills nurture the ability to engage with diverse texts. Oral communication practice builds confidence for presentations and discussions. Additionally, the course’s emphasis on interdisciplinary connections and engagement with global issues ensures that students are well-prepared for the thematic units in the IB Diploma Program and equipped to navigate a globalized world. Regular assessments and feedback help students understand expectations and reflect on their learning, setting a strong foundation for future success.

The Support for EAL (SEAL) club at Stamford is designed to enhance English language skills among students who speak English as an additional language. This club offers a welcoming environment where children can develop their academic English, grammar, and vocabulary through engaging activities led by our highly experienced and expert faculty. With programs tailored for multiple proficiency levels, SEAL ensures that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

The Accelerated Language Program (ALP) is for children with little to no English proficiency. The ALP program follows the same curriculum and access to broad IB subjects as our mainstream classes, but includes additional intensive English support from their qualified EAL homeroom teachers and a full-time Teaching Assistant. The program develops students’ language skills rapidly to access the curriculum fully.

Students are placed in mainstream classes to benefit from working alongside their peers in an English immersive environment for selected subjects and targeted support. The ALP Homeroom aims to facilitate a successful transition for students back into the English mainstream after a year. Students will continue to receive language support as needed but spend more time in the mainstream classroom. This program only accepts a few students yearly, so we recommend applying early!