Charlotte Country Day School proudly welcomes international students and offers them the opportunity to learn the language skills necessary to succeed both academically and socially. We were the first independent school in the area to offer students English as a Second Language (ESL), which allows international students who speak virtually no English, or who still need time and a special curriculum to become fluent, to be enrolled in an academic program.
The Admissions Office determines the need for English as a Second Language. Prospective students are recommended for ESL based on an interview, an oral English proficiency test, and listening, vocabulary, and reading comprehension tests.
For additional information on our English as a Second Language program, send an e-mail to ESL Department Head.
ESL I
A course designed for Upper School students who need to develop basic language skills for studying content areas in an English-based curriculum. Students learn to communicate in English as they practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Basic grammatical structures are introduced. Students also develop an understanding of American culture through the discussion, reading, and writing of cultural issues.
ESL II
A continuation of ESL I, with more emphasis on reading and writing skills. Students are taught all of the English verb tenses as well as other intermediate level grammatical skills.
ESL III
A continuation of ESL II. High-intermediate to low-advanced level reading, writing, and grammatical skills are taught in this course. Students read a short novel and learn to write analytical essays.
ESL IV
This advanced level class includes a comprehensive review of English grammar and composition. Vocabulary building is emphasized in order to enhance reading comprehension and written expression. Students read newspaper articles, short stories, and a novel. Various types of essays are written.
ESL American History
A course designed to meet the requirements for Upper School students whose first language is not English. The goals of the course are to develop academic English proficiency, to provide an overview of the major events and characters in American history, and to encourage the students to apply learning strategies and skills to their study of a second language. The course will substitute for the required American History course for ESL students.
ESL World History
A course designed for Upper School students whose proficiency in English requires practice in reading, writing, and speaking techniques. Additionally, research skills are taught with frequent essays and papers. The course allows students to receive an overview of world history with an emphasis on European History. The course is offered when applicable to the needs of the ESL students and will meet the European History requirement for ESL students.
TOEFL Preparation
A course similar in nature to an AP foreign language course and designed specifically for those students preparing to take the TOEFL exam. Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, and writing skills are emphasized. Practice tests are given and evaluated. This class is for students who have already reached a high degree of English fluency and who are planning to attend an English speaking university.