English as a Second Language (ESL)

Students who require English as a Second Language will continue to take other classes, such as math and science, with their peers. If they are advanced in a subject area, they may be placed in a higher level, even taking classes at the high school.

International students who require English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Middle School level will attend ESL classes at the Upper School. It is one of the strengths of Randolph-Macon Academy that students who qualify for classes such as ESL or upper level math are able to take them at the Upper School campus.

The English as a Second Language program requires that ESL students enter R-MA with a minimum score of 30 on the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP). While R-MA will consider SLEP scores submitted as part of the admission application, we do not accept these scores for placement into English or ESL classes. Placement is determined by the score achieved on the SLEP Test taken upon arrival.

International students whose English capabilities fall below the score of 30 on SLEP Tests submitted as part of the application are required to attend the ESL Summer School session prior to being admitted in the Fall.

English as a Second Language Course Description
Goals for this course include comprehension of basic grammar, from “to be” to the past continuous and beyond. Grammar is introduced in conversation form. It is reinforced through readings and writing exercises. Vocabulary development is also a main focus. Book reports, projects, short story study, weekly journal writings and a taste of idioms are also included.