Within its traditional academic and residential programs, Kents Hill has long incorporated an excellent program for ESL students of beginning, intermediate & advanced levels, including:
- Small ESL classes of 4-8 students, with individualized attention in each class.
- Three levels of an ESL program, designed to meet all levels of English proficiency.
- Immediate mainstreaming, as appropriate, in science, math and arts classes, to the Advanced Placement level.
- Outstanding college preparatory curriculum, committed to diversity and global affairs.
- Excellent visual, music and theater arts programs.
- Expert college counseling for international students, including financial aid options and online test preparation programs.
- TOEFL, SAT, ACT and SAT II testing throughout the year.
- Immigration and visa expert in the Admissions Office.
- Four faculty International Advisors, a vibrant Student Ambassador program and active International Student Club.
- Leadership opportunities.
- Roundtrip school transportation from Logan, Manchester, Bangor and Portland airports for every school vacation.
- Diverse student body, drawing from 18 countries and 21 states.
Levels I and II of the ESL program are designed to accommodate beginning to moderate levels of English proficiency. Students in Level I are immersed into English conversation and beginning English reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar skills, as well as a social studies course American Cultures. They are mainstreamed in math, science and the arts. In Level II, ESL students are mainstreamed into beginning levels of English and history, while continuing to receive support in one ESL English class. Students continue to be mainstreamed in math, science and arts, progressing to the next level.
- Level I Courses: ESL I (2 classes), Conversational English, American Cultures, Science (mainstream), Math (mainstream) and Art (mainstream).
- Level II Courses: ESL II (1 class), Freshman English, Conversational English, Modern European History, Science (mainstream), Math (mainstream), Art (mainstream) and Health (mainstream).
Level III of the program mainstreams students completely into American history and English classes, while continuing their progress in science, math and arts classes. Students also prepare for the TOEFL and SAT tests in a special class. At this stage, many ESL III students are enrolled in AP science and math classes.
- Level III Courses: American Literature, U.S. History, TOEFL/SAT prep, Science (mainstream), Math (mainstream) and Art (mainstream).
