The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program helps international students participate in the academic, athletic, and social life of the Purnell community. Classes are conducted in small groups -- 8 or fewer -- in which students at the same English proficiency level advance their skills in four areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. After their first year, students may continue with ESL assistance while taking mainstream courses, or graduate from the ESL Program into entirely mainstream courses.
ESL students come from the Pacific Rim (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan), Europe (France, Spain, Germany), and Central and South American countries (Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela), adding a wonderful element of diversity and worldwide awareness to the Purnell community in Pottersville. At a special International Banquet prepared for the entire school, ESL students share the food, music, art, and customs of their native countries with the entire school.
