Welcome to the HCS English Language Development Department (ELD)!
Congratulations on your pursuit in learning English as a second language, or for many of you, as a third or fourth language. According to one almanac, English is spoken by over 470 million people across the globe, and it is the official language of over 45 countries. In many countries, knowing how to speak and write English increases your chances of getting a higher-paying job. Whether it is for these reasons or others, your desire to study the English language is a worthwhile one.
Our program is unique in the following ways:
- All ELD students are matriculated immediately and enrolled in regular middle school or high school courses along with English language classes.
- Current U.S. immigration regulations allow students who study at a private high school to remain longer in the United States than at a public high school. Thus, a student can potentially complete all four years of high school study at our school and receive an American high school diploma.
- The program includes three planned, day-long social outings in Southern California, to help experience American culture.
- Courses are taught by highly qualified teachers and ESL specialists.
Students have access to a wide variety of sports, music, and art programs available at our school. - Our location alone makes for a unique experience. We are located in beautiful Thousand Oaks, approximately an hour’s drive from Disneyland and Universal Studios, and scenic beaches like Malibu and Santa Barbara. It’s a beautiful suburban environment, fully accessible to many of the cultural opportunities of Southern California.
- Home stay programs are available through American Home Life, a Christian organization that places students in solid Christian homes with families that will provide a caring, supportive environment. You may find out more about that program through their web page at: www.amhomelife.org.
- The average HCS student tests two years ahead of the national average.
- HCS is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students by issuing I-20 forms.
- Students can enter the school year at any time. Our school year runs from late August to early June.
- TOEFL preparation courses are offered for students who plan on continuing their education in the American university system. This course is offered at no additional fee to our ELD students.
With all these benefits, combined with the safe, nurturing environment of a Christian school, we invite you to become a part of Hillcrest Christian School's ELD department. For more information, please contact Katherine Gilroy at kgilroy (@hillcrestcs.org).