ESL (English as a Second Language)

PS 20 has both self-contained ESL classrooms and a free-standing ESL program.  Thus, some students are pulled from the class for intensive instruction, while others receive ESL throughout the day in their regular class.  We are proud that our non-native English speakers perform just as strongly as our native speakers in both mathematics and literacy.

Additional support in ESL occurs in the after-school programs.  Our school regularly provides after-school tutoring for ESL students, and we hold Saturday Academies that provide time for native and non-native English speakers to work collaboratively.  Our programs are both rigorously academic and designed for enrichment, so there are plenty of opportunities for students to have fruitful discussions that improve everybody's command of standard English.