ESL Program
English as a Second Language instruction across three proficiency levels, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, focused on vocabulary, speaking, reading, and writing.
Who This Is For
Students from Grade 2 to Grade 8 who are still developing English language skills, whether they recently arrived in the US, grew up speaking Mandarin or another language at home, or simply struggle to speak and write English with the same confidence as their classmates. Placement is by proficiency, not by age, so a 4th grader who already reads chapter books and a 7th grader still working on full sentences won't be in the same room. Parents who feel their child is being passed through grade levels at school without the language foundation to keep up will find this program builds that foundation deliberately.
Course Content
ESL at ToIvy is offered at three levels. Beginner focuses on vocabulary development, basic communication, sentence formation, and guided speaking, students build a working library of words they can actually use in conversation and short writing. Intermediate expands vocabulary, layers in structured speaking and guided discussions, and uses reading to reinforce the vocabulary students are learning. Advanced moves into fluency and precision in spoken and written English, with extended speaking tasks, academic language, and analysis of more complex texts. At every level, classes are interactive, students speak, read aloud, and write something every session.
How ToIvy Teaches This
ToIvy teaches English the way fluent speakers actually use it: through repeated, low-pressure speaking and contextual reading, not through grammar drills divorced from meaning. Vocabulary is taught in full sentences and revisited in writing the same week, so students remember it because they used it. Teachers correct gently in real time and follow up with one written piece per class so progress is visible to the parent.
Class Format & Structure
Small group classes (typically 6–10 students) grouped strictly by proficiency. Each session is 3 hours, split into a guided speaking + reading block, a short break, and a writing block with same-day teacher review. Homework is light but daily, usually 15–20 minutes of vocabulary in context.
Program Highlights
- Three proficiency levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Placement based on a short conversation and writing sample, not just grade level
- High-frequency vocabulary built through use, not memorization lists
- Guided speaking and structured expression practice every class
- Reading and writing reinforcement tied directly to vocabulary in use
- Classes formed by proficiency level so peers are at the same stage
- Written response in every class with same-day teacher feedback
- Bilingual instructors available who can clarify in Mandarin when a concept stalls
What Students Actually Learn
- 300–800 high-frequency words per term, grouped by topic
- Sentence patterns for asking questions, giving opinions, and explaining reasons
- Past, present, and future tense in spoken use (not just on worksheets)
- Reading strategies for unfamiliar vocabulary in context
- Pronunciation patterns that block clear speech for Mandarin speakers
- Paragraph structure for short responses and short essays
- Listening for main idea and supporting details in classroom-style audio
- Spoken responses to teacher prompts without rehearsing first
Learning Objectives
- Build core vocabulary for everyday and academic use
- Develop confidence in speaking English unprompted
- Form clear and structured sentences without overthinking
- Improve listening accuracy and comprehension speed
- Strengthen reading and writing across narrative and informational text
- Transition students from translated thinking to thinking in English
Questions Parents Ask Us
My child is in 5th grade but their English is at a 2nd-grade level. Will they be embarrassed?
No, placement is by proficiency, not grade. They'll be with peers at the same stage, and the room moves at their pace. We've worked with hundreds of families in exactly this situation.
How long until I see a real difference?
Most parents notice their child speaking up more at home within 6–8 weeks, and reading more confidently within a term. Score-style improvements (school grades, state tests) usually follow in the second term.
Can the teacher explain things in Chinese if my child is stuck?
Yes, our instructors include bilingual teachers who can briefly clarify a concept in Mandarin when a student is stuck, then return to English. We don't translate the whole class.
Related Programs
G-Level Math & English Foundations
Grade-level math and English instruction aligned with state standards, focused on closing skill gaps and building academic confidence.
Reading Comprehension
Build depth and accuracy in reading comprehension for high school academic study, from article structure analysis to accurate answering.
ESL Summer Camp
English language development summer camp available in half-day and full-day options, focusing on reading, vocabulary, speaking, writing, and academic confidence.
Want more details on this program?
Book a free 25-minute consultation, call us, or chat with the ToIvy Assistant for placement and scheduling.