ESOL Department

    Department Phone: 240-740-0384
         
    Mr. Seth Anderson Ms. Jane Blaka Ms. Elia Haza
    Ms. Svetlana Idriss Ms. Theresa Sammarco Ms. Shannon Jilson
    Ms. Sandra Velarde    

    ESOL Levels:

     Students in the Program are tested every year during the Spring semester to determine their ESOL Level.

    International Admissions and Enrollment

    Frequently Asked Questions about ESOL.

    What does “ESOL” mean?ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages. ESOL teachers are trained to provide appropriate levels of English instruction to students whose dominant language is not English.

    Where do all students who are not U.S. citizens enroll in MCPS?All students entering MCPS who are not U.S. citizens must make an appointment at the International Student Admissions Office.  For an appointment, call 301-230-0686 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

    Where is the International Student Admissions Office? The International Student Admissions Office is located in the Rocking Horse Road Center, 4910 Macon Road, Rockville, Maryland. [see map] 

    How do I get to the Rocking Horse Road Center? 
    Public Transportation—By Bus/Metro
     
    From the Silver Spring Metro Station From the Shady Grove Metro Station From University Blvd. (Silver Spring)
    Take Ride-On bus #5 to the Twinbrook Metro Station. Transfer to Z-4 or C-2 Metro bus and get off on Randolph Road at Rocking Horse Road. Take the Ride-On #55 or #59 to the Rockville Metro Station. Transfer to the Z-4 Metro bus and get off on Randolph road at Rocking Horse Road. Take C-2 Metro bus and get off on Randolph Road at Rocking Horse Road.
    Walk down Rocking Horse Road one block and turn right at Macon road. The building is on the left.

     

    By Car
     
    From Rockville: Go south on Veirs Mill Road. Turn right onto Randolph Road and left at the third traffic light onto Rocking Horse Road. Proceed one block and turn right onto Macon Road. The building is on the left.
    From Rockville/Gaithersburg: Go south on Route 355 (Rockville Pike). Turn east onto Randolph Road. At the 6th traffic light on Randolph road, turn right onto rocking Horse Road. After one block, turn right on Macon Road. The building is on the left.
    From Bethesda: Go north on Route 355 (Rockville Pike). Turn right onto Randolph Road. At the 6th traffic light on Randolph road, turn right onto rocking Horse Road. After one block, turn right on Macon Road. The building is on the left.
    From Wheaton/Silver Spring: Go north on Veirs Mill road. Turn left onto Randolph Road. Proceed one block and turn right onto Macon Road. The building is on the left.

     

    Why must I take an English language test? All students whose dominant language is not English will take an English language test to determine English proficiency and the need for ESOL as part of their instructional program.

    What will be tested?Four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) will be tested to determine English proficiency.

    How is the test scored?The test score will place a student into one of six proficiency levels. These levels will determine how much English language instruction is needed. Students scoring levels 1-5 will receive ESOL language and support classes. A student who scores into level 6 will be placed into regular school classes without ESOL support.

    How long does a student stay in ESOL classes?Students will receive ESOL support until a level 6 score is attained. Students are tested and retested frequently and will “move up” levels as they progress.