Language Program 

The LAS summer English program is divided into 3 levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.  Students register for the level they think best fits their ability. Students are also divided into age groups: Ages 10-13 and ages 14-17 to the greatest extent possible.

Upon arrival to LAS, all ESL students take a short diagnostic to ensure they are registered for the appropriate level. Changes may be made based upon diagnostic results and/or performance in the first 1-2 class periods.

Note: low-level beginner ESL students will NOT take a diagnostic test.

Our ESL team is comprised of highly experienced English teachers. Typically there are 2 teachers per level of English, one of whom works with students ages 10-13 and one who teaches students ages 14-17. 

Students will have the opportunity to participate in some activities and out-of-classroom experiences with other ESL classes as appropriate.

If a student chooses to attend LAS summer for multiple sessions and continues in the ESL program, the student’s teacher, in conjunction with the Academic Director and Language Coordinator, will determine if the student should remain at the same level or move up in subsequent session(s).

Regardless of their level or movement within the program, students will work with a different teacher in subsequent sessions.

An average class has between 8 and 10 students.

ESL classes meet for 3 hours each morning and include a 15 minute break. Students can expect to participate in a range of activities and hands-on learning experiences during these blocks of time.

Students will learn skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Particular emphasis is given to speaking opportunities. 

Classes are student-centered and typically organized by theme. Teachers modify curriculum according to the particular needs and interests of the students, and the majority of class time focuses on hands-on projects, activities, games, and local excursions. The classroom environment is designed to instill confidence in students, allow for consistent real-world application of skills, and engaging activities that promote student motivation. Grammar skills are embedded into instruction but are not taught in isolation.

Instead of textbooks, our program makes use of a variety of online resources, tools, and teacher-crafted materials. Students can also expect to make use of technology, as appropriate to their age and level of English proficiency. 

Curriculum is written by instructors, in conjunction with the Academic Director and Language Coordinator.

The culminating project for all ESL classes is a presentation in our end-of-session academic gallery. Students showcase a project they have worked on throughout their time at LAS summer. Past projects have included "A Passport of Presentations Around the World," "Live ESL Movie Theatre," "The ESL Restaurant," and "Make Your Own Sentence Karaoke Club." 

Students are NOT formally graded or assigned homework during their time at LAS summer. However, they will receive teacher feedback on a number of assessments and activities throughout the course. Students will also have the opportunity to practice their language skills in other areas of the program and informally within the community.

The LAS summer French program is divided into 3 levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.  Students register for the level they think best fits their ability. If enrollment permits, beginner students may be divided into sections according to low-beginner and high-beginner proficiencies.

Upon arrival to LAS, all French students take a short diagnostic to ensure they are registered for the appropriate level. Changes may be made based upon diagnostic results and/or performance in the first 1-2 class periods.

Note: low-level beginner French students will NOT take a diagnostic test.

Our French team is comprised of highly experienced French teachers. Typically there are 1-2 teachers per level, and students will have the opportunity to participate in activities and out-of-classroom experiences with other classes and students as appropriate.

If a student chooses to attend LAS summer for multiple sessions and continues in the French program, the student’s teacher, in conjunction with the Academic Director and Language Coordinator, will determine if the student should remain at the same level or move up in subsequent session(s). 

If staffing allows, we will place the student with a different teacher in subsequent session(s).

An average class has between 8 and 10 students.

French classes meet for 3 hours each morning and include a 15 minute break. Students can expect to participate in a range of activities and hands-on learning experiences during these blocks of time.

Students will learn skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Particular emphasis is given to speaking opportunities and the use of local community attractions, such as the supermarket, restaurants, and tourist locations. 

Classes are student-centered and typically organized by theme. Teachers modify curriculum according to the particular needs and interests of the students, and the majority of class time is centered on hands-on projects, activities, games, and campus and local excursions. The classroom environment is designed to instill confidence in students, allow for consistent real world application of skills, and engaging activities that promote student motivation. Grammar skills are embedded into instruction but are not taught in isolation.

Instead of textbooks, our program makes use of a variety of online resources, tools, and teacher-crafted materials. Students can also expect to make use of technology, as appropriate to their age and level of French proficiency.  

Curriculum is written by instructors, in conjunction with the academic director and language coordinator.

The culminating project for all French classes is a presentation in our end-of-session academic gallery. Students showcase a project they have worked on throughout their time at LAS summer. Past projects have included "The French Cafe," "French Culture Documentary," "The French Language Quiz Show.”

Students are NOT formally graded or assigned homework during their time at LAS summer. However, they will receive teacher feedback on a number of assessments and activities throughout the course. Students will also have the opportunity to practice their language skills in other areas of the program and informally within the community.