Frequently Asked Questions - Institute of English Studies (IES)
Printer-friendly versionThe TOEFL test is given in the fall for seniors applying to college and in the spring for juniors so they know their score prior to applying to colleges.
Printer-friendly versionA student should take advantage of opportunities to speak English whenever possible and use the support that is available to students at HPA. Students involved in the life of the school at HPA (sports, theater, community service, residential life, clubs, etc.) will make the greatest and most rapid progress in English because that student will be in a variety of situations with a natural need to communicate in English. Students who seek the help of others (teachers, tutors, peers) will move forward more quickly in English than those who do not take the same initiative. Summer Session at HPA and summer programs at other schools also are strongly encouraged for ESL students at least during their first year or two at HPA.
Printer-friendly versionPrior to starting at HPA, a student is placed in one or more English as a Second Language (ESL) classes based on English language test scores, teacher comments, a writing sample, and an interview. Once at HPA, a student is placed in ESL classes each term based on a Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) test, grades in ESL classes, grades in subject area classes, and teacher comments.
Printer-friendly versionA student is no longer placed in ESL classes when the teacher determines that the student can make progress without further ESL support.
Printer-friendly versionThe SLEP test is administered each year in the spring as one measure of student progress.
