ESOL Department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Contents

• Where do all students who are not U.S. citizens enroll in MCPS?
• How can I get an appointment at the International Student Admissions Office?
• Where is the International Student Admissions Office?
• How do I get to the International Student Admissions Office?
• What documents must I bring with me?
• Can I come alone?
• What will happen at the International Student Admission Office?
• Why must I take an English language test?
• What does “ESOL” mean?
• What will be tested?
• How is the test scored?
• How long does a student stay in ESOL classes?

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.

back to top

How can I get 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.

back to top

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]

back to top

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.

back to top

What documents must I bring with me?

The following documents are needed:
     1. Passport or Permanent Resident Card
     2. Birth Certificate
     3. Proof of parent’s residence in Montgomery County (lease or deed)
     4. Official School Records
     5. Health and Immunizations Records

back to top

Can I come alone?

No, a parent with proper identification must accompany a student.

back to top

What will happen at the International Student Admissions Office?

1. The staff at the International Student Admissions Office will evaluate your:

   a. official school records
   b. residency status
   c. health records [TB tests and immunizations/inoculations can be administered there for a minimal fee.]

2. Students will be tested for English proficiency to determine an ESOL or regular English placement.
3. Students will be assigned to the proper school/grade.
4. Parents will receive information about parent and student counseling, psychological, and educational evaluations.
5. Special referrals will be made for students with interrupted education or severe disabilities and for non-resident and exchange students.

back to top

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.

back to top

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.

back to top

What will be tested?

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

back to top

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.

back to top

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.