ESOL/Bilingual Programs → About ESOL/Bilingual Programs
In MCPS, we are proud of our diverse, multilingual, multicultural population. Every student and every family is important and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with everyone else. We work hard to ensure that every student succeeds and that every parent is a partner in educating all of our children.
Will my child attend specific classes to learn English?
Students begin the enrollment process in the local schools if they were born in the United States and have not attended schools in another country during the past two years (see Enrollment Note below). All other students begin the enrollment process in the International Admissions and Enrollment Office (IAE) at Rocking Horse Road Center. Based on information parents provide about a student’s home language, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) may be required by law to administer the state-mandated English language proficiency assessment. For students who begin their enrollment in IAE, this test is administered in the English Language Development (ELD) Testing and Accountability Center. All other students are tested in their new school. The results of the assessment determine eligibility and influence placement in an English language development program. These programs are designed to support English language learners as they acquire academic Standard American English and progress in mastering the MCPS curriculum in all other subject areas.
More information on registration
Enrollment Note: High school students who are new to the Northeast Consortia Choice and Application Program Services or the Downcounty Consortium begin their enrollment process by calling the Division of Consortium, Choice, and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) at 240-740-2540.
How will my child learn English and continue progressing in other subject areas?
What help will my child receive to cope with changes in language of instruction, school culture, and the stresses of living in a new country?
The ELD Counseling Team provides multilingual counseling services to ELD students in their schools. If you have concerns about your child’s adjustment to MCPS or to the United States, contact the staff in your child’s school. The school staff will obtain an ELD counselor to work with your child and your child’s teachers. ELD counselors can address concerns in any of the following areas:
What help is available to parents to cope with the changes in language of instruction, school culture, and the stresses of living in a new country?
The ELD Parent Outreach Team provides multilingual outreach services in the community to parents of ELD students to enable them to engage fully in the MCPS instructional program. The team provides regular services for groups of parents, but they also can help you personally and individually. If you have questions about your child’s program or what you can do to support your child’s learning at home, contact the staff in your child’s school. The school staff will obtain an ELD Parent Outreach Team member to answer your questions and work with you to resolve your concerns. Members of the ELD Parent Outreach Team can address concerns in the following areas:
What help is available if I do not speak English well?