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At VIS nearly two thirds of our students do not have English as a first language. Consequently, we have developed an effective English as aan Additional Language (EAL) program that is designed to help students succeed within the regular classroom. While experience has shown us that most beginning students learn English quickly in the mainstream classroom, we provide pull-out classes for older Primary students who have shown to do best in a separate environment at this age. VIS bases its EAL program on three levels of English language ability: Intensive, Intermediate, and Advanced. For Primary students there is no minimum English language requirement for enrollment. Potential EAL students are assessed during their first week in school, after which the Student Services Coordinator, in conjunction with the homeroom teacher, schedules language classes that will best benefit the student. In order to be admitted to VIS, Secondary students must have already attained at least an Intermediate Level of English language ability. Thus, Secondary students must undergo an English language evaluation before being admitted to the school. The following are levels of basic English language skills that pertain to the three levels of EAL at VIS:
Intensive Level In Primary grades, a student at the Intensive Level is: (1) beginning to learn English; (2) able to speak and write a few basic words; (3) able to read a simple text with support; (4) with support, is able to carry on a simple conversation; and (5) with support, is able to read and write simple English sentences. A student’s English must be beyond this level to be admitted to Secondary classes. Intermediate Level At the Intermediate Level students spend all of their time in regular classes. During regular English classes, an EAL support teacher may join the regular English teacher; together they provide extra support for these students. At the Intermediate Level a student is: (1) able to carry on a simple conversation and understand simple English; (2) able to read and write simple English sentences; (3) able to take part in and understand a conversation, asking questions for clarification but making many errors; (4) able to read and write more complex text, but lacks full understanding and makes many errors; (5) able to fully participate in a conversation using language and vocabulary that is age-appropriate, but makes many errors; and (6) able to read and write at an age appropriate level, but does not fully understand and makes many errors in written text.
Advanced Level At Grades 11 and 12 level a student’s English must be at the Advanced Level or higher in order to be admitted to the school. Advanced students spend all of their time in regular subjects with the rest of their classmates. During regular English classes, a Student Services Co-Teacher joins the regular English teacher; together they provide extra support for these students, as needed. In addition, Student Services may work with some Advanced students for an additional two periods per week, if needed. At the Advanced Level the student is: (1) able to fully participate in formal and informal conversation at an age-appropriate level, but still makes occasional errors; (2) able to read and write complex text, understand most of what is read and write a text that contains occasional errors with support; and (3) able to read and write complex text.
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Curriculums 
