Welcome Emerging Bilinguals (ESOL)!

What is ESOL?
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. The ESOL program in Orange County Public Schools is designed to improve the language proficiency of students whose native language is not English. Students can access grade-level curriculum, qualified teachers, and all school services.
How does my student qualify for ESOL?
According to the Florida state rule 6A-6.0902, it starts with the home language survey when you enroll your student during registration. A parent/guardian answered “yes” to any of the three home language survey questions:
- Is a language other than English used in the home?
- Does the student have a first language other than English?
- Does the student most frequently speak a language other than English?
Answering "Yes" to one or more of the home language survey questions will require your student to be screened for English language proficiency.
Why do we at Freedom High School call your student ‘Emerging Bilinguals’?
At Freedom High School, we view our students whose native language is not English as an asset to our school community. Your student comes with a culture, history, skills, and experiences that will enrich and strengthen our school environment and add value to the content they are learning in their classes.
Support for Students:
Emerging Bilingual Student Academy (ESOL Tutoring)
- Learn and practice speaking English
- Homework Help--Assistance with class assignments, late/missing work, and assignment revisions
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 2:30-3:30 pm (Transportation is not provided.)
Where: Freedom High School Media Center
Support for Families:
Emerging Bilingual Family Academy (MPLC)
- Monthly parent information sessions to learn how the education system works in the United States, how to support your student’s learning at Freedom High School to stay on track for graduation, and information on post-secondary options. Other topics are covered as well and will be posted on the flyer that is sent out to families to promote the event.
When: Typically, the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00-7:00 pm.
Where: Freedom High School Media Center
Questions?
Please contact Ms. Yadira Lopez Nieves, ESOL Compliance Specialist, at [email protected].