English Language Acquisition (ELA) Programs
ESL/Dual Language Programs provide services to English Language Learners and their families. This office coordinates ESL (English as a Second Language) services and Bilingual Education programs. ESL and bilingual staff consists of administrators, resource teachers, classroom teachers, tutors, and paraprofessionals who provide and support instruction at all district schools. The programs also provide services to migrant and refugee students, facilitates ESL and bilingual staff development for educators, and assists classroom teachers in developing ESL/bilingual strategies for teaching English language learners.
For additional information, please see our program brochures in English, Spanish, Russian, Viet Namese, Chinese, Arabic and Karen.
Jeffco's English Language Acquisition Program provides two methods of instruction for English language learners: English as a Second Language (ESL) and Bilingual Education. The goal of both methods is to provide English language learners with the English language skills they need to meaningfully participate in the District’s regular mainstream classes.
All elementary schools offer ESL programs. ESL methodology includes instruction in English oral language development, reading and writing. Instruction focuses on language and literacy skills essential for English language learners to attain grade-level competencies and meet challenging state academic standards.
Bilingual Education Programs: In schools offering Bilingual Education programs, parents have the option of their children participating in either the Bilingual Education or the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. At Edgewater, Lumberg and Stein, Bilingual Education includes Spanish literacy instruction for native Spanish speakers with concurrent English language development instruction. Students develop literacy skills in both English and Spanish and then transition to classrooms where English is the primary language of instruction.
Dual Language Programs: Eiber offers native Spanish-speaking students the opportunity to receive both English and Spanish literacy instruction through 6th grade; Foster offers both native English-speaking and native Spanish-speaking students the opportunity to acquire both Spanish and English literacy skills and receive content instruction in both languages through 6th grade.
At the secondary level, English as a Second Language programs exist for all middle school and high school students. The instruction is delivered by the District ESL staff and classroom teachers.
Some high school students have the option of attending the following ESL Center School Programs:
- Arvada High School for students from the following high schools: Arvada, Arvada West and Ralston Valley.
- Bear Creek High School for students from the following high schools: Bear Creek, Chatfield, Columbine, Conifer, Dakota Ridge.
- Lakewood High School for students from the following high schools: Lakewood, Evergreen and Golden.
Day and evening English as a Second Language classes are available to adults ages 17 and over at no cost or a minimal fee. Classes meet 2 semesters. Each semester is 15-16 weeks. Fees include cost of books and materials. Some locations offer instruction on interactive computer programs and basic computer skills are taught at all levels. Pre and post-test assessments are used to measure student progress and guide instruction at all levels. Classes are available at:
Thomson Elementary,
7750 Harlan St.
High beginning and high intermediate classes are 8:45-10:45 a.m., Tuesday-Thursday.
Low beginning and low intermediate classes are 11:10 a.m.-1:10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday. Childcare is available for a fee.
Evening classes are at Arvada High School,
7951 w. 65th Ave.
Classes for all levels are Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Call 303-982-7484 for information in English; 303-982-5221 for information in Spanish.
Catherine Baldwin
Director, ESL/Dual Language Programs
Lisa Conway
Assistant Director, ESL/Dual Language Programs
Christina Bernal-Sati
Assistant Director, ESL/Dual Language Programs
Marcella D' Orazio
Coordinator, ESL/Dual Language Programs
The ESL/Dual Langage Department can be reached at 303-982-6644.
View a list of additional Translation Services staff