• Students expand verbal, written, and reading English skills through the contextual use of English within the learning environment. English is presented as a channel through which other learning (math, science, literature, etc) occurs, instead of a end in itself. As a result, students connect linguistic skills with real-world contexts for more natural and successful language development. • The English program emphasizes developing students into independent learners. Independent learners connect classroom experiences with the real world, show initiative in solving new problems with the resources of their existing knowledge, and develop an awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. Our classroom environment develops independent learners by promoting critical thinking skills, offering discussion opportunities, and rewarding self initiative. • Integrated language learning occurs with a native English speaking classroom teacher throughout the day. Because students spend extensive time with the same classroom teacher every day, connections are made between new words learned across all disciplines. Also, students feel more comfortable experimenting with conversational English with their teacher throughout the day.