At Achievement House Cyber Charter School, we believe that every student deserves access to a rigorous and supportive education – regardless of their background or first language. For non-native English-speaking students, learning in a new language can feel overwhelming. That’s why our English Language Development (ELD) program is designed to provide the tools, confidence, and personalized support online ESL students need to thrive academically and socially.

Through live instruction, individualized mentoring, and a flexible online learning environment, our ELD program ensures students not only meet academic standards but also gain the language proficiency needed for higher education, careers, and life after graduation.

What Is the English Language Development Program?

English Language Development is an instructional program specifically designed for English learners. The goal is to help students build proficiency in the four foundational areas of language: reading, speaking, writing, and listening.

At Achievement House, ELD courses are taught by certified English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers who specialize in language acquisition strategies. These teachers create an encouraging and supportive environment where students can practice language skills while engaging with real-world concepts and academic content.

The ELD program isn’t just about learning English – it’s about ensuring students are prepared to succeed in all their classes, graduate with confidence, and pursue opportunities beyond high school.

How ESL Students Are Placed in the Program

Proper placement is key to student success in the ELD program. Upon enrollment at Achievement House, student records are carefully reviewed for indicators of English learner status. If needed, students take the WIDA Screener, an in-person assessment that determines their current level of English proficiency.

Based on their WIDA scores, online ESL students are placed into the appropriate ELD course that matches their skill level. Each course is carefully designed to incorporate scaffolding, conversation practice, and writing activities that align with the student’s current stage in their language journey.

Placement is not static. Students receive ongoing support and are re-evaluated annually through the WIDA ACCESS test, which measures growth and determines when online ESL students are ready to advance to the next level or exit the program.

Levels of Support: Meeting ESL Students Where They Are

Our ELD program provides four structured levels of support to meet online ESL students exactly where they are in their learning journey:

• Newcomer English Learners (NEL): Brand-new English learners focus on foundational skills, including basic vocabulary, everyday communication, and classroom readiness.
• Beginning English Learners (BEL): Levels 1-2 students are in the early stages of language acquisition. Instruction emphasizes building sentences, comprehension, and confidence in everyday communication.
• Intermediate English Learners (IEL): Levels 3-4 students expand their language proficiency, developing stronger reading comprehension, essay writing skills, and engaging in more complex conversations.
• Advanced English Learners (AEL): Level 5 students are preparing for complete fluency, working on advanced writing, academic vocabulary, and critical thinking in English.

Progression is determined by yearly WIDA ACCESS test scores, and online ESL high school students earn full academic credit toward graduation for their ELD courses.

Online ESL Support Beyond the Classroom

At Achievement House, language development doesn’t stop at the end of a class session. Our online ESL teachers work closely with general education teachers to ensure that students receive support across all subjects. Teachers balance flexibility with accountability, helping online ESL students meet coursework expectations while providing extra assistance when needed.

Some of the additional support offered at Achievement House includes:

• Bilingual mentors for Spanish-speaking students, with interpreter services for other families.
• One-on-one help sessions to reinforce learning.
• Family communication and support so parents feel engaged in their child’s progress.

The flexibility of a cyber charter school also allows online ESL students to balance school with other responsibilities, including family obligations, work, or personal challenges.

Success Outcomes for Online ESL Students

The ELD program at Achievement House equips online ESL students with the confidence and skills they need to succeed – not just in school, but in life.

• Academic Success: Students develop strong reading, writing, and communication skills that support them in all subjects.
• Fluency and Confidence: By practicing in real-world contexts, students gain confidence in expressing themselves clearly in English.
• Preparation for the Future: Language skills prepare students for higher education, career opportunities, and everyday life.
• Cultural Inclusion: While English proficiency is the primary focus, the program also values and respects home languages and cultures. This helps online ESL students see bilingualism as an asset that strengthens their futures.

Every year, online ESL students in the program demonstrate measurable growth on the WIDA ACCESS test, and many students transition successfully out of the program, ready to tackle college, careers, and community life.

ELD Program Opens Doors for Online ESL Students

The English Language Development program at Achievement House Cyber Charter School is more than an academic requirement – it’s a lifeline of support for students building their futures in a new language. By meeting students where they are, providing personalized support, and valuing cultural identity, AHCCS empowers English learners to thrive academically and socially.

If you’re looking for a public cyber charter school in Pennsylvania that provides dedicated ESL support, we invite you to enroll now and learn more about Achievement House and our commitment to student success.