International students
English for today, confidence for tomorrow
Our English for Speakers of Other Languages program serves international students in kindergarten through grade 12 at every level of English, from a child's first words to advanced multilingual learners preparing for demanding high school coursework.
Students learn English by using it, in real classes with individualized support, while continuing to move forward academically. We don't define an ESOL student by a single label. We look at the whole learner: current English skills, previous schooling, strengths, interests, learning style, confidence, goals, and adjustment to life in the United States. Knowing more than one language is an asset, and our program supports English while respecting each student's identity and home culture.
- GradesKindergarten through grade 12
- LevelsBeginning, developing, intermediate, advanced, and near-proficient learners
- ModelCore-class immersion with individualized English-language and academic support
- DiplomaThe same 24-credit high school diploma, and every graduate has been accepted to a college or university in the United States or abroad
- VisaSEVP-certified; the school issues the Form I-20 for eligible admitted students
- ContactDr.Ricon@KillianOaksAcademy.com, +1 (305) 274-2221, WhatsApp +1 (305) 972-4153
Who the program serves
A student doesn't need to arrive with a particular level of English to be capable of success. Our responsibility is to identify the starting point and build a pathway forward.
Beginning English
Students starting English for the first time, and students who understand some English but need confidence speaking and interacting.
Academic language
Students who communicate socially but need support with academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, grammar, or listening.
Ready for more
Students ready for mainstream or advanced courses who benefit from continued English-language guidance in selected subjects.
New to an American school
Students transitioning from an international curriculum, or preparing for an American diploma and college in the United States or abroad.
Placement finds the starting point
During admission we develop a picture of the student's English proficiency, academic background, school history, interests, and goals.
We use conversation, records, grade-level work samples, teacher observation, and curriculum-based measures. Placement guides instruction and support. It doesn't reduce a student to a score, and it isn't permanent. A student may progress quickly in speaking while needing more time in academic writing, or read at a high level while still developing listening comprehension, and support is adjusted as the student's profile changes.
What students learn
- ListeningFollowing instruction, identifying key ideas, interpreting tone and detail, taking part in conversations
- SpeakingConfidence, pronunciation, vocabulary, fluency, discussion, presentations, self-advocacy
- ReadingPhonics when needed, fluency, comprehension, inference, informational text, literature
- WritingSentences, grammar in context, paragraphs, essays, research writing, editing
- VocabularyThe specialized words of English, mathematics, science, social studies, and electives
- ClassroomSchool routines, collaborative learning, and communication in an American school
Immersion in core classes, with individualized assistance
International students learn English throughout the school day as they engage with teachers, classmates, content, and routines, and core classes give them a real purpose for using it. Customization doesn't mean removing challenge. It means making challenge reachable.
Before and during the lesson
Pre-teaching key vocabulary, breaking complex directions into steps, visual supports and graphic organizers, adapted passages, and additional time for reading, processing, speaking, or writing.
One to one and small group
Small-group or one-to-one language instruction, writing conferences, explicit instruction in sentence, paragraph, and essay development, and oral rehearsal before presentations.
Pacing and materials
Modified pacing, assignments, or course materials when educationally appropriate, and frequent check-ins with more than one way to show understanding.
Support from kindergarten through 12th grade
Elementary
English learning tied to foundational literacy, classroom routines, play, and relationships: everyday classroom language, phonics and fluency as needed, following multi-step directions, speaking in complete sentences, and sentence and paragraph writing.
Middle School
Managing multiple subjects while building academic vocabulary, reading longer texts, organizing multi-paragraph writing, note-taking and study skills, class discussion, and presentations.
High School
An individualized course of study toward the 24-credit diploma while building the English required for credit-bearing coursework, academic reading and analysis, essay writing and research, seminar discussion, and college-level expectations.
Beyond English, and across borders
Learning in another country is an academic transition and a personal one, so our support extends beyond language instruction.
Meaningful relationships with teachers and staff help students feel known, safe asking questions, and comfortable taking the risks language learning requires. International students aren't observers of the school community. They're members of it, and each one brings languages, customs, and perspectives that create curiosity, empathy, and global awareness for every student.
Families can expect a thoughtful introduction to the student's pathway, clear explanations of placement and support, communication about progress and emerging needs, a responsive relationship with school personnel, and a community that respects the family's culture, language, questions, and aspirations. Progress is watched over time and across settings, and support is reduced, shifted, increased, or refocused as the student grows.
Does my child need to be fluent in English?
No. The program is designed for international students across the English-proficiency continuum, including students at the beginning stages of learning English.
How is my child's English level determined?
Through admission information, records, conversation, work samples, observation, and curriculum-based measures. The purpose is the right starting point and level of support.
Will my child take regular academic classes?
Yes. Immersion in core academic learning, with the scaffolds and individualized assistance needed to access it, is central to the program.
Can coursework be adjusted?
Yes. Core classes and electives can be modified in pacing, presentation, language load, scaffolding, sequence, or support while preserving meaningful academic goals.
How long does a student stay in ESOL support?
There's no single timeline. Support changes as proficiency, independence, and academic performance develop. Some students need intensive support in several areas, others targeted help in one or two.
What if my child is advanced in a subject but still learning English?
A student's English level doesn't define academic ability. We plan for subject-area strengths while providing language support where it's needed.
Will my child interact with English-speaking peers?
Yes. Immersion in the school community gives international students authentic opportunities to communicate, collaborate, develop friendships, and use English throughout the day.
International admission and the Form I-20
Killian Oaks provides the Form I-20 for eligible international students who have been accepted and completed the required admission and financial documentation. Requirements vary with the student's age, prior schooling, immigration status, and whether the student is applying from abroad, is already in the United States, or is transferring from another U.S. school.
Application and acceptance
Complete the online application and the online enrollment packet, and take part in the admission review, including a student interview and a parent or guardian interview. After admission is approved, Killian Oaks issues an acceptance letter, and the family submits any required enrollment deposit or fees.
Identity and immigration documents
A copy of the student's birth certificate; a valid passport, including the biographical page; a copy of the current F-1 visa if one has been issued; prior Form I-20 documents if the student has studied in the United States before; the most recent I-94 record if the student is currently in the United States; and SEVIS transfer or release documentation when transferring from another U.S. school.
Academic records
Official high school transcripts when applicable, signed and sealed; official middle school or eighth-grade transcripts when applicable; the most recent report card; and certified English translations for any records not issued in English.
Health and student information
Health and immunization forms from the student's country of origin, U.S. health and immunization records when applicable, emergency contact information, and U.S. guardian or custodian contact information for a minor student when applicable.
Financial documentation
Financial records showing sufficient funds for tuition, fees, and living expenses, such as recent bank statements or an official bank letter; a sponsor letter or affidavit of support when someone other than the parent or student will provide it; and the sponsor's identification and relationship to the student when applicable.
Form I-20 and F-1 preparation
Once the student has been accepted and the school has the documentation required for I-20 processing, Killian Oaks issues the Form I-20. The student then uses it in the SEVIS and F-1 visa application process, paying the I-901 SEVIS fee and, for students applying abroad, following the instructions of the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate, including a visa interview when required. Students transferring from another U.S. school may need to coordinate the release of their SEVIS record first.
The Form I-20 and the F-1 visa are two different documents. Killian Oaks Academy issues the Form I-20 to eligible admitted students. A U.S. Embassy or Consulate considers the visa application and decides whether to issue the F-1 visa. Receiving a Form I-20 doesn't guarantee visa approval. International applications involve documents from schools, banks, health providers, and government agencies in more than one country, so begin gathering records early, confirm that names and dates match across documents, and arrange certified English translations where needed.
International students pay the same tuition as every Killian Oaks student by grade band, $32,000 for kindergarten through 4th, $34,000 for 5th through 7th, and $36,000 for 8th through 12th, paid in full for the year before the I-20 is issued, plus the standard fees. Tuition and fees.
We'd love to meet your child
The best way to know whether Killian Oaks is right for your child is to walk the campus on a school day, watch a lesson, and talk with the people who would teach them. Tell us your child's grade and we'll set a time.