Our program gives students the opportunity to learn and practice their English skills over the course of a summer with their peers, including native English speakers.
English Language Institute Program Details
Our ELI session provides maximum opportunity for students to learn and practice their English skills. Students of all levels - beginning to advanced - are accepted and placed in classes designed to meet their individual needs.
Elementary (4-week)
This program, offered on our lower school campus, provides a dynamic and age-appropriate learning environment. Leveled instruction and a stimulating curriculum combine to develop a variety of language and social skills. Beginner and intermediate instruction is provided to match the skill levels of our youngest learners.
English classes meet Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The classroom environment and teaching methodology is age- and ability-level appropriate and takes advantage of the on-campus resources like the library, use of chromebooks and iPads, playgrounds, etc. Students are evaluated and placed in levels that best suit their ages and skill levels.
Secondary (4-Week)
This program offers multiple levels of academic instruction on our middle school campus. Classes are designed for international students ages 11-16 to develop a variety of language skills in a challenging and stimulating learning environment. Students are evaluated and placed according to their skill levels.
Beginner/Intermediate Preparation
- Classes meet Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Students work in small groups using a comprehensive curriculum designed to match instruction to their individual needs and English ability. All levels focus on reading, writing and speaking skills. Lessons are designed to promote improvement and encourage confidence in all areas of English. Homework is assigned as appropriate for practice and reinforcement outside the classroom.
Intermediate/Advanced Preparation
This level offers instruction for international students who possess intermediate/advanced English skills. Students in this program will follow a comprehensive curriculum with the focus on advanced mastery of writing, comprehension and oral presentation. Students will be tested upon arrival to be placed in the intermediate/advanced level.
- Classes meet from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with homework time and additional teacher assistance provided between 3:30-5 p.m. as needed.
- Native “conversation partners” are part of the advanced classroom so that advanced international students can engage in academic discourse about their writing and language projects with current Harker students.
English Language Institute 2-Week Camp
Elementary Program @ the Lower School Campus
- 8:30-11:30 a.m.: Morning English Lesson
- 11:30-12:10 p.m.: Summer Lunch
- 12:10-5 p.m.: Afternoon Activity Program
Our two-week programs will aid non-native English speakers who do not have a fluent grasp of the language. Students will work to reinforce speaking, reading and writing English. Children will have an academic morning with English learning and an activity-based afternoon. In the afternoon activity program, the ELI campers will join the Camp PLUS program to enjoy an immersive experience with native English speakers. They will attend local field trips and rotate through our recreational programs.
Each two-week program will have different themes, allowing for flexibility when registering. You will have the opportunity to register for one or both sessions with no repeat of curriculum.
(This program is not designed to replace our four-week English Language Institute as it is not an intensive program and there is no projected outcome as with the four-week program.)
Secondary Program @ the Middle School Campus
- 8:25-11:30 a.m.: Morning English Lesson
- 11:30-12:10 p.m.: Summer Lunch
- 12:15-3:30p.m.: Afternoon Class
- 4-5:00p.m.: Enrichment Activities
Our two-week programs will aid non-native English speakers who do not have a fluent grasp of the language. Students will work to reinforce speaking, reading and writing English. Students will have an academic morning and afternoon with collaborative learning and various projects to help learn the English language. Furthermore, in the afternoon, students will have an opportunity to join local students to enjoy a variety of enrichment activities which will reinforce and practice the language skills learned in the classroom.
Each two-week program will have different themes, allowing for flexibility when registering. You will have the opportunity to register for one or both sessions with no repeat of curriculum.
(This program is not designed to replace our four-week English Language Institute as it is not an intensive program and there is no projected outcome as with the four-week program.)
VIP Tour Week
For the VIP Tour, learning hits the road. Our students will travel to amazing places full of irresistible fun and memorable adventures. This year’s destinations have been carefully chosen to deepen cultural knowledge, experience the Bay Area, forge closer relationships with peers, and most importantly, provide enormous opportunity for continued English language development.
Each day’s adventure will explore another part of the vibrant Bay Area, including visits to top universities. Centered as we are in the heart of Silicon Valley, no VIP Tour is complete without visits to some of the world’s biggest technology companies. Learning insights from experts in a variety of businesses might inspire the next superstar entrepreneur.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Alcatraz | Stanford tour | Zoom tour | Marin Headlands | Monterey Bay Aquarium |
| Golden Gate Bridge | HyperSpace arcade | Intel Museum | Academy of Sciences | Cannery Row |
| Apple Park | escape room | |||
| bowling & pizza |
Recreational Activities
After a full day of instruction, students on both campuses will join the regular summer activity program for a recreational period from 3:30-5 p.m. During this time they will make new friends, practice their English with native speakers, learn and play traditional American games, and just have fun! Casual and friendly interactions will provide additional confidence and opportunities for continued oral English practice.
Recreational options include swimming, basketball, soccer, dance, arts and crafts and much more!
- Advanced learners in the Secondary Program have the option to add an additional study period during recreation time.
- Elementary students have an additional recreation period after lunch each day to mix with native speakers, practice their English skills outside of the classroom and enjoy the summer activities offered.
Cultural Adventures
Students will travel to local places of interest to learn about several California sites, enjoy typical American summer adventures and have a great time. These trips will be worked into the curriculum and students will use their off-site experiences to create written and verbal projects that will be presented during the session. Places of interest include Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Tech Museum and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.