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 highly 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, intermediate and advanced 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, computer labs, playgrounds, etc. Students are evaluated and placed in levels that best suit their ages and skill levels.
Advanced elementary students may be incorporated into classes with native students for a portion of the day to develop confidence and advanced skills in English.
Secondary (4-Week)
This program offers multiple levels of academic instruction on our middle school campus. Classes are designed for international students ages 10-16 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.
Advanced Preparation
This level offers instruction for international students who possess 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 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.
- The Advanced Preparation class includes additional instruction designed to prepare students for enrollment in an American high school. SSAT and TOEFL test preparation, essay writing, high level vocabulary and oral fluency are stressed.
English Language Institute 2-Week Camp
- 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 Camp 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, two or all three of the 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 elevate historical awareness, deepen cultural knowledge, forge closer relationships with peers, and, most importantly, provide enormous opportunity for continued English language development.
Each day’s adventure is designed to be an engaging learning experience. Students will read, write and speak about their trips, learn new vocabulary and encounter daily challenges, allowing them the opportunity to use English in real-life situations.
Older students interested in American boarding schools or universities will have the opportunity for special side-trips to visit some of the very best private high schools and universities. Harker alumni will offer guided tours with unique insights into applying, attending and being successful at school in America.
Furthermore, 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.
Tentative Schedule for VIP Tour Coming Soon
| Sunday, Aug. 12 | San Francisco and professional baseball game with stadium tour |
| Monday, Aug. 13 | Santa Cruz and private whale watching tour |
| Tuesday, Aug. 14 | Tech tour and Great America theme park |
| Wednesday, Aug. 15 | UC Berkeley campus tour and Jelly Belly Tour (depart for overnight*) |
| Thursday, Aug. 16 | Whitewater rafting, ropes course adventure and campfire (overnight*) |
| Friday, Aug. 17 | Cultural activities and gold mine/caverns tour (return from overnight*) |
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.