The Harker School has earned a worldwide reputation for being among the finest schools in the United States. Students from the Silicon Valley and beyond participate in our intensive academic programs and are well-prepared to go on to the best schools in the nation. Each summer, Harker offers special programs for international students interested in improving their English speaking and writing abilities. International students often attend Harker's English Language Institute to prepare for an American boarding school or an international school.

Our program offers a five-week intensive session that 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 a class designed to meet their individual needs.

Students will follow a specific course of study designed by their teachers to continue their development of reading, writing and speaking. At the end of the session all ELI students will receive an English proficiency certificate based on academic performance and progress. A comprehensive teacher report and testing evaluation is also provided to all students

Program Features:

• Program open to boys and girls ages 6-16
• Day-only program
• Family accommodation information provided
• I-20s issued by school
• Small class size
• Instruction appropriate for all levels
• Advanced skills training and test preparation for U.S. high school entrance

ELEMENTARY DIVISION (ages 6- 11)

This program, offered on our lower school campus, provides a dynamic and age-appropriate learning environment for younger students. Through leveled instruction and a stimulating curriculum, a variety of meaningful language and social skills are developed.

Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Preparation

Students receive specialized instruction and focus on oral fluency, listening, reading and writing skills. The classroom environment and teaching methodology is age- and level-appropriate and takes advantage of many on-campus resources such as the library, computer labs, music room, art room and playgrounds. Students are evaluated and placed into levels that best suit their needs.

SECONDARY DIVISION (ages 12 -16)

Beginner/Intermediate

Students work in small groups following a curriculum designed to match instruction to individual needs and English ability. Lessons are engaging, interactive and carefully designed to instill confidence and promote improvement in reading, writing, listening and speaking. No prior English experience is necessary for our beginner level.

Advanced Preparation

Students who possess advanced English skills will develop mastery of writing, comprehension and oral presentation. Native “conversation partners” are part of the advanced classroom, where students can engage in academic discussions about their writing and language projects, work on their homework and receive assistance as needed. Our unique High School Preparation feature introduces SSAT/TOEFL test preparation, U.S. history, admissions counseling, study skills and additional writing practice.

Recreational Options (3:30-5 p.m.)

After a full day of instruction, students will interact with the regular summer activity program participants. During this time they will make new friends, practice their English with native speakers, learn and play traditional American games and engage in additional study sessions.

Recreational activities are an important component of our program as students gain opportunities to practice speaking through casual and friendly interactions. Recreational options are extensive and can include swimming, basketball, rock climbing, soccer, dance, arts and much more! Recreation programs are optional for our advanced learners.

A rich curriculum includes cultural excursions to support the classroom learning and provides extensive opportunities for off-campus English practice. Cultural excursions may include:

• San Francisco
• Science museum 
• Tech Museum of Innovation
• San Jose historical tour
• Santa Cruz Natural Bridges
• Big Basin giant redwoods
• Happy Hollow Zoo

VIP TOUR

The VIP Tour is six additional days of cultural and academic experiences at the conclusion of our five-week program. Students will enhance their understanding of American culture as they travel to destinations that will elevate historical awareness, deepen cultural knowledge, and forge closer relationships with peers and teachers. Most importantly, the VIP Tour provides enormous opportunity for continued English language development as a specially designed instructional component will focus on conversation, developing vocabulary and writing tasks. 

• Professional baseball game
• Big trees hiking
• Silicon Valley companies (Google, Facebook, Apple, eBay, etc.)
• Outdoor Adventures
• Bay Area universities (Stanford, University of California, Berkeley)
• Overnight in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
• Bay Area high school boarding school tour
• Jelly Belly factory 
• Whale watching 
• Great America Theme Park