The ESOL program within Leon County Schools (LCS) is guided by state laws in alignment with the Consent Decree, which provides the legal framework for delivering services to students who speak languages other than English. Students are identified for the program upon registering at their zoned school and after undergoing an initial screening through an English proficiency test.

LCS serves approximately 1,800 English Language Learners (ELLs), with students speaking around 70 different languages. The predominant languages include Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. The district employs an inclusion model that integrates ELL students into regular classes, where teachers have received ESOL training. The progress of each ELL student is closely monitored by an ESOL administrator and coordinator.

Each school has an ELL Committee that addresses and resolves issues as students adapt to a new language and culture. Parents can request a meeting with the ELL Committee at any time and are actively involved in all aspects of the process. ELL students' progress towards English proficiency is assessed annually using the state-wide standardized proficiency test known as ACCESS for ELLs.

Community and parent support is highly valued. Please contact your school for opportunities to get involved.

Michele Prescott, Director

ESOL, MTSS and School Improvement  
michele.prescott@leonschools.net