English Immersion with Support (EIS) Program

For international students whose English is not yet strong enough for a full college- preparatory course load, a comprehensive English Immersion with Support (EIS) Program is available. Depending on their previous coursework and English proficiency, students enter the program at either 9th or 10th grade and are immersed in mainstream classes for credit and cross-curricular support classes for English language and content-specific instruction. There are limited options available for entering 11th and 12th graders as English language learners.

Villanova enjoys a culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse student body. International students bring an exciting and enriching dimension to any educational community. English language learning is a top priority at Villanova. Villanova's English as a Second Language Program is premised on two important principles: immersion and individualization.

Prior to admission, international students are evaluated using a combination of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of Written English (TWE), and their academic history to determine their potential placement. All applicants are required to take the MDPT, University of California math placement test prior to arrival to the school. In order to meet individual needs and promote successful outcomes, student progress is carefully monitored by the EIS Program Coordinator. Students may be "exempted" from the EIS Program when they meet a variety of criteria to determine their English proficiency.

The criteria for exiting the EIS Program are:
A score of 525 or higher on the Villanova institutional TOEFL
A score of 4.5 or higher on the Villanova-administered TWE
Above-average grades in all academic subjects
Evidence of effective use of spoken English
Approval of the ESL Coordinator and the Assistant Headmaster for Academics