All EMLs at Mastery participate in English language development programs, which include English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Students in ESL classes are taught social and instructional language in tandem with the academic language of language arts, math, science, and social studies. ESL teachers work closely with EMLs to build language capacity and increase English proficiency to ensure access to grade-level content and enable students to transition successfully to 100% mainstream instruction.

Program focus

• English proficiency
• Access to grade-level content
• Successful transition to mainstream instruction

Where instruction happens

• In the mainstream classroom via co-teaching between the content ESL teachers
• Outside of the classroom with an ESL teacher in either a whole class or small group setting
• In an additional period of sheltered language arts instruction with an ESL teacher (For newcomer EMLs only)

Eligibility 

• English language development programming is available to all EMLs.

Learn more and enroll your student

• EMLs are identified in accordance with PDE and NJDOE identification policies, triggered by Home Language Survey responses as part of the school application process.
• Parents do not need to request ESL services. Instead, they will be notified of their student’s eligibility.  
• For additional information or questions, please contact Frances Nunez ([email protected]).

Mastery Schools of Camden offers two types of bilingual programming. These offerings, aligned with the latest research in bilingual instruction, offer content instruction in English and Spanish and are designed to support students in attaining bilingualism and biliteracy alongside grade-level academic achievement. All EMLs receive ESL as one component of the bilingual program model.

Learn more about the benefits of bilingualism

 

Sheltered Instruction with Bilingual Resource Program 

Sheltered instruction with bilingual resource programming leverages evidence-based practices and native language support to make grade-level content more accessible for EMLs and enables students to achieve the English proficiency and content area knowledge needed to transition successfully to mainstream instruction while maintaining native language function. 

Program focus

• English proficiency
• Native language maintenance 
• Access to grade-level content
• Successful transition to 100% mainstream instruction

Where instruction happens

• In English-instructed content area classrooms with support from sheltered instruction-trained teachers
• In Spanish language arts classes with bilingual teachers

Eligibility 

• Sheltered instruction with bilingual resource programming is available to all EMLs in Camden whose home language is Spanish.

Learn more and enroll your student

• EMLs are identified in accordance with PDE and NJDOE identification policies, triggered by Home Language Survey responses as part of the school application process. 
• Parents do not need to request this service. Instead, they will be notified of their student’s eligibility.  
• For additional information or questions, please contact Frances Nunez ([email protected]).

 

Dual-language, One-Way Immersion Programs 

In the fall of 2024, Mastery Schools of Camden will expand its bilingual offerings for students. Building on the success of an existing bilingual program at Molina Elementary, one-way dual language immersion programs will be launched at Cramer Hill Elementary (K-8), McGraw Elementary (K-4), and Molina Elementary (K-8) for incoming EML kindergarten students. Enrolled students will receive academic instruction in both English and Spanish to become bilingual and biliterate learners.

Program focus

• Bilingualism and biliteracy
• High student achievement in English and Spanish over time
• Increased marketability for students after graduation 
• Cultural and community connection

Where instruction happens

• In a bilingual classroom with a bilingual teacher

Eligibility 

• Incoming kindergartners in Camden who identify as EMLs and whose home language is Spanish are eligible to enroll in dual-language, one-way immersion programs at Cramer Hill Elementary, McGraw Elementary, and Molina Elementary. 
• Where space allows, Spanish Heritage language speakers whose English proficiency is on par with native English speakers will also be eligible for this offering. 

Learn more and enroll your student

• If you’re interested in learning more about these programs and our plans to expand offerings each year to support students as they advance through their K-12 education, please complete this form, and a member of our team will reach out to share more information.