Students of the 21st century will live in and contribute to an increasingly diverse society and an international community of interdependent nations. To realize their personal, social, and career goals, students must be able to communicate effectively with others. Palmer Trinity School seeks to prepare its students for life in this newly emerging world, including those learners who enter the school as speakers of a language other than English. Palmer Trinity regards students who are bilingual and who have a good understanding of different cultures as invaluable assets to the school and the nation. Its international student body provides both an exciting educational challenge and the opportunity to maintain and enhance the school’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. In addition, its bilingual graduates allow the nation to thrive in the global marketplace, maintain its security in a changing and volatile world, and come to a better understanding of the complex cultural heritages that define the human community. The program recognizes that ESOL learners must acquire an additional language and culture. They must be able to use English to accomplish their academic, personal and social goals with the same proficiency as native speakers of English. ESOL students need to be able to use spoken and written English both to acquire academic content and to demonstrate what they have learned. Palmer Trinity works to ensure that its quality educational experiences and services are made fully accessible to all ESOL students. The school recognizes that language learning takes time, generally 5-7 years, and that subject matter learning cannot be deferred until students have demonstrated a mastery of English. In order to facilitate English language acquisition and continue academic growth across the curriculum, PTS offers a comprehensive ESOL program that includes both English language arts and sheltered content courses. The program provides its students with challenging curricula that use appropriate instructional practices and assessment measures; moreover, the school cherishes the inclusion of English language learners in all school activities and encourages their full participation in the life of the school. Accomplished and professional ESOL teachers, in conjunction with other educational specialists and resources, ensure that students in the program receive the challenge, support, and guidance necessary to enjoy academic success and personal growth.