Eureka Adult School ESL

A sense of community and shared responsibility for the success of its students makes Eureka Adult School's ESL program unique, creative, and vital to the adult school, district and community—and notable as a Program of Excellence.

Each student in the program interacts with the full staff team of secretaries, counselors, instructors, custodians, and administration.  All students are valued and welcomed into the Eureka Adult School family. And the school does its best to respond to student needs.

The first child-friendly classroom was such a success that within six months, all ESL classrooms were transformed to accommodate children. Although parents are responsible for their children, babies can often be seen in the arms or laps of students who are not their parents. And older children help the younger ones by reading stories, so that everyone is learning English together.
In another community-building effort, Eureka Adult School shares a campus with an alternative middle school, and once a week those students join the ESL classrooms to participate in a mentor program that is a win-win for both programs and all students. The young students experience what it’s like to be teachers for a day, while the adult students enjoy the high energy and youthful point of view that the middle schoolers bring to the classroom.

Several additional features distinguish this ESL program: Technology is a clear priority. Its ESL classrooms were the first to be equipped with an interactive smart board—technology that teachers embraced, and students are excited to use.
Teachers use multiple teaching methods, and all lessons are interactive. Students are involved in their learning and can track their progress as they move from beginning to intermediate and advanced classes.

Guest speakers are common in the classroom. Community members, politicians, social service agency representatives, labor force personnel, district employees, and educational leaders in the community are invited to participate, thereby reinforcing the EL Civics curriculum. Likewise, frequent field trips help students become active community members and employees.       

Three years ago, Eureka Adult School worked with the community and district to develop a campus Newcomer Center. There, new arrivals are offered resource and referral to community agencies that provide housing, medical assistance, employment, and education. Families may register their children for school through the Newcomer Center, and bilingual staff attends district functions including Back-to-School nights. Many of the ESL students are the parents of district children, and Eureka Adult School encourages parental involvement in the school system to foster their children’s success.

Eureka Adult School’s ESL program is the work of a creative, flexible, dedicated and caring team that will continue to ensure the success of its students and the program. For more information, contact Eureka Adult School, at 707-822-1731.