ABOUT PROGRAM
This highly regarded five-week English Language Learning (ELL) immersion program is an exciting boarding experience for girls and boys ages 10-15. Students learn English in a way that introduces them to different cultures and intercultural experiences, and they leave the program with greatly improved skill in conversational and academic speaking, listening, writing, and reading English.
The program is a unique combination of academics, camp experiences, and travel to fun destinations, all with the support of caring staff who have been leading and loving this program for years. Students attend classes during the morning, use language in a variety of enrichment projects in the afternoon, play together in the pool and athletic fields, travel around the northeast region of the United States, and learn to work and live in a global community.
The academic objective of the Summer ELL program is to make the learning of English language skills a positive and valuable experience for each student. In order to accomplish this goal, Fessenden’s summer teachers create individualized learning goals for each student that can be accomplished in a small group setting (7-8 children).
All of the classes at Fessenden emphasize the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar.
On weekday afternoons, Summer ELL participate in a variety of active and creative enrichment programs designed to develop their social language skills.
CAMPUS
The 41-acre Fessenden campus quickly becomes a home away from home for our English Explorers. Boys and girls live in separate dormitories with roommates from different countries. Each dorm averages between 12 and 14 students. They live with experienced dorm parents who are often also teachers and enrichment staff.
English Explorers share their meals together in the Dining Room, and the homemade food prepared by Fessenden’s fantastic chefs serves as a great chance for students to sit with their summer families and talk about the day. There are always main courses and sides, and a salad bar alternative at every meal.
Students have a campus worth of activities available to them during their free time. The campus includes tennis courts, playing fields, swimming pools, gymnasiums, computer labs, as well as our Performing Arts Center.
