It has become increasingly apparent that our nation is growing more diverse each year. Research indicates that it takes English Learners (ELs) between five to seven or even ten years to catch up to the academic English language proficiency of a native speaker. Students who enroll in Birmingham Public Schools at any grade level with limited or no English language skills find the support they need to succeed. Currently, students speaking over 40 different languages are serviced in our English as a Second Language (ESL) Program.

Learn more through our BPS ESL Program Brochure (Revised June 2017)

ESL Programming 

Elementary School (Grades K-5)
At the elementary level, we have two magnet centers. Students at the basic or at the low-intermediate level can attend West Maple Elementary ESL Magnet Center or Pierce Elementary ESL Magnet Center depending on where they live. At the centers, students receive daily intensive English instruction, five days per week, and then they spend the rest of the day in mainstream classrooms. Students may choose to return to their neighborhood school when exited from the ESL Magnet Center program. Students with high-intermediate English proficiency or above may receive coordinated support services based on recommendations from progress monitoring.

Pierce Elementary ESL Center

West Maple Elementary ESL Center

Middle School (Grades 6-8)
At the middle school level, the magnet center is located at Berkshire Middle School. The ESL magnet program offers three levels of instruction plus a tutorial class. Students are enrolled in classes according to their proficiency levels. Students with high-intermediate English proficiency or above may receive coordinated support services based on recommendations from progress monitoring.

Berkshire Middle School ESL

High School (Grades 9-12)
Three levels of ESL classes are available for both Groves High School and Seaholm High School students. These ESL classes are conducted at Seaholm High School and students receive instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are enrolled according to their English proficiency levels and receive English credit.

High School ESL (Groves and Seaholm)

Find additional information through the links below.

BPS Title III Program Overview (Revised 3/2015)
Annual Review of Title III Program (Revised 3/2015)
Why ESL Services for EL Students? (Revised 11/2014)
BPS ESL Program Brochure (Revised June 2017)

Questions and inquiries can be directed to bpsesl@birmingham.k12.mi.us

The BPS ESL program is part of Birmingham Public Schools, a public school district in Michigan serving students from kindergarten through grade 12.  If you are interested in ESL classes for adults, please contact Birmingham Community Education at http://www.communityed.net/