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PreCollege English Language Learner (ELL) Portfolio Program

three students in a computer lab, working on a project
Photo Credit: Cheryl Stockton 

Improve your English language skills  through the lens of art and design while you prepare for college 

Join us online to practice and improve your English language skills as you describe, analyze, and critique your creative work and that of others. With a focus on grammar accuracy and the ability to self-edit, the PreCollege ELL Portfolio gives you the tools to build your language skills and confidence before you graduate high school.

The PreCollege ELL Portfolio is designed for non-English high school students with TOEFL scores less than 100. The PreCollege ELL Portfolio Program features two online courses, Written Communication and Oral Communication as well as individual assessments. These courses are designed for high school students ages 15-18 looking to prepare for admission to our in-person PreCollege Programs, to an undergraduate program, or simply to improve their English language skills while creating an English language portfolio that connects to art, design, and architecture. For students 19 and older, please refer to the English Language Support for International Students.

This online program features real-time instruction, and free access to software for remote use. Students will have the opportunity  to work on college essays as well as create and refine their portfolio with the help of instructors and peers. 

Summer 2024 Schedule 

Program DatesJune 3 – July 3, 2024
Class Time8:00PM – 11:00PM ET
Registration DeadlineMay 20, 2024
Withdrawal DeadlineMay 20, 2024
Program Cost$975.00/class
Assessment Cost$97.00/hr
Convenience Fee$35.00/class

Course Descriptions

PreCollege ELL Portfolio: Written Communication

Develop written communication skills and expand your ability to describe, analyze, and critique your own and other’s work while immersed in an art and design setting. Understand diverse approaches to communication in various settings, including studio-based communication. Improve the English of your art/design portfolio for Precollege, college admission, or personal advancement. Learn basic research methods to better perform at a high school or prepare for undergraduate level admission. Focus on grammar accuracy as well as the ability to self-edit. Create a digital portfolio documenting your language learning process.

PreCollege ELL Portfolio: Oral Communication

Enhance your skills at using and understanding spoken English particularly as it relates to art, design, and architecture. Discuss both art/design and academic topics in English; learn how to make a presentation for work, or school; comprehend a variety of lectures and professional talks; and analyze and discuss talks in peer-reviews. The course emphasizes grammar accuracy. Create a digital portfolio documenting your language learning process.

PreCollege ELL Portfolio: Assessment

Gain insights into your language development and readiness for formal English Language proficiency assessments. This 1-hour, one-on-one session with an English Language Instructor is designed to provide students seeking to take formal assessments such as the TOEFL or Cambridge exams with personalized feedback on strengths and areas for improvement in English language proficiency. 

Eligibility Requirements

  •  At least 15 years old and no older than 18 years old before the first day of the program. No exceptions.
  • Students of all levels welcome
  • Self-motivated, responsible, and willing to dive into college-level study with support from faculty.

For more information on our policies and additional resources, please visit our FAQ page or email our team at precollege@pratt.edu

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