Unlike the education systems found in many countries, there is no central, government-directed curriculum or assessment used by all U.S. secondary schools. As a result, our educational systems are highly diverse. There is no single, unified template of required knowledge and skills that will prepare international students for study in American schools.

However, top-level secondary schools and undergraduate programs in the U.S do have an academic culture in common, based on a highly interactive, inquiry-driven approach to learning. In these schools, students are expected to:

    • question the material they study
    • approach complex, interdisciplinary intellectual problems with confidence
    • collaborate effectively with their peers on group projects
    • seek and develop mentoring relationships with their teachers, and
    • communicate what they have learned in a variety of written and spoken formats

To do these things well, international students must go beyond conversational proficiency in English; they need to develop functional fluency, using English as their primary academic language in complex writing and speaking situations. With this fluency comes the confidence to work alongside native speakers of English, and to take an active approach in order to maximize the educational opportunities presented by elite schools.

The IAE program is comprised of six month-long curriculum modules structured around themes of American history and culture. Each module offers differentiated instruction and achievement paths for beginner, intermediate and advanced students. (A student's level placement is determined by pre-admission entrance examinations, previous school records and interviews conducted in English with each applicant.) Each module is also designed to reinforce students' skills within their current level of achievement and advance them to the next level of study.

In order to graduate from the program, a student must successfully complete no less than two month-long curriculum modules at the Intermediate level, and at least one month-long curriculum module at the Advanced level, including development of an independent research project.

A key aspect of the American educational system is student involvement in extracurricular opportunities. Lexington Prep's IAE program encourages enrolled students to make the most of their free time to develop athletic skills, explore areas of personal interest, and become involved in the larger community surrounding our school. Extracurricular opportunities include:

Sports: Recreational Soccer and Basketball are available on our campus. Students may also become involved in these sports on a league level through our relationships with community recreation centers in Lexington and nearby Arlington. Swimming, dance and strength training exercise programs are readily available at the YMCA. Instruction, training and competition for individual sports pursuits (e.g. Tennis, Fencing, Skiing) may be arranged. Please inquire in advance of enrolling at LPS for more information and associated fees.

Community Service Opportunities: We are fortunate to be located in Lexington, a community with a thriving culture of community service through local nonprofit organizations, churches and other community actors. We are happy to arrange relationships for students interested in performing service on behalf of people in need.

Private lessons: Both accomplished longtime students in music and the arts, and students with an interest in exploring new artistic hobbies can take advantage of the ample resources for instruction available in the greater Boston area.

American Studies
At the heart of each module is a core course taken by all students: a daily two-hour seminar focused on intensive interdisciplinary study of core themes in American History and Literature. This course serves to unite all students -- regardless of their current level of language ability -- under a common set of themes for investigation, communication and expression, and provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of American culture. Course requirements reflect the level of academic depth and rigor students will experience in elite education systems in the U.S.

Themes in the American Studies Core Course are explored through seminar-style classroom discussion, extensive background reading, a variety of writing tasks and field trips to historical sites in the Boston area. Each student is challenged with homework, assignments and exams appropriate for their assessed level of English language ability.

Supplemental Courses
Complementing the required common core course are several daily one-hour elective courses, taught exclusively in English by a native speaker. Students are placed into separate classroom groups that correspond to the specific needs of students at each ability level. Courses include:

Vocabulary Development
This course is designed to do more than provide a solid base of English terms, idioms and phrases for general and subject-specific academic use. It enables students to develop their vocabulary dynamically through examination of word origins, roots, thematic word groupings and historical influences on the English Language. Our emphasis is on mastery of usage, connotation and context in addition to word/phrase recognition. Assessments include quizzes, short writing assignments and shorter research projects.

Academic Speaking and Listening Skills
This course gives students the opportunity to practice using English as both speakers and listeners. We explore the ways English is used in the public arena and the classroom through structured class question-and-answer sessions, discussion of current events, dramatic literary readings and recitations, role-playing scenarios, and student-led symposiums on issues of their choice. Assessments in this course are predominantly based on oral performance in formal and informal situations.

Writing Structures, Grammar and Mechanics
This course examines the many modes of writing in English for academic purposes. Structural formats covered include personal response, argumentative essay and basic research papers. We also cover grammar, punctuation and other mechanics issues encountered in writing -- from reviewing basic sentence structures (beginner level) to the finer points of English syntax, usage and source documentation (advanced level). Assessments include quizzes, short writing assignments and occasional papers (linked with work in the American Studies course).

Formal and Public Speaking Skills
This course complements the work done in Academic Speaking and Listening Skills by providing individual students with formal opportunities to present research, respond to critique and lead follow-up discussions in areas of personal interest. Our "workshop" format enables students to receive feedback from teachers and peers. Assessments in this area (both oral and written) are meant to guide students to successful completion of a public speaking presentation of their independent research project, required for graduation from the program.

Independent Project Development
This course places students nearing completion of the intermediate level in a one-on-one relationship with a member of the LPS faculty and, where appropriate, an outside mentor (an adult professional working in a specific field relevant to the student's research interest). Guided by the teacher, the student conducts initial research, reviews options for further investigation and then develops a research plan with the goal of an independent research project paper. The research paper will ultimately be presented formally to an audience of peers, teachers and interested members of the community. Completed in the student's final Advanced level term, this course is designed to serve as the capstone of individual learning and achievements while at LPS. The research project will be reviewed and graded by no less than two faculty members and one outside community member.

SAT WITH ENGLISH LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT
Designed for international students who have significant experience studying English and are conversationally proficient, our SAT Prep and English Language Improvement Program focuses on preparing students to take the SAT, a test of aptitude that is usually required for applications to US colleges and universities, while they improve their ability to read and write in English. Students learn about the structure of the SAT, in particular, expectations for its critical reading and essay writing derived from American educational practices. Vocabulary, Grammar, Essay Writing and Critical Reading classes are designed to both address SAT-specific areas of knowledge, and include more generalized instruction in areas of difficulty common to many English second-language readers and writers.

Students in this course also have the opportunity to develop their speaking, reading and writing skills beyond how they are measured through standardized tests. Topics of special interest to international students, such as current world affairs, diverse cultural practices, and differences in national educational systems provide ample opportunity for discussion-based inquiry, advanced academic reading and essay writing. A public speaking class gives students the opportunity to pursue research in an area of personal interest and formally present their findings to their peers and teachers.

SAT FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS
The Advanced SAT summer program is our highest-level summer academic program. Organized around rigorous preparation for the SAT, the course consists of far more than vocabulary and grammar drills or practice of test-taking strategies. Students engage in advanced critical reading, argumentative academic writing, group problem solving, guided research and public speaking classes. These activities enhance their test-taking skills in the short term, benefit them in their academic work in high school, and equip them with tools they will need for success in college. Discussion-based classes are structured to provide ample opportunities for students to lead inquiry into topics of academic interest, to develop and argue points of view, and to work together devising solutions to complex problems.

Please note that in order to work successfully in the Advanced SAT Prep Program, students must give evidence of high-level proficiency in reading and writing English. We reserve the right to counsel applicants toward the combined SAT Prep/English Improvement Program if their proficiency level indicates that this is the best fit for their needs.

    • 10 students or fewer in class
    • Private tutoring is also available
    • One full SAT practice test each week and daily quizzes
    • One college tour each week, including Harvard University, MIT, Brown University and Boston University
    • One excursion each week to Canobie Lake Park, Beach and Natick Mall
    • 140 instructional and test hours for 4 weeks of intensive SAT Math and English study
            • English SAT
              Writing and grammar skills
              Critical reading skills
              Vocabulary
            • Math SAT
              Intensive skill development
              How to answer word and logic problems
              How to recognize SAT traps

INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM
For students with some experience studying English and beginning conversational, reading and writing skills, our Intensive English Language program offers six hours per day of instruction in classes of ten students or fewer. Our teachers encourage development of conversational skills through structured speaking activities and build vocabulary through thematic readings. They also introduce and provide activities that develop fundamental points of grammar, spelling and mechanics for emerging writers. Because of our small class size, the individual needs of each student are taken into account, and instruction can be customized to meet their needs, such as providing more advanced students with opportunities to research topics of interest and give formal presentations in English.

Learning English in the classroom and residing at LPS, students have many chances to practice what they are learning outside of class time. Students reside and share recreational activities, such as college visits, alongside other summer program students, and have many opportunities to practice using English with new friends. It's a great way to take your English skills to the next level!

SSAT PREP PROGRAM:
Designed for mature, academically talented middle school students planning to apply to private secondary schools in the U.S., our SSAT Prep Program is organized around instruction in critical reading, writing, mathematics and problem-solving skills that are measured by the SSAT. Classes in advanced vocabulary, creative writing and public speaking give students the chance to develop new talents while they familiarize themselves with the overall content, essay-writing expectations and timed conditions of the SSAT.

Outside of class time, students in the SSAT prep program take part in recreational and social activities with other program participants, including college visits. 10 students or fewer in every class.

    • 140 instructional and test hours for 4 weeks
    • Weekly full SSAT test and daily quizzes
    • Each student will be personally advised about the private high school application process.
    • One college tour each week, including Harvard University, MIT, Brown University and Boston University
    • One excursion each week to Canobie Lake Park, Beach and Natick Mall

Lexington Prep School's vacation program offers students an opportunity to use their break time productively. Students will stay in our picturesque facility and choose from one of our programs.

Basic Program
Students in our basic program are required to check in with LPS staff in the morning and the afternoon, but are able to manage their time independently. In addition to room and board, these students are provided classroom space for independent work. We also provide shuttle service to local sites including the local subway station, malls, and nearby movie theaters. Students may also choose to participate in outings to attractions such as the Boston Museum of Science, Salem Witch Museums, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace for an additional charge.

Balanced Program
Students in our limited program participate in SAT/English preparation classes during the morning session focused on vocabulary and grammar, critical reading, and essay writing. After lunch, students are free to work independently or to relax.

Intensive Program
Students in our intensive program are given a full day of SAT/English preparation including grammar, vocabulary, critical reading, writing and mathematics. The intensive program is designed to achieve the greatest score increase in the shortest period of time.

    • Each student will have one roommate in
    • a room equipped with a half bathroom. LPS also features separate boys and girls dormitories located in individual building wings and monitored by 24 hour security camera.
    • Classes with 10 students or fewer to allow for individual attention
    • Private classes are also available in: All AP Subjects, all SAT II Subjects, school project work, school research paper assistance, art, music Three gourmet meals provided each day
    • Three gourmet meals provided each day
    • Facilities include a gym, art room, library, TOEFL certified computer lab, concert hall with grand piano, movie room, and recreation room with karaoke and ping-pong table
    • Optional transportation to and from Boston's Logan Airport, South Station, or any school including Phillips Andover, Brooks, Groton, Concord, Middlesex, Milton, Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall, Cambridge School of Weston, Dana Hall, Walnut Hill, Fessenden, Fay School etc.
    • Day Program Option: Monday through Friday 9-12 or 9-4

Upon successfully achieving acceptance to the school of their choice, international students may board at LPS while attending day school in the area.

Students are in our Academic English program will have the opportunity to visit many of these schools as one of our principal extracurricular activities. The LPS curriculum is designed to prepare our students to become qualified applicants to these schools, which are looking for students with the potential to excel academically and contribute positively to their school community.

Please note that New England independent day schools are very competitive. Students must be well prepared before applying and be able to provide evidence of strong academic and social potential, as shown through top grades, impressive essays, excellent standardized test scores, strong recommendations and successful on-site school interviews.

Independent Nonresidential or "Day" Schools

International students and their parents are often aware of the outstanding tradition of boarding schools in New England. However, boarding school environments cannot provide the perfect fit for every student. Many students thrive best when they attend nonresidential or "day" schools, which can provide an equally rigorous and competitive educational option. Massachusetts is the home of several elite independent day schools renowned for the top-quality education and extracurricular involvement they offer students. These schools provide a pathway to the world's elite colleges and universities.

Massachusetts offers a wealth of educational options for highly motivated, academically ambitious students. However, the process of finding the best possible schooling placement for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially for parents of international students, and once there, he or she may benefit from services that only a locally based support network can offer. At Lexington prep, we offer several services to meet the ongoing local communication needs of international families.

We have experience and expertise guiding students through the school selection and admissions process, offering assistance with school selection, submission of applications, interviews, transportation logistics and overnight accommodation where needed. We customize our service to meet the needs of each individual student and his or her family.

We also offer comprehensive academic counseling services, which may include customized assistance with academic planning and support, development of study skills and strategies, and overall academic support to meet the needs of individual students.

Boarding students at LPS who require unique academic planning, communication and interventions with their day schools may also benefit from Special Guardianship Service options, available on a fee-for-service, customized basis.

Program	Description	Price
Intensive Academic ESL Program	Double rooms, all meals, transportation, intensive English and US History Program starts 1st Monday of each month.	$39,000/6 month full program $26,000/4 month program $19,500/3 month program
Summer Camp -SAT -SSAT -ESL	Intensive 4 week camp includes SAT/SSAT/ESL instruction each day, college visits, and other excursions Session I: July 5 - July 30, 2010 Session II: August 2 - August 28, 2010	$8,500/4 weeks (boarding) $5,800/4 weeks (day only)
Boarding Program for Day School Students	Single rooms, meals, transportation, guardian services, academic support program, from September 3, 2009 until June 10, 2010	$55,000/single room (school tuition is not included)