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ESOL Welcome Center

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ESOL Welcome Center

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ESOL Welcome Center

615 Frederick Rd.
Catonsville, MD 21228

The Welcome Center of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) provide services for families with students new to Baltimore County Public Schools, who speak a language other than English.

Enrollment may begin at the student’s zoned school. School Locator

If the school determines that the student should be screened for ESOL services (English for Speakers of Other Languages), families will make an appointment with us. 

Xiang Li, ESOL Specialist, Welcome Center

Resources

 Guide Helps Newcomer Students' Families Navigate the U.S. School System

Please review the Welcome Center Brochure available in multiple languages:

English | Spanish | Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | Dari | French 
Nepali | Pashto | Russian | Urdu | Uzbek | Vietnamese | Yoruba

 

Welcome Center Processes and Procedures
Any student who meets the criteria below should call the ESOL Welcome Center to make an appointment.  Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. Please call 443-809-6752 
  • Students enrolling with international transcripts in grades 9-12. 
  • All students new to a Maryland public school system who indicate a language other than English on at least two of the questions on the Home Language Survey (MSDE translations) 
  • For students who speak a variety of World English, please contact the Welcome Center to determine if the family should be referred to the Welcome Center. 
  • Note: MD transfer students DO NOT need to come through the Welcome Center 
English learners are assessed and interviewed at the ESOL Welcome Center at the time of their appointment. 

This process includes: 
  • Interviewing the student to gain a better understanding of their educational background 
  • Testing of English proficiency in order to determine ESOL services 
  • Evaluation of foreign transcripts 
  • Recommendation for grade placement 
  • Residency verification 
  • Completion of the required school registration forms 
  • Referral to a health center for immunizations 
  • Completion the meal benefit form (as available)
  • Completion the privacy opt out form 
  • Explanation of the US school system 
 Students must come to the ESOL Welcome Center with a parent or legal guardian and bring with them the following documents: 
  • Proof of residency in Baltimore County (lease or proof of ownership) 
  • 3 pieces of mail dated within 60 days 
  • Proof of student age (birth certificate, passport) 
  • Proof of immunization records 
  • Proof of education, transcripts or report cards from schools previously attended 
  • Photo ID of the parent or legal guardian 
  • Any documents presented during the interview will be treated confidentially.
  • Information gathered will be used for school purposes only.

 

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