[Annemieke Tieleman]

Dear all, we will be moving to Connecticut and our kids (6 and 9) don't speak English yet. Which schools are best for English as second language?
Thanks and kind regards, Annemieke

[ontheroad]

You didn't mention where in Connecticut you are planning to move to so perhaps others have a hard time in responding. Also, Dutch is not very common in the States.

I know my own children, born in Amsterdam, learned to speak very quickly and didn't have outside lessons. Even though the two languages are different, there are enough words that are similar to make it possible for young children to grasp English.

Good luck.

[Annemieke Tieleman]

Thanks for your reply. We are planning to move to Westport. But the school is very important for us. So, we first look for a school. Kind regards, Annemieke

[JayCT]

You would probably need to check privates schools. Check on the Greens Farms Academy in Westport. I am not sure if they can accomodate your needs but they are highly regarded. You might also try Fairfield Country Day School. Also well regarded. Good luck, Jay

[ontheroad]

You might also check with the Dutch Consul (in den Haag) and see if they have any listings for the Westport, CT area. I've always found them very helpful.

And interestingly enough, although there are fewer Dutch in the States than other EU member countries, you'll find Dutch groups around to make you feel comfortable and some of whom get together for the Queen's Birthday. - but no good haring!

Again, good luck!

[joanchris2000]

All the school districts have a ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) program. The weblink for Westport is here:

http://www.westport.k12.ct.us/esol.htm (broken link)

I'm not familiar with Westport schools personally, however they kept stealing our best teachers/Principals from Stratford, and Mrs Paolini, who was at my daughter's school for only a year now works at Coleytown Elementary, she was fabulous.