Mt. Ellis Academy Diversifies

Mt. Ellis Academy has always welcomed students from various corners of the globe. In recent years a number of students from the Caribbean have chosen to winter in Montana. International students certainly add flavor and new perspectives to a school.

This year the academic program will be expanded with the addition of an ESL (English as a Second Language) program to better accommodate our international friends whose beginning English skills make it difficult to be successful in the regular academic program. Faculty member Anita Strawn de Ojeda will be moving into the role of ESL teacher and international student coordinator.

It is anticipated that about 12 students from Korea will be joining the Mt. Ellis family this school year. They will be paired with student mentors and host families from the community.

The ESL program promises to offer enriching, cross-cultural friendships for students. It also will help to increase the enrollment and the financial health of the school.

As with every other program of the school, the primary goal is to help kids encounter Jesus—from wherever they come. Last school year nine Mt. Ellis students made decisions for Christ through baptism.

Featured in: September 2004

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