English Learner Institute - Arlington Career Center

Mission: to provide a supportive, family-like learning environment where students feel connected and thrive.

Vision: to develop empowered students ready for success in college and employment. ELI students are resilient, self-directed learners who advocate for themselves and others—and graduate prepared for success in college, careers, and life.

ELI Program student at Commencement ceremony

ELI students pose with Principal Margaret Chung during the 2025 commencement ceremony

ELI Program student poses with Superintendent, Dr. Duran

4 ELI students pose in their Space Force JROTC uniforms

Señora Odalys supports two students with their project

ELI Program students pose with Principal Chung and Señora Trevino during Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

Hispanic Heritage Month Flag Day celebration

ELI Program students with Program Coordinator, Señora Trevino

ELI Program students with Señora Trevino on the National Mall

Picture of the ELI Program staff for the 2025-26 school year

ELI Program staff and Principal Margaret Chung

Who We Serve

The English Learner Institute serves multilingual high school students who are identified as English learners (WIDA levels 1–6), ages 13–21. Student placement is determined by the Program Coordinator.

Student Profile

ELI supports students with a wide range of educational experiences, including:

Students with interrupted schooling or limited formal education (SLIFE)
Students with consistent schooling in their home countries
Students pursuing Career & Technical Education (CTE) at the Career Center (full-time ELI students receive priority enrollment)
Students working toward Dual Enrollment (college credit) courses
Teen parents who benefit from a school setting where childcare is available
Students who prefer a setting with counseling and wraparound services designed specifically for immigrant youth

About the ELI Program

Curriculum & Program Features

Sheltered, structured literacy courses for SLIFE students
Information Technology coursework for newcomers
Co-taught English classes (English Learner + English Language Arts teachers)
Ongoing assessment and progress monitoring to ensure students are challenged and supported
Priority access to CTE classes, certifications, and Dual Enrollment pathways
College and career readiness opportunities aligned with equity and belonging

Community & Belonging

A strong sense of connection, identity, and community
100% of students participate in an affinity cohort where they build relationships and support

Academic Challenge & Access

Approximately 20% of ELI students participate in mainstream Arlington Tech coursework, including Dual Enrollment English 11 and 12

Family Engagement

Families are essential partners in student success. ELI prioritizes consistent communication and meaningful engagement, including participation in ACC Grupo Hispano, which meets regularly to support student learning and success.

Community Partnerships

ELI collaborates with community partners to strengthen mentorship, leadership development, and wraparound supports, including:

League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC)
Arlington County Planning Commission
Arlington County Police Department
Arlington Gang Prevention Task Force
And additional community organizations

What Makes ELI Unique

ELI is designed for students who want to earn a high school diploma while also building English proficiency and gaining college and career credentials.Key Benefits:

Smaller class sizes for targeted instruction
CTE training that leads to certifications/licenses
Dual Enrollment access (college credit opportunities)
Individual and group counseling plus wraparound supports
Mentoring and guidance throughout the educational journey