Upon enrollment in GCPS, all parents answer Language Background questions. When newly enrolled students have a primary or a home language other than English (PHLOTE), they are screened for proficiency in English, even if English is one of the languages they speak. The screening assessment used is the WIDA Model for Kindergarten students through the first semester of first grade, and the WIDA Screener for students in the second semester of first grade through twelfth grade. 

Students who are not yet proficient are considered to be English Learners (ELs) and are eligible for language support services until they become proficient.  

Elementary school students with a PHLOTE are screened at their local schools.  Middle and high school students with a PHLOTE who are new to U.S. schools are screened at the International Newcomer Center (INC) in Lawrenceville. Parents are asked to call the INC at 678-985-5200 to make an appointment and to bring any school records with them. At the INC, International Student Advisors (ISAs) will interview the student and family about previous schooling, screen the student for English language proficiency and math skills, and make recommendations for course placement to help students learn English and grade level content as quickly as possible.