What does a typical day at The Summer Institute look like?

A typical day includes immersive English language instruction, interactive learning activities, cultural experiences, and opportunities to engage with peers in a supportive environment.

What are the benefits of The Summer Institute?

The program helps international students improve their English skills, adapt to an American school environment, build confidence, and form meaningful connections before the school year begins.

Summer Institute Policies

The program follows specific policies regarding attendance, participation, and conduct. Please review our website for detailed information on policies and guidelines.

Summer Institute for International Students

Q: What are the dates of the program?

The Summer Institute for International Students runs during the summer months. Please visit our website for the exact dates and session details.

Q: How do I apply to be a full-time student at The Whitfield School?

To apply as a full-time student, visit our admissions page for application requirements, deadlines, and the enrollment process.

Four upper school boys standing on the back patio smiling at the camera

International students entering grades 8 to 11 (ages 12+) are welcome to join Whitfield’s 3-week intensive language immersion program in July 2026.

Whitfield Institute for Summer English (WISE)

International students entering grades 8 to 11 (ages 12+) are welcome to join Whitfield’s 3-week intensive language immersion program in July 2026. In partnership with ED Homestay, students will experience American culture, college campuses, and intensive language learning in Chicago and St. Louis.

Grounded in WIDA-aligned instruction, WISE combines full EAL (English as an Additional Language) and AED (Academic English Development) support, hands-on learning, and real-world language practice to build academic English proficiency and cultural confidence. Hosted in St. Louis on site at the Whitfield School campus—known for its inclusive community, innovative teaching, and strong academic tradition—WISE provides students with an inspiring environment where language learning and cultural discovery come to life.

WIDA is the gold-standard for English language education, and it is our goal for all students to see measurable progress in their English language development during the course of the program.

Program Dates: July 12th to August 1st 2026
Program Costs: $8,400 all inclusive of English instruction, activities, meals, hotel stays, homestay with American families, transportation from Chicago to St. Louis and back, and 4 unique college visits

WISE students will also learn about the admissions process for The Whitfield School and have an opportunity to fast-track their full-time enrollment application.

To learn more about WISE, contact Heather Carreiro, director of enrollment management.

Why Choose WISE?

Academic Excellence
Experience Whitfield's experiential approach to education which prepared students for success in college and beyond.
Cultural Immersion
Stay with local host families and explore a vibrant (and safe!) American city, providing a true taste of life as a student in the United States.
Fun & Adventure
Balance learning with exciting group excursions to explore St. Louis's iconic landmarks and renowned museums.
Engaging & Hand-On Learning
Participate in interactive activities designed to challenge and inspire you in an immersive English-speaking environment.

Institute Highlights:

Gain practical language and academic skills
Immerse yourself in American culture
Make lifelong friends from around the world
Develop leadership and critical thinking skills
Experience what it's like to be a student at The Whitfield School
Receive a certificate of accomplishment from one of the leading college preparatory institutions in the Midwest
Receive priority consideration for admission to The Whitfield School

FAQs

What are the dates of the program?

Can you provide a WISE program overview?

Monday Thru Friday

8:30 a.m. Students Arrive at Whitfield
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. WIDA-Aligned Academic English
Development (AED) (interactive classes focused on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar)
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch & Leisure Time with Peers
1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Discover St. Louis & Chicago (Guided cultural, historical, and community-based excursions)

Weekend Experience

On Saturdays and Sundays, students participate in full cultural immersion with their host families—exploring local attractions, attending community events, sharing meals, and experiencing authentic American life. These weekends are a cornerstone of the WISE experience, allowing students to apply English naturally in everyday settings while forming meaningful cultural connections.

What are the benefits of attending WISE?

Upon completing the WISE — Whitfield Institute of Summer English, students will:

Strengthen proficiency across all five WIDA-aligned language domains
Gain confidence in academic and conversational English
Develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills
Deepen understanding of American culture and education
Build readiness for success in U.S. and international academic settings

WISE Policies

ADMISSION: Space is limited and admission will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

ENGLISH PROFIENCY: All participants must have a working level of English proficiency in order to participate in the program.

PROGRAM COST:
$8,400 all-inclusive* of English instruction, activities, meals, hotel stays, homestay with American families, transportation from Chicago to St. Louis and back, and 4 unique college visits. *Does not include airfare.

US LAWS:
During their time at The Whitfield School, students are expected to conduct themselves in a positive, respectful manner, and in accordance with all U.S. laws.

ENROLLMENT LIMITS: The Whitfield School summer camp programs are filled in the order in which registration is received. Any registration received after a program has reached capacity will be placed on a waiting list and will not be charged until placement is made.

CANCELLATION AND WITHDRAWAL: The Whitfield School reserves the right to cancel any program for which there is insufficient enrollment. If a camp is canceled by Whitfield School, the complete registration fee will be refunded. Whitfield School reserves the right to request withdrawal of any student whose conduct is regarded as unsatisfactory. No refund will be made for students dismissed due to disciplinary circumstances.

How do I apply to be a full-time student at The Whitfield School?

Virtual Tour (Video for Chinese Language Speakers)

Questions?

Contact Heather Carreiro

heather.carreiro@whitfieldschool.org

Director of Enrollment Management

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Whitfield Institute for Summer English