Newcomer Pathways
(Chinese, Spanish, and ALL Languages) 


The Newcomer Pathway is designed to help recently arrived immigrant Multilingual Learner students adjust to their new language and culture. At the elementary level, it is a one-year program (with the possibility of a second year as needed). At the middle and high school, students may stay in the Newcomer Pathway for multiple years as needed. In addition to academic support, Newcomers have access to resources and referrals to student support services, i.e. physical and mental health, housing, and legal services.

Student Population - The Newcomer Pathway serves recently arrived immigrant English Learner students who need a period of adjustment and orientation before entering a language pathway or English Plus Pathway.
Instruction - The curriculum includes transition support and primary language instruction or support (when available) in academic areas at grade level. The pathway also addresses academic gaps due to differences in national schooling systems or gaps in prior schooling. Students receive intensive Designated English Language Development consisting of at least two periods of English taught at the appropriate linguistic proficiency level. All non-designated ELD academic classes are taught either through the primary language or in English with Integrated ELD and strategies designed to help English Learners access and engage in academic core instruction. The district currently offers primary language instruction for Newcomer students in Chinese and Spanish. As students exit the Newcomer Pathway, they transition to a language pathway or English Plus Pathway.
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As part of the high school Newcomer pathway, Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) may be identified and receive additional support to be successful in formal schooling in the United States. SIFE students may have significant gaps in schooling and/or formal education which began after age 8. SIFE who are English Learners may require additional literacy or numeracy classes in order to access and engage in academic core instruction.
Eligibility - Prior to student enrollment in the district, the student's parents/guardians complete the SFUSD's Home Language Survey (HLS) on the enrollment application.
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An applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • Student listed a language other than English on his/her home language survey; AND
  • Student entered the U.S. within 1 year of requested enrollment; AND
  • Student scored at the emerging level (level 1) on the Initial English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) or has no test results available.