The EL Program is designed for students entering John Handley High School with limited English proficiency. Students are administered a home language survey to determine if they qualify for the program. Students who meet the qualifications are administered a battery of tests in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to determine their placement.

The EL program offers sheltered classes for students to work on developing English language abilities, cognitive abilities, and content area skills. The EL program also offers an inclusion model for in-class support to students in SOL classes.