CATS Extra Program

A specialized academic and English language program designed for international students

CATS Extra Program Overview

CATS Extra is a specialized academic program designed for international students who have not yet met the English language requirements to join regular classes but are aspiring to earn their High School Diploma. The program offers students a tailored academic curriculum delivered by dedicated teachers with extensive experience in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.

A highly immersive program, CATS Extra is taught in small classes and provides a structured, supportive and academically focused environment to help students achieve the language fluency and academic readiness needed to transition into the mainstream curriculum at CATS Academy Boston.

WhY CHOOSE CATS Extra?

In this program you will:

build proficiency in reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary
be taught by dedicated and experienced English language instructors
learn in small class sizes which encourage rapid language acquisition
through a tailored curriculum
benefit from personalized one-on-one academic mentoring
receive extra support in English language acquisition through four additional ESL courses
earn graduation credits for Social Science and Literature early allowing
be able to choose more electives courses in the future
enjoy a head start in your learning by starting the program two weeks before the Fall semester commences

Who should study the cats extra program?

CATS Extra is a specific program for international students who wish to improve
their English while working on their High School Diploma and gaining graduation credits.

It is designed for students who are entering Grades 8, 9 and 10 and whose English proficiency falls below the minimum entry
requirements for direct admission into regular classes, and who may struggle with the academic curriculum as a result.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE CATS Extra PROGRAM?

Controlled Learning Environment

Students benefit from small class sizes, an additional four ESL courses and a supportive, focused environment that promotes rapid language acquisition through a tailored curriculum.
Individualized Support

Each student receives personalized one-on-one academic mentoring from dedicated English language instructors, along with ongoing progress monitoring tailored to their individual learning goals.

Expert ESL Instruction

Our ESL-certified faculty use research-based strategies to help students gain fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Advancement Within The Program

By the end of the Fall 2024 semester, 40% of students advanced from CATS Extra A (lower level) to CATS Extra B (higher level), showcasing significant progress in a short period.

Student Success

“Arriving at CATS Boston I was very nervous, it’s a new place, new environment, new people, new culture but they helped me get through it because we have such an amazing faculty. The staff, and everyone, are eager to help you settle in and get comfortable.”

Landry from RwandaProgressed to DePauw University (#50 Liberal Arts University Ranking 2025)

“I would totally recommend CATS Academy Boston to everyone who is looking for an international boarding school. I will always remember the 3 years I spent at CATS Academy because this place provides so many new perspectives I couldn’t have got otherwise at my home.”

Dima from UkraineProgressed to University of Pennsylvania (#10 National University Ranking 2025)

“I wanted to attend an Ivy league school and CATS Academy Boston has made it possible. I have been constantly supported by my college counsellors. The environment in CATS Boston has provided me with an opportunity to excel.”

Karolina from UkraineProgressed to Brown University (#13 National University Ranking 2025) 

“The biggest help was my college counselor. He helped me from starting from absolutely nowhere and not having any idea of what I want to do to picking a major and then looking at different colleges. “

Yam from Hong KongProgressed to New York university (#30 National University Ranking 2025)

“My teachers here really support me because they are very active. My STEAM teacher has introduced me to opportunities outside of class to help with my extracurriculars, as well as workshops I could take."

Cath from VietnamProgressed to Florida State University (#54 National University Ranking 2025)

“I would definitely recommend CATS Boston to other students. The school is so diverse, it has an international community. Everyone is so supportive and helpful, and I always feel safe here, I feel very at home.”

Sadie from Germany

“The coaches really help us a lot and teach us the skills we need to win games and to develop us as individual players. CATS Boston has given me a lot of opportunities - especially for college as there are lots that come and see us play. I’d recommend the Basketball Program at CATS Boston because we play at a high level and are challenged to push ourselves as we play good teams every single game.”  

Patrick from U.SPlays Shooting Guard for CATS Boston’s Boys Prep Basketball Team and previously for Brazil’s U16 National Team