JCHS champions a holistic approach to language learning, recognizing it as a conduit not only for acquiring a second language but also for embracing diverse cultures, thereby enhancing international-mindedness and cultural identity. We acknowledge language as the cornerstone of communication and learning, positioning every educator as a language teacher within their domain. Language is fundamental to the development and refinement of social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
In this spirit, we encourage all students to achieve fluency in more than one language and provide them with opportunities to complete the World Language Pathway. Support for language learning is embedded within each discipline to promote language and academic proficiency in both writing and speaking. The importance of a student's heritage or first language is key to development, and we encourage community and family support in language learning. Additionally, we offer a spectrum of extra-curricular activities that deepen language competencies and cultural understanding, preparing our students for a globally interconnected world.
The majority of the students at Jackson County High School speak English as the first language. With the exception of our modern language courses in Spanish and French, English is the language of instruction. However, 5% of the JCHS student population includes English Language Learners; other languages spoken by students are primarily Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, and Russian.
At this time our Language B offerings are English, French, and Spanish; however, the community is growing in diversity as it transitions to a more metropolitan population. As such, there is a growing need to accommodate speakers of other languages. With that transition, our school aims to grow the current French program and will consider additional Language B offerings as the need arises.
Students may be allowed to self-study Language A courses in their mother tongue with the assistance of a community-based tutor.
For English-speaking students, parents and guardians assist in selecting and registering for language courses during the normal course registration process throughout high school. This includes beginning French or Spanish courses for underclassmen and IB courses in later years.
For ELL students, parents and guardians are notified of their child's performance on initial and annual language screeners. They can approve or opt out of ELL services and provide input during course registration. Additionally, our annual Noche de Padres event offers a comprehensive overview for parents, ensuring they are informed about key aspects of their child’s language development and education.
Currently, the school offers three IB language courses:
IB Spanish B SL: Students who begin taking Spanish courses in middle school or who take multiple Spanish courses in an academic year will be on track to take this course after completing Spanish III.
IB Spanish ab initio SL and IB French ab initio SL: Students who begin taking Spanish or French courses during ninth or tenth grade will be on track to take this course, after completing Spanish/French I or Spanish/French II.
IB English B SL: Students who are non-native English speakers can take this course as a sheltered EL course in 11th and 12th grade.
Students will be allowed to self-study Language A courses in their mother tongue with the assistance of a community-based tutor.
Enrichment opportunities are available to all Jackson County High School students to enhance their experience in languages and global cultures. By participating within these opportunities our student body is able to increase their cultural and international mindedness. In addition, participation in these opportunities recognizes and encourages the use of a students’ first language to maintain cultural identity and build a supportive environment. Currently, our school offers the following extracurricular opportunities:
International Club
Spanish Honor Society
French Honor Society
Key Club
International Skills Diploma Seal
At Jackson County High School, our English Language Learners (ELL) students are identified based on their central enrollment paperwork upon entering our district. ELL students have access to specialized support services, including dedicated ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) teachers. These staff members assist the students and provide academic and co-curricular supports.
ELL students are enrolled in both sheltered instruction and general education classes, which provide a balance of targeted support and language immersion. For ELL juniors and seniors, the sheltered English course available is English B SL.
Our staff works as a whole to support not just our ELL students but their families as well. To communicate with households, faculty members use a language line service as well an Instant Translation Assistant.
Please see the inclusion policy for more information about ELL services in the IB program.
Students can earn the AAPPL Seal of Biliteracy upon successful completion of a series of assessments across language skills. The Seal recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages before graduating from high school. For students in IB Spanish B SL, the Seal of Biliteracy is currently available in English and Spanish based on exam scores; other students may earn the Seal of Biliteracy based on state requirements.
Last Reviewed: July 5, 2025 (IB Faculty Meeting)