World Language

Our Mission

Language study is an essential part of every student's education, and exposes students not only to another language but also to other cultures and literature. All students should be able to communicate effectively through conversing, reading, and writing in a language other than English. Our goals are to have students reach communicative proficiency, gain an understanding of peoples and cultures, and make connections with other disciplines so that they may become global participants.

The World Language Department offers every student the opportunity to study and learn modern languages and a classical language. We offer a six-year course of study in French, Mandarin, and Spanish, from a first-year introductory course (not offered in Mandarin) to the advanced placement sixth year class. We also offer a four-year course of study in Latin, from a first- year introductory course to the honors-level fourth-year class. A minimum of two years of language study is required for graduation. However, a minimum of three consecutive years of language study is recommended, and a six-year study is desirable to achieve an appropriate level of proficiency. Languages may be taken concurrently.