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Our Vision
Our Vision
The ability to communicate in a language other than English provides a unique opportunity to gain access to other people and cultures in our increasingly interdependent world. It has become important for every person to acquire the skills for communication and cross-cultural understanding in order to prepare for an informed and productive role in the 21st century. Language instruction focuses on the 5Cs: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparison, and Communities. Learn more about the 5Cs here. New York State has issued revised learning standards for World Language Instruction here.
Our journey towards proficiency starts in Kindergarten, where students begin FLES ("Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools") instruction in Spanish. Students continue to progress in Spanish through grade 6, at which point they may choose to continue with Spanish, or begin the study of either French, Italian, or Mandarin Chinese, in grades 7 and 8.
At the conclusion of grade 8, students typically continue with the same language in grade 9 and beyond. We also add Hebrew as an option starting in grade 9, American Sign Language starting in grade 10, and an introduction to Japanese in 11 and 12.
Elementary Curriculum Overview
Elementary Curriculum Overview
Our journey towards proficiency starts in Kindergarten, where students begin FLES ("Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools") instruction in Spanish. Students continue to progress in Spanish through grade 6. The purpose of FLES is to expose students to language learning at a young age and build their skillset over time. FLES lessons are joyful and fun, and incorporate music, visuals, games, and so much more in order to enhance the learning experience.
Middle School Curriculum Overview
Middle School Curriculum Overview
When students enter the Middle School, they may choose to continue on an accelerated pathway in Spanish, thereby building on everything they learned through our FLES program in grades K-6, or they may choose to begin the study either French, Italian, or Mandarin Chinese.
The language choice you make with your child should be made with consideration of the interest your child has in a particular language, as well as the potential impact on his or her long-term middle school and high school program. Students may not change languages once school begins, and must commit to their choice for a minimum of two years.
There is no one right answer and the choice is a personal one. Each language offers a vast cultural heritage, a unique intellectual challenge, and expansive career opportunities.
High School Curriculum Overview
High School Curriculum Overview
We are proud of our many language choices at Oceanside High School with offerings in American Sign Language, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. Students who have already completed Spanish in grades 7 and 8 are on generally on an accelerated pathway, and on track to completing their three credit sequence for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation at the end of grade 9, a full year earlier than their peers. This allows them to either continue on to more advanced Spanish courses, and/or study a second or even third world language in grades 10-12. A flow-chart of typical language sequences at OHS can be found here.
Most of our students continue the study of a World Language well beyond the three-year sequence for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. We offer College Spanish through our partnership with Long Island University, as well as Advanced Placement courses in French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish. We now offer an introduction to Japanese for Juniors and Seniors, as well as Business and Medical Spanish, among our electives.
We are a proud participant in the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. You can learn more about the NYSSB here.
In short, the NYSSB recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. The intent of the NYSSB is to encourage the study of languages, to identify high school graduates with language and biliteracy skills for employers, to provide universities with additional information about applicants seeking admission and placement, to prepare students with twenty-first century skills, to recognize the value of language instruction, and to affirm the value of diversity in a multilingual society.
Students who meet the criteria for consideration are invited in October of grade 12 to work with dedicated faculty members who will help them complete all of the necessary requirements for the attainment of the Seal.
Oceanside High School has a vibrant and active World Language Honor Society. Students are encouraged to review the entrance criteria and to apply if they feel they meet the requirements. All of the information can be found here. Current members should listen for morning announcements and will be meeting with their advisor, Mrs. Amthor, throughout the year. Students who wish to apply for induction on May 30 must complete this application, and submit by Feb. 17, 2023.
District Contact
District Contact
Dr. David Rose
Director of World Languages & ENL
(516) 678-7533
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