The Modern World Language Department offers all levels of Spanish, French and Italian, as well as Advanced Placement classes for college credit in Spanish and French. New this year, and open to all students, is an introductory course in basic Mandarin Chinese, where students will learn to recognize the language’s characters, as well as character construction and a study of the ancient culture and its celebrations.

Students in all language courses will find themselves immersed in the state-of-the art Language Media Center complete with its digital technology and capability to play and customize recordings. Students may choose a recording from the teacher’s grouping, to listen to and record their responses for review by the teacher. Students are able to listen to the teacher’s recording and record their own responses for later review by the teacher. Students also may be paired in the lab in order to do participate in conversations which may be recorded for a teacher’s review.

Along with the enhanced technology, emphasis in the department remains focused on developing the four main language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Its wider goal is to inspire students to become bilingual as they prepare to contribute to an increasingly global society.

While students need only two years of a modern language to graduate, most take at least three if not four years of study, both to accommodate the admissions requirements of their chosen college, as well as broaden their educational experience. Advanced students are eligible to sit for the National Spanish Exam and the National French Exam, whose goal is to promote language proficiency and recognize student achievement.

Students also may qualify for membership in the Spanish, French or Italian National Language Honor Societies, as well as participate in language clubs, which enriches their studies with field trips, planning special cultural events for the wider student body, and trips abroad.

• Four years of Spanish, French, and Italian are offered.
• Basic Mandarin Chinese was introduced this year.
• AP classes are available in Spanish and French.
• The state-of-the-art Language Media Center houses digital technology allowing students the capability to play, record and customize recordings.
• Spanish, French and Italian National Language Honor Societies, as well as clubs offer trips, cultural events and wider study of the language and culture.