Students who enter Masters in fifth grade get a sampling of Mandarin, French and Spanish for 10 weeks each. Instructors offer light, lively lessons that help create a fun context for language learning.

In Introduction to Latin, students learn to understand the common elements of Spanish, French and English. Coursework covers Latin vocabulary and grammar with emphasis on elements also reflected in the English curriculum. Students explore these concepts through rich discussions about Roman culture including transportation, city life, society, gladiators and slavery. While the immediate goal of this introductory course is to achieve reading ability in Latin, the ultimate objective is to improve students’ ability to acquire any foreign language—ancient or modern.

 

The language students choose for their seventh grade year—French, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish—carries through into eighth grade. These Level A courses emphasize self-expression and cultural insight through the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the target language. Course content relies heavily on cultural studies and traditions. Given the diverse cultural-linguistic backgrounds of our community, teachers differentiate their instruction since some students enter a language program with previous knowledge of, or exposure to, that language.

 

Level B courses in French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish continue the emphasis on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills as both the pace and expected proficiency increase. Students pursue deeper and richer study of the history, culture, and traditions of native speakers. By the end of their two-year language experience, successful students are ready to place into Upper School French 2, Latin 2, Mandarin 2 or Spanish 2 courses. 

Students who enter the Middle School in eighth grade without sufficient prior language study to join the Level B class take an Introduction to Latin course to prepare them to pursue the study of the language of their choice in the Upper School.