Foreign Languages

NOTE: Foreign Language is a prerequisite for enrolling in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program in high school. IFL classes do not count as a foreign language class.

INTRODUCTION TO FOREIGN LANGUAGE (IFL)
Grade: 7 and 8
Prerequisite: None
Students are introduced to two or more foreign languages and cultures, which are, in turn, contrasted with English. The languages most often studied are French, German, Latin, and Spanish, but Chinese, Japanese, and Russian may also be included. Students learn the most basic structures, vocabulary, and expressions in each language and study the culture of the people who speak them. They are also exposed to the basic steps and study habits necessary to learn foreign language skills. Students are made aware of how knowledge of a foreign language enriches a person's life and expands the options in terms of career goals. The 18-week course must include at least four languages. This course does not count as a foreign language credit.

FRENCH 1
Grade: 8
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic grammatical structures. The language learning process integrates basic aspects of the geography, customs, and culture(s) of the target language countries. Credit becomes a part of the high school transcript, is included in the determination of the high school grade point average (GPA), and counts toward fulfilling the foreign language requirements of the high school diplomas. It also counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation.

LATIN 1
Grade: 8
Students study basic grammar and learn the essential elements of Latin pronunciation in order to be able to read simple passages in Latin. They read aloud Latin passages that have been modified for comprehension. The relationship of English to Latin is emphasized in vocabulary building, word derivation, and meanings of prefixes and suffixes. Points of grammar and syntax are developed through the study of literary passages. The geography, history, government, and culture of the Roman Empire are studied.

SPANISH 1
Grade: 8
Students develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment using simple sentences containing basic grammatical structures. The language learning process integrates basic aspects of the geography, customs, and culture(s) of the target language countries. Credit becomes a part of the high school transcript, is included in the determination of the high school grade point average (GPA), and counts toward fulfilling the foreign language requirements of the high school diplomas. It also counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation.

SPANISH FOR FLUENT SPEAKERS 1
Grade: 8
Prerequisite: Permission from instructor
This course offers fluent speakers of Spanish the opportunity to strengthen their basic skills in reading and writing Spanish. The students learn about the Hispanic contributions to the English language and American culture. The students also study the major historical figures and events of Spanish-speaking countries. The course is conducted in Spanish and counts toward fulfilling the foreign language requirement. Middle School: credit becomes a part of the high school transcript, is included in the determination of the high school grade point average (GPA), and counts toward fulfilling the foreign language requirements of the high school diplomas. It also counts toward the total number of credits required for graduation.