Department Chair: Rolando Villegas
The Academy’s primary goal for the students of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish is that they learn to communicate effectively in a second language. All students in grades 6 and 7 study Spanish. In grade 8, a student may continue with Spanish, begin with German or French, or sign up for the global language offered that year. In all language classes at all levels, the focus is on using the language in authentic and meaningful situations, incorporating the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing into the larger goal of communication. The goal of communicative competency is reflected by the three-year sequence (four-year sequence for global languages, with an optional fifth year). Two years of Latin are also offered. Students may prepare for the AP Examinations in Language (Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, and German) and Literature (Spanish).
