Language Arts/Foreign Language Courses

MIDDLE SCHOOL the college school

Language Arts / Foreign Language

Middle School Language Arts classes allow students to explore topics in writing that extend the learning of our core Language Arts classes, providing them with the opportunity to delve into writing projects in greater depth. Foreign Language classes expose students to other languages and cultures. Over the three years of Middle School, students can take a three-year sequence of Spanish or sample other languages at an introductory level.

Introduction to Spanish

This class will introduce students to the basics of the Spanish language, including Hispanic food and cultures. Students will learn basic language structure and develop their Spanish-speaking skills. They will explore the unique traditions and celebrations important to Hispanic cultures around the world.

Intermediate Spanish

This class continues where Introduction to Spanish leaves off. It is open to any seventh or eighth grader who has successfully completed Introduction to Spanish in prior years. The class will extend students’ skills in the Spanish language, deepen their conversational skills, and broaden their understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures around the world. Students taking this course will be able to extend their language skills, but likely will not be able to test out of firstyear Spanish in high school without further study. Advanced Spanish

This class is a two-trimester class, meeting in both the second and third trimesters. It is open to any student who has completed Intermediate Spanish in prior years. Advanced Spanish is designed for students planning to take a foreign language in high school. In this class, students will advance their listening and speaking ability as they fine-tune their basic Spanish language skills. Hispanic cultures of the world, celebrations, and of course food are also studied in this class. Students who work hard in this class may be able to test out of first-year Spanish in high school.

Introduction to Mandarin

The Introduction to Mandarin class will introduce students to the basics of the Chinese language, including Chinese heritage, food, and cultures. Students will learn basic language structure and develop their Chinese speaking skills. They will explore the unique traditions and celebrations important in Chinese cultures. Intermediate Mandarin

This class is open to any student who has successfully completed Introduction to Mandarin. The class will extend students’ skills in Chinese, deepen their conversational skills and understanding of the Chinese writing system, and broaden their understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture, history, celebrations, and traditions.