World Languages

This semester course introduces students to world geography and the diversity of cultures across the globe. Students build a foundation in geography by identifying continents, countries, and capitals and exploring seasons and climate in different regions. Through the study of world languages, major religions, history, traditions, food, and daily life, they examine how geography and cultural practices shape identity and community. Interactive projects, discussions, and cultural comparisons encourage students to recognize connections among societies, respect different perspectives, and develop a broader understanding of the world.

This course offers students a unique opportunity to experience a quarter of instruction in each of the four languages offered at our school: Italian, Spanish, French, and Latin. Through engaging lessons, students are introduced to the basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational phrases of each language, along with an overview of cultural traditions, geography, and customs. The course is designed to spark curiosity, build foundational language skills, and help students make an informed choice about which language they may wish to study in 8th grade and, eventually, at our High School.

 Latin I introduces students to the foundations of the Latin language through the study of grammar, vocabulary, reading, and translation. Students develop an understanding of Latin sentence structure and build vocabulary while reading adapted Latin texts. The course also explores the influence of Latin on English and the Romance languages, helping students make connections across languages. Through the study of ancient Roman culture and civilization, students gain a deeper appreciation for the connections between the ancient world and the modern world while developing critical thinking and language skills.  Upon successful completion of Middle School Level 1 Latin, students will be placed into High School Level 1 of Latin in Freshman year.  Students who demonstrate strong proficiency and aptitude may take a placement test for consideration of placement into Level II.

Spanish I provides students with a foundation in the Spanish language through the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The curriculum begins with essential communication skills, including greetings, introductions, numbers, dates, weather, and classroom expressions. As students progress, they develop their understanding of grammatical structures, including articles, noun-adjective agreement, subject pronouns, present-tense verb conjugations, and sentence formation. Vocabulary is introduced through everyday topics such as family, school, home, clothing, community, and personal interests. Interactive activities, dialogues, and cultural exploration encourage students to communicate confidently in Spanish while developing an appreciation for the traditions and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Upon successful completion of Middle School Level 1 Spanish, students will be placed into High School Level 1 of Spanish in Freshman year. Students who demonstrate strong proficiency and aptitude may take a placement test for consideration of placement into Level II.

French I introduces students to the French language and the cultures of the French-speaking world. Through a communicative approach, students develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and basic grammatical structures. Students learn to communicate in familiar, everyday situations through greetings, introductions, asking and answering questions, and describing themselves and others. Topics include personal information, numbers, dates, weather, school, family, food, leisure activities, and daily routines. Students develop an understanding of articles, noun-adjective agreement, subject pronouns, common present-tense verbs, and basic sentence structures. Through conversations, interactive activities, and cultural exploration, students build confidence in using French while gaining an appreciation for the language, customs, traditions, and diversity of French-speaking communities. Upon successful completion of Middle School Level 1 French, students will be placed into High School Level 1 of French in Freshman year. Students who demonstrate strong proficiency and aptitude may take a placement test for consideration of placement into Level II.