World Languages are a sacred part of the Academy’s curriculum. Ranging from Spanish to French, and even Latin, students have their pick of the language they want to embrace for three to four years. Whether students are in honors, college prep, or AP, they are being challenged to dive into a new language and immerse themselves in a world they wouldn’t be in otherwise.
The most popular language at the Academy is by far Spanish, with 11 classes ranging from college prep to honors and AP. This course not only teaches students grammar and translations, but also culture.
“I like Spanish class because it’s a way to maintain my fluency and my parents’ language,” says Valeria Taguja-Catano (’28).
Extending beyond class, Academy recently held a convocation in honor of Hispanic Heritage month to educate all the students of academy, whether they are in a Spanish class or not, about some of the deep and meaningful culture that surrounds Hispanic Heritage month. This is important because Spanish is spoken by approximately 330 million people around the world. With Spanish being the official language of 21 countries, it is a very useful and versatile language to learn.
Aside from Spanish, a popular language girls may take is French. If you have ever wanted to live in or experience the wonders of French culture this class may be for you. French is the language that decodes fashion, cuisine, architecture, theater, art, and dance.
Caroline Bertozzi (27’) says, “French is a super fun and interesting class. I love Madame Vorbe and getting to learn about her culture along with the language. It was also really cool being able to communicate with people when I went to France.”
French is also a good option if a student is already familiar with Spanish because they share similar roots. Similar to Spanish, French is spoken by many people all around the world. Over 200 million people and 56 countries speak French. The language is so widespread that it is the official language of the U.N, giving students a leg up in the global economy. Along with it being versatile, French can also better prepare students for college courses in history, literature, and art. Lastly, students are able to house French exchange students. While it is not a requirement to be in French class to have an exchange student, it can be helpful and a good way to practice the language.
The last language option for students is Latin. While Latin is no longer a spoken language, its roots helped derive the English language we speak today. In this class students learn some of the history that Latin is so rooted in. They read about places like Pompei and learn with characters that will stay with them for the majority of the three to four years they take the language. The course mainly consists of practicing sentences and reading and translating stories in hopes to get a grip on the language and the history it represents.
AP Latin student Gigi Luke (27′) says, “I actually really like Latin. I think that out of the three languages it is the best for me because it doesn’t really involve listening. I like that it has a history component and I like that it has a lot of patterns and I like patterns because I can memorize them the best. I also think that Mr. Bohlander is a really good teacher.”
While the grammar in Latin is a lot of memorization, if someone wants to become a lawyer or doctor Latin may help as many common terms are derived from Latin.
These classes not only offer great experiences and learning opportunities but they can also offer awards once a student has reached a certain level. Here at Academy girls are able to be awarded the Global Seal of Biliteracy on two levels: Functional Fluency and Working Fluency. Functional Fluency award students who are at an intermediate-mid level in the language of their choice. Similarly, Working Fluency is awarded to students at an advanced-low level. The requirements for these rewards include the appropriate grades for both English and World Language.
The World Language requirements are a three (functional fluency) or five (working fluency) on the Ap exam, a five or higher (functional fluency) or seven or higher (working fluency) on all four parts of Avant STAMP 4S, and 14 or higher (functional fluency) or A-1 or higher (working fluency) for the ALIRA (Latin). The English requirements are an 18 (functional fluency) or 21 (working fluency) on the ACT and a 480 (functional fluency) or 540 (working fluency) on the SAT.
