In French 1, students begin to speak, read, write, and understand basic French. They will learn to talk about themselves, introduce people, order food and drinks in a café, give directions, tell time, make plans, and read a subway map. Present and near future tenses will be covered as students build their vocabulary.

French 2 reviews the present and future tenses, but places its emphasis on learning the past tenses. Topics of study include the weather, the calendar, hotel reservations, apartment rental, foreign study, and the daily routine. The study of adjectives will enhance a growing vocabulary.

French 3 is an upper level French course in which the students speak almost entirely in French. As students begin to refine their ability to speak, read, write and understand French, they will study fitness and health, cooking, clothing, and the regions of France. Grammatical topics covered include all tenses related to the indicative mood, pronouns, and the comparative and the superlative.

French 4 is an advanced language course. Students should expect to speak and be spoken to exclusively in French and will learn to discuss the problems of the world, movies, plays, short stories and fables. All verb tenses of the indicative mood as well as the subjunctive will be covered. This course serves as preparation for the AP French Language course.

This advanced course is designed specifically to prepare students for the Advanced Placement French Language exam. Students will speak and be spoken to exclusively in French. They will be asked to communicate clearly – both orally and in writing – about a variety of topics, with the aim of sharpening their use of French grammar and vocabulary.

This Spanish course introduces students to the Spanish language and culture. Students will learn to communicate in basic Spanish about themselves, their families, activities they enjoy, and a variety of other simple subjects. By the end of the year, they will be able to listen, speak, read and write at a basic level and will have learned about some of the Hispanic cultures around the world.

Spanish 2 reviews the present and near future tenses, but then focuses on the past tenses. Students will be expected to read and write at an elevated-basic level as they study Hispanic culture and learn to give directions, discuss daily routines, and develop a more sophisticated writing style.

Students in Spanish 3 study the more complex aspects of Spanish grammar and by the end of the year are expected to communicate – both in writing and orally – at an intermediate level entirely in Spanish. They review the indicative tenses thoroughly and begin to learn the subjunctive tenses. Students learn to give commands and to express their wishes, requests, and doubts in a more sophisticated way. Culture and literature continue to be part of the learning experience.

Spanish 4 is an advanced level language course in which all verb tenses, including complex and nuanced grammatical structures, will be covered. Students will be asked to read and analyze authentic Spanish poetry, short fiction, newspapers, magazines, and film. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish and serves as preparation for the AP Spanish Language course.

This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam. Students will review Spanish grammar rules, plus expand their vocabulary and use of idiomatic expressions. They will practice writing, reading, speaking, and listening on a daily basis and will be expected to compare and contrast curricular themes and Hispanic cultures, present and defend arguments in debates, and communicate exclusively in Spanish about almost any topic. Spanish articles, poetry, novels, and films will be part of the syllabus.

The primary goal of this course is to supplement a student’s standing knowledge of Latin vocabulary, structures and forms so that students may reach the ultimate goal of translating works handed down from classical Rome. Students will gain awareness of historical, social, political and religious settings in which the Romans lived as well as an understanding of the significant influence that Latin has had on the English language.

Students in Latin 3 employ a standing knowledge of Latin vocabulary, forms, and structures while translating a variety of original works handed down from classical Rome. The study of Roman culture is ongoing, as well as the study of the relationship between Latin and English.

The course of study for Latin 4 continues the structural materials of the language begun in Latin II and III. More emphasis is placed on developing the skills of reading for comprehension as well as reading for translation. Augustus Caesar, Julius Caesar, and Vergil are the primary authors studied. Students will analyze the historical, cultural, and social aspects of the Roman Empire that are revealed by these writers.

AP Latin prepares students for the AP Caesar-Vergil exam by focusing on the rendering of precise and literal translation of Latin text from four books of The Aeneid and four books of De Bello Gallico, as well as interpreting and analyzing critical statements about these two texts. Students will compare and contrast different aspects of form, structure, and content used by these two authors. The class will also provide students with the cultural, political, and social context necessary to appreciate Caesar, Vergil, and their timeless masterpieces.