World Languages
Nurturing Communicators for a Globalized World
We view world language study as an integral learning catalyst from early childhood through high school. This sustained experience allows students to develop proficiency in another language while gaining a deeper understanding of the cultures, histories, and perspectives that shape our world. Along the way, students strengthen their confidence, communication, and critical-thinking skills. As one of our Mandarin Subject Advisors explains: "It's not just about mastering the language—it's about equipping learners with the confidence and composure to share their thoughts, no matter how brief or simple, with clarity and pride."
Early Learning
Beginning Mandarin Through Play
Through songs, stories, games, art, and hands-on activities, young learners begin developing conversational Mandarin and an appreciation for Chinese culture and perspectives beyond their own. Teachers differentiate instruction for non-native and heritage speakers, creating meaningful opportunities for students to listen, speak, recognize characters, and build confidence using the language.
Why Mandarin?
Our core PreK–grade 4 curriculum includes Mandarin, a tonal language with a character-based writing system that introduces students to new ways of representing meaning. Learning Mandarin engages auditory, visual, and pattern-recognition skills, encouraging careful listening, interdisciplinary connections and curiosity, while building strong foundations for continued language study.
Primary Program
Illuminating Rich Cultural Traditions
Through continued Mandarin study, students expand on prior learning while developing greater linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding. Primary students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through fun, hands-on lessons featuring calligraphy, food, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, which deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, history, and traditions.
Expanding Cultural and Interdisciplinary Connections
Learning extends into other subjects through the use of authentic resources, cultural comparisons, and connections to students' own communities. Schoolwide Lunar New Year celebrations bring these elements together as students showcase their language and cultural learning through performances, artwork, and interdisciplinary fine arts collaborations.
Middle School
Exploring Western Culture Through Latin
After studying Mandarin, students transition in grade 5 and 6 to Latin, exploring its influence on English, Western culture, and the vocabulary of other subjects. Latin study strengthens literacy by deepening students’ grammar, word formation, English word origins while creating meaningful connections in English, science, and history.
Exercising Student Agency Through Language
In grades 7 and 8, students pursue their own language path: continuing Latin or Mandarin or beginning French or Spanish. As they build proficiency, students deepen their cultural understanding through aligned activities, and other authentic experiences that may include visits to museums, festivals, and restaurants.
High School
Studying Communication and Culture in Depth
World language study in high school builds on the foundation established in earlier grades. Through increasingly advanced coursework in their chosen language, students strengthen communication skills and deepen their understanding of the literature, history, and culture connected to the language they study.
Preparing for a Diverse World
Students study the same language for at least three years, with many choosing AP® and Capstone courses to demonstrate their proficiency and cultural understanding. Learning may extend beyond the classroom through Project Week travel and other authentic cultural experiences that bring language to life.
