International Languages


The primary aim of the International Language program is to present world languages as essential living tools for communication, given the global community in which we live. Employing proficiency-based methods, students develop the ability to use other languages in realistic situations following the standards of communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities while developing the skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The knowledge, insight, and appreciation they gain for other cultures allows students to develop empathy by broadening their understanding of how others live, think, and interact in ways different to their own. Students build a solid linguistic scaffolding in middle school, which ultimately enables them in upper school to appreciate authentic, unabridged works in various media, and to express themselves with confidence and proficiency in communicating in another language. Sacred Heart schools are part of a dynamic international network with a well-established global exchange and service program. Upper school students may study abroad, and all FR families are invited to host exchange students.  

 

learn more about our Sacred Heart Exchange Program


2023-2024 Course Offerings

Middle School: 5th-8th Grade

Students begin learning an additional language in fifth grade, starting with French. Depending on the level of interest from students, we may also be able to offer an exploratory Mandarin class to fifth grader students. In sixth grade, students have the option to continue French or try Spanish. By seventh grade, they continue with a formal study of French, Spanish, or Mandarin and can complete the equivalent of a first-year high school language class by eighth grade. Students who successfully complete both 1A and 1B courses in a single language will advance to level two French, Spanish, or Mandarin in the ninth grade. These high-school level courses demand rigor, commitment, and developmental readiness. Homework of about twenty to thirty minutes per class includes listening and speaking exercises, written exercises, memorization to the point of recall, compositions, and other tasks.  

Upper School: 9th-12th Grade

Graduation requirement: 3.0 credits (6 semesters) of continuous study of the same language or the equivalent of a Level 3 proficiency with 4 semesters completed in upper school courses.

 

*Course offerings are based on student interest and minimum enrollment requirements; therefore, some classes listed may not be offered every school year.