Academic Departments
Modern and Classical Languages
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers the opportunity for students to learn Latin, French and Spanish while also becoming familiar with the culture of those who communicate in these languages. Such knowledge provides our students with the ability to connect with others from different countries and backgrounds in our multicultural and highly interactive world.
Course Offerings
- French 1, 2, 3, Honors 4
- Spanish 1, 2, 3, Honors 4
- Benilde Spanish 1, 2
- Heritage Spanish 1, 2
- Latin 1, 2, 3
- AP Latin
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- Honors Readings in Spanish
Course Requirements
Students are encouraged to go beyond the two-year requirement in order to be more fully equipped to take their place in our increasingly global society. In order to advance to the upper levels of our language courses, students must show their proficiency by achieving a B average in the courses from level two forward.
Extracurricular Opportunities
- National Honor Societies: Outstanding students may be nominated for and inducted into the French, Latin or Spanish honor societies. Many of these students then serve as peer tutors for underclassmen. These honor societies also offer the opportunity to earn college scholarships.
- Language Clubs: All are welcome to join St. John’s language clubs, where students from every class level gather for service, educational activities, cultural celebrations and the sampling of international foods.
- Spring Break Trips: The Modern and Classical Languages Department sponsors international spring break trips, designed to allow students to perfect their language skills and experience Spanish, French or Latin culture. All St. John’s students have the opportunity to join these trips.
- Service Opportunities: Advanced language students have the opportunity to serve others using their second language. Some join the Amigos de las Americas program, volunteering up to eight weeks of their summer break to perform service projects in Spanish-speaking countries. Others use their language skills to volunteer with local parishes and other community centers.
Languages Faculty
List of 10 members.
