Modern and Classical Languages

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers students the opportunity to study Latin, French, and Spanish while gaining insight into the cultures of those who speak these languages. This knowledge empowers students to connect with people from diverse countries and backgrounds in our multicultural, highly interconnected 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, Honors 4
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 to be better prepared for meaningful participation in our increasingly global society. For De La Salle Scholars, we require three consecutive years of language study. To advance to the upper levels of our language courses, students must show 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 that provide students with the opportunity to enhance their language skills and immerse themselves in Spanish, French, or Greco-Roman culture. All St. John’s students may join these trips, capacity permitting.

Service Opportunities

Advanced language students have opportunities to use their second language to serve others. 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, while others use their language skills to volunteer with local parishes and community centers.

Exchanges

The department maintains close partnerships with Lasallian schools in France and Mexico that share our mission and values. These relationships help our students recognize the Lasallian global community of which we are grateful to be a part. Through cultural exchanges and study abroad trips, we aim for students to return home inspired, more confident, and deeply connected to the world around them. Our hope is that these experiences nurture a spirit of servant leadership and foster a greater appreciation for multicultural collaboration, understanding, and empathy.