World Languages

...American HS & Thornton JHS in collaboration. We encourage students to start in junior high school. If you don’t start in junior high school, then sign up for a world language in high school. Registration begins in late February!

...Highly-qualified teachers who actively participate in their students’ whole academic experience.

• Teachers find opportunities for students to practice their language skills at school and in the community. 
• Students go on field trips, such as to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, museums, among others.
• Students participate in cultural activities on a regular basis.
• Students also have the opportunity to participate in contests (French National Contest, consulate, professional) and other events to demonstrate their language proficiency.
• Students use “realia” or authentic materials, newspaper articles, pictures, movies, short video & music clips, literature & technology in the classroom for student to learn & to demonstrate acquisition of language.
• Teachers facilitate students in peer tutoring and other intervention activities, such as one-on-one assistance, group tutoring, parent-teacher conferences.
• Level 1 through Honors /Advanced Placement in French (4H, 5AP, 6 Civilization & Culture of the French-speaking World); Spanish 1-3, AP Spanish Language & Culture; Levels 1-4 in Mandarin Chinese.

1. Make new friends and expand your mind.
2. Become a more globally-viable businessperson.
3. Understand the world and your own language better.
4. Study, travel, & work abroad.
5. Gain a competitive edge in a global economy.
6. Discover other cultures beyond your world.
7. Improve your skills in your own language & other subjects.
8. Increase your results in standardized tests and set yourself apart by participating in language competitions
9. Meet college recommendations (at least 3 years of the same language for limited proficiency; 4 years preferred, including Honors/AP.)
10. Receive a California State Seal of Biliteracy.

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