World Languages - Seattle Academy The Hub World Languages At Seattle Academy, the study of World Languages fosters students’ understanding of their place in a diverse world, teaches them to communicate in culturally appropriate ways, and deepens their intellectual curiosity. Our approach emphasizes the importance of communicative skills and cultural competency, preparing students to engage respectfully and responsibly in an interconnected world. Through a dynamic, proficiency-based curriculum, students develop their communication skills and linguistic understandings alongside an appreciation for the cultural contexts of their chosen language. Students can choose to study French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish; they progress through sequential levels of their chosen language designed to advance their individual proficiency levels. The program empowers students to explore language study as a lifelong skill, integrating a love for language learning with the ability to navigate diverse global perspectives. Meet the World Languages Faculty Middle School At Seattle Academy, the Middle School World Languages program is designed to support and challenge students as they gain foundational understandings and communicative skills. Our program begins in 6th grade with the Foundations of World Languages class or Spanish Foundations class. Both classes introduce students to the foundations of grammar and language study. Foundations of World Languages strengthens students’ understanding of and facility with English, builds geographic awareness, and fosters a love of words and their meanings. Spanish Foundations is an introductory modern language class designed for students with some previous academic study of Spanish. Building on this foundation, students in 7th and 8th grades choose French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish. Designed for novice learners, the SAAS Middle School World Languages program emphasizes communicative skills, cultural awareness, and study habits that support long-term success in language learning. Students with significant prior knowledge of one of our offered languages are encouraged to explore a new language so they may benefit from valuable peer-to-peer collaboration and interactions. Middle School World Languages courses emphasize active learning, critical thinking, and effective communication. Students are guided through increasingly complex language tasks that encourage creativity and collaboration, preparing them for the demands of Upper School language classes while supporting their academic skill-building in different disciplines. Upon entering the Upper School, students may choose to continue with their language of study or choose a new language of study. MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE Foundations What does the study of language teach us about human nature? This profound question lies at the heart of our Foundations of World Languages, a dynamic and interdisciplinary class for 6th graders. Designed to illuminate the intricate connections between language, culture, geography, and human thought, this course inspires students to explore how communication shapes and reflects who we are as individuals and societies. Upper School At Seattle Academy, the Upper School World Languages program offers a comprehensive progression designed to meet students at their current proficiency levels, whether they are novice or more advanced language learners. Our program provides individualized pathways while supporting all students in cultivating skills in effective communication, creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and respectful collaboration. Students choose to study French, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish, with placement determined by demonstrated proficiency rather than grade level. Upon entering the World Languages program, students with prior experience in their chosen language take a placement exam. Continuing students are placed in consultation with their current teacher. Students usually progress through the program sequentially. Some students may choose to learn a second World Language after–or while–completing their World Language requirement. Students are required to take a minimum of 3 years of World Languages classes in the Upper School; students must progress at least one level in the same language. Students earn elective credits for classes taken in excess of the World Language requirement. Standard-level courses, offered for Levels 1-4, focus on building foundational language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while fostering cultural competencies and confidence in real-world communication. These courses emphasize practical application over grammatical precision, allowing students to immerse themselves in the target language in a supportive and engaging environment. Students practice navigating ambiguity and nuance, developing transferable skills that prepare them for meaningful interactions in an increasingly interconnected world. For students with a higher level of language proficiency, honors-level courses in French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish are available beginning at Level 4. In French and Spanish, teachers provide a placement recommendation between Honors and Standard in level 4, while all level 5 and 6 classes are Honors classes; in Spanish, Honors level 7 is also offered. In Mandarin Chinese, levels 4, 5, and 6 are Honors classes. These courses provide faster-paced curricula that emphasize nuanced communication skills, a higher level of grammatical accuracy, and cultural analysis. Honors-level students engage with authentic texts and cultural artifacts, advancing their ability to articulate ideas with precision and navigate linguistic and cultural complexities. Upper School Curriculum Guide Xiaolongbao, Please! Mandarin Chinese 2 students complete a restaurant unit. Students study vocabulary and structures to use in a restaurant setting. For the final project for this unit, students go to a Chinese restaurant and film themselves interacting with the restaurant staff entirely in Mandarin Chinese. Language Development Skills All language classes stress communication, reading fluency, and the ability to produce understandable language in speaking and writing. International Trips The World Languages Department offers international trips. Recent trips included Taiwan, Costa Rica, and France. Language Foundations Developed In beginning and intermediate classes (1-4), students build vocabulary and grammatical frameworks that allow them to navigate commonplace situations. Class work emphasizes speaking and listening skills, while homework deepens reading and writing. Production and Comprehension in Advanced Courses Beginning with 4th year honors classes, students work with abstract vocabulary and complex grammatical structures appropriate for their social and developmental maturity. Advanced classes require significant discussions, reading and writing in the target language including literary analysis, creative writing and research projects. Most High School Students Choose to Take Four Years of World Language Beyond the three years of language study required for graduation, those who love learning languages are often able to study more than one language during part of high school. How are students placed in a modern language classes? What are examples of World Languages sequences for students? How many World Languages credits are required for graduation? Can students study other languages that are not currently offered by SAAS for credit? Are there trips associated with language classes? Are language courses required in the Middle School? Placement in modern language courses is based on a students' language proficiency and prior experience with the language. In the Middle School, all courses are for novice language learners, though there is some flexibility with placement (see World Languages sequences above). In the Upper School, students beginning their language study begin in Level 1. Students who wish to begin at a higher level may request a placement test. Placement tests are administered by teachers of the chosen language and contain written and spoken components. In both divisions, we consider both language proficiency and developmental maturity when placing students. Middle School students are generally not placed in Upper School classes. View the World Languages Course Sequence Diagram Students must earn nine World Languages credits (three years) to earn a Seattle Academy diploma. Two years of study must be in the same language and students must progress at least one level. The third year can be in the same language or a different language. Students often continue their study of a modern language for all four years of high school. If students study a language not offered by SAAS from an approved, accredited educational institution, they may receive elective credit. It will not, however, count as a World Languages credit. Yes! We have offered student trips to Costa Rica, Taiwan, China, Spain, and France. See the Outdoor and Travel page for updated trip offerings. All middle school students take a language course unless they are enrolled in the Study Skills program . Students enrolled in Study Skills still have the option to take a language course.