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Languages

Other than the teacher being one of the coolest people I’ve ever met, there have been so many great things that came out of taking UPrep's Chinese language courses. We learned not only how to speak and sound authentic, but also how to understand the Chinese culture. Being able to put a smile on my grandparents’ faces as I converse with them in their native language is one of the greatest gifts UPrep has given me." –Joseph Yeung '21

The Upper School language program encourages understanding of our world’s many interrelated languages and cultures. Courses aim to equip students with functional and culturally appropriate interpersonal, interpretive and presentation skills for proficient communication.

Students may enroll in introductory language courses in any year in Upper School, or build upon foundations laid in Middle School by continuing into upper-level courses. In Chinese and French, students take all courses in their numerical order. In Spanish, students follow the numerical order through Spanish IV and then may take topically focused, advanced courses in any order.

Students continually exercise all four skills of language learning–reading, writing, speaking and listening–and progressively expand their grammatical and lexical knowledge. The curriculum includes opportunity for in-depth exploration of the culture(s), literature, and history associated with the language of study. Students are also encouraged to pursue cultural and linguistic experiences outside the classroom. Incoming skill level and learning needs are carefully considered during the placement process.

I love seeing our students challenge themselves. When you are learning any language and discovering any culture, you develop a better understanding of our humanity." –Isabelle Rio, Upper School French Teacher and Language Department Chair

Courses