World Language

Mandarin Chinese 1 focuses on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills aligned with the New York State Standards for World Languages. Through immersive and interactive activities, students will build foundational language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and traditions.

Students will learn to communicate in Mandarin using simple phrases and sentences, expanding their vocabulary and understanding of basic grammatical structures. They will also explore authentic cultural materials – including stories, songs, and media – to develop intercultural competence and an appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Chinese-speaking world.

Mandarin Chinese 2 builds upon the foundational skills acquired in Mandarin Chinese 1, further developing students’ proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Aligned with the New York State Standards for World Languages, this course emphasizes practical communication, cultural understanding and language application in everyday contexts.

Students will expand their vocabulary and comprehension while learning more complex sentence structures and engaging in authentic language tasks. Thematic units focus on relevant topics such as school life, leisure activities and food. Through these themes, students will explore Chinese cultural practices, including school culture, hobbies, time and money concepts, dining customs and table etiquette.

A gradual shift toward written language skills will be emphasized, including the continued practice and mastery of Chinese characters. Regular homework and character revision are essential components of this course, supporting students’ language acquisition and retention.

Mandarin Chinese 3 continues to emphasize communicative competence aligned with the New York State World Language Standards. Students will expand their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing, with a focus on enhancing their knowledge of Mandarin characters and language structures. Thematic units will include practical and culturally rich topics such as weather, traditional Chinese festivals, shopping, clothing and colors. Through these themes, students will deepen their cultural understanding and improve their ability to navigate real-world conversations in Mandarin. Throughout the course, students will engage in daily homework assignments and character revision to reinforce their learning. By the end of the year, students will be prepared to take the NYS Mandarin Chinese Checkpoint B Assessment. Successful completion of this exam fulfills the world language sequence requirement for graduation and earns students credit toward an advanced Regents diploma.

Mandarin Chinese 4 is a university-level course that offers an immersive and intensive experience, focusing on advanced development of the four key language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Aligned with the New York State World Language Standards, the course emphasizes both communication proficiency and cultural understanding. Students will engage deeply with topics such as: body and health, house and home, directions and travel, food and dining, and cultural enrichment. Through selected works of fiction and film, students will gain insights into Chinese culture, traditions, and contemporary society. This exploration will enhance their ability to interpret and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives. Daily homework, consistent character practice, and active participation are required to reinforce language retention and skill development. By the end of the course, students will have significantly strengthened their Mandarin proficiency and cultural literacy, preparing them for real-world communication in diverse contexts.

Mandarin Chinese 5 is an advanced course where students will continue to refine their skills in Mandarin Chinese, building on foundational knowledge. Aligned with the New York State Standards for World Languages, this course emphasizes proficiency in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive and presentational. Students will deepen their understanding of more complex grammatical structures and expand their vocabulary to enhance both written and spoken expression. A central focus will be on vocabulary acquisition, character recall and composition practice. Students will engage in frequent writing exercises that promote summarization and analysis, culminating in well-organized essays that demonstrate clarity and coherence. The course will also provide opportunities for students to develop fluency in extemporaneous speech, gaining confidence in spontaneous conversations through targeted activities. In addition, students will refine their dictionary skills to aid independent learning. While the majority of the course will center on modern Mandarin usage, students will briefly explore classical forms of the language as they appear in literary and historical texts. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to communicate effectively in Mandarin in a variety of contexts, demonstrating a high level of proficiency and cultural awareness in their language use.

French 1 is an introductory course that provides students with a foundational understanding of the French language and explores the diverse cultures of French-speaking countries. Aligned with New York State World Language Standards, the course emphasizes communication, cultural competence and language connections.

Through engaging activities, students develop essential skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. By participating in real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, learners build basic proficiency in French, gradually gaining confidence in everyday conversations and written expression. Topics include greetings, self-introductions, daily routines and cultural traditions.

A final school examination evaluates student progress, setting a strong foundation for future language learning.

French 2 is designed to advance students' proficiency in French by reviewing and reinforcing essential linguistic structures. Grounded in the New York State Standards for World Languages, the course emphasizes comprehensive skill development in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will engage in dynamic communicative activities that foster real-world language use, while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Francophone world.

Through interactive exercises, students will deepen their understanding of the three modes of communication while enhancing their ability to express themselves with increasing accuracy and confidence. Integrated cultural studies provide context and meaning, encouraging students to make connections between language and global perspectives.

The course culminates in a school examination that assesses students' proficiency across all language modalities, preparing them for continued success in advanced French studies.

French 3 offers students a dynamic and immersive environment designed to enhance their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. This course builds upon previous learning, focusing on active communication and deepening comprehension skills through a variety of engaging topics.

Students will complete oral and written assignments that challenge them to apply advanced language structures and expand their vocabulary. The curriculum emphasizes real-world communication, fostering the ability to express ideas fluently and accurately in French. Throughout the year, learners will engage in meaningful conversations, interpret authentic texts and produce written responses that reflect their growing command of the language.

By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared for the Checkpoint B assessment, demonstrating their ability to understand and convey information effectively in French across various contexts. This course not only enhances linguistic skills but also cultivates cultural awareness, preparing students to connect with French-speaking communities globally.

This advanced-level French course is part of a two-year sequence preparing students for the Advanced Placement (AP) French Language Exam, and deepens linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding in accordance with the New York State Standards for World Languages. Through thematic exploration of Francophone cultures worldwide, students will refine their command of French in authentic contexts while expanding their cultural insights.

The course emphasizes the four key skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—integrating them into meaningful communicative tasks. Students will engage in discussions, interpret diverse texts and produce coherent, nuanced responses in French. An extensive review of advanced grammar concepts will strengthen their ability to express complex ideas with accuracy and fluency.

This course is the second part of a rigorous two-year sequence preparing students for the Advanced Placement (AP) French Language and Culture exam. Aligned with the New York State Standards for World Languages, this course emphasizes cultural competence, critical thinking and advanced language proficiency.

Students will engage deeply with French literature, civilization and culture, enhancing their understanding of Francophone societies. Through immersive study, they will expand their advanced vocabulary and refine complex grammatical structures. Emphasis is placed on perfecting communication across the four key skill areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Students will develop the skills to analyze and interpret texts, engage in meaningful conversations, and express themselves clearly and persuasively in both written and spoken French. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to take the AP French Language and Culture exam, potentially earning college credit based on their exam performance. AP exam fee applies; fee waivers or reductions may be available for eligible students.

Spanish 1 is a course designed for those students new to world languages study, students who want to begin another world language, or students who did not previously pass Spanish. This course is designed to help students develop basic forms of interpersonal communication, foundational vocabulary and basic cultural understanding in alignment with NYS World Language Standards. Exposure to the Spanish and Hispanic cultures will be integrated throughout the course. 

Spanish 2  is an immersive and engaging course designed to strengthen students' foundational skills in Spanish and advance their proficiency in alignment with the New York State Standards for World Languages. This course builds on previous knowledge, reinforcing essential linguistic structures while enhancing communication in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Through comprehension exercises, interactive communicative activities, and culturally rich materials, students will deepen their understanding of Hispanic cultures and develop a more nuanced use of the language. Authentic texts and real-world scenarios will provide opportunities for critical thinking and cultural exploration, fostering an appreciation for the diverse Spanish-speaking world.

Students will engage in conversations, express feelings, and exchange information, understand and interpret spoken and written language in various contexts, present information and ideas clearly, in both written and oral formats, and explore cultural practices and perspectives, comparing them to their own.

A school examination will conclude the course, assessing students’ language skills and cultural knowledge. This course aims to empower students to communicate confidently and competently, preparing them for advanced study in Spanish and fostering lifelong language skills.

Spanish 3 builds upon foundational skills developed in previous Spanish studies, aligned with the New York State Standards for World Languages. Through engaging oral and written assignments, students will explore diverse topics designed to enhance their proficiency in Spanish vocabulary and grammatical structures. The curriculum emphasizes active communication, focusing on the development of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Students will participate in interactive activities, discussions and projects that foster real-world language use, cultural understanding and critical thinking. By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared for the Checkpoint B Assessment, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively and confidently in Spanish across various contexts.

Spanish 4 is an advanced-level course, aligned with the NYS Standards for World Languages, serves as part one of a two-year sequence preparing students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Emphasis is placed on deepening students’ linguistic proficiency and cultural competence by exploring the diverse regions, traditions and histories of Spanish-speaking countries.

Students will engage in extensive grammar review and practice, reinforcing prior knowledge while expanding their command of complex structures. Through immersive activities, students will further develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. They will analyze authentic texts, participate in discussions and complete projects that foster a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives and practices.

This course encourages critical thinking and global awareness, equipping students with the skills necessary to communicate effectively in Spanish across various contexts. AP exam fees apply; fee waivers or reductions may be available.

Spanish 5 is Part 2 of a two-year sequence leading to the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Aligned with the NYS Standards for World Languages, the course deepens students' proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will expand their understanding of the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries through authentic materials, literary works, and cultural themes.

Students will engage in discussions, collaborative projects, and presentations, applying critical thinking to cultural comparisons. Regular practice assessments will prepare students for the AP exam format.

Course content will include language proficiency, cultural exploration, and skills focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing.

An AP exam fee applies; fee waivers or reductions may be available.