World Languages Department

The World Languages Department prepares students to communicate across languages and cultures with confidence, curiosity, and respect.

Through language study and exploration of diverse cultures and traditions, students strengthen their communication skills while developing cultural awareness and an appreciation for different perspectives. Classroom experiences emphasize practical, real world communication and give students opportunities to apply their language skills in meaningful contexts. Guided by nationally recognized standards for world language education, the program prepares students to engage thoughtfully with people and communities beyond their own.

Trilingual Scholars Program:
Trilingual Scholars are exceptional world language students who commit to taking English 4 or AP English Literature in addition to level 4, 4H, or 4AP of one world language (ASL, French, Mandarin, or Spanish), and level 2 or higher of a second world language offered through Mercy or Tri-School. In addition to being recognized at graduation, Trilingual Scholars are often eligible for the honor societies in their respective languages as well as Mercy's Seal of Biliteracy.

Eligible students are invited to apply for the following Honors Societies:

•La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica
•La Société Honoraire de Français
•Mercy Tri-Lingual Honor Society
•ASL Honor Society

Courses Highlight

American Sign Language 4 Honors

American Sign Language 4 Honors students learn from higher-level presentations, use of ASL refined presentation skills, incorporation of increased Classifier and Role Shift use, and a higher expectation of signing fluidity and comprehension. Students immerse themselves in current Deaf news and active class presentations. Students show mastery through semester projects, participate in 100% language immersion, and are expected to participate in Deaf events to continue the growth of their language skills and Deaf Culture experience. To graduate with ASL Honors, students are required to participate in a Deaf Event.

French 1

French 1 students learn the French language through a variety of language and cultural lessons simulating an immersive journey through various francophone countries. Students work towards Three Modes of Communication prescribed by the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)- Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. Students learn through a communicative, task-based approach inspired by real-world scenarios.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture is equivalent to a college level course and is conducted in a seminar learning environment. With the use of VHL TEMAS as text, students are guided in developing communication skills that prepare them to demonstrate an understanding of language and culture of the Spanish/Hispanic world. The Socratic format figures prominently in creating a forum for students to learn the art of questioning, comparing, contrasting, defending, and generally communicating their individual ideas and opinions using authentic sources to support their arguments. This course has a lasting learning value in that it presents students with opportunities to effectively communicate universal, world ideas. This broad based preparation holds students in good stead for travel, work, higher studies, and achievement on standardized exams. Exceptional completion of this course makes students eligible for initiation as a Life Member in the National Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica.

Mandarin 1

This is the first level of Mandarin study for secondary school beginners who will develop the basic skills in Mandarin Chinese, such as useful conversation for daily life. Students learn to read, write, speak, and understand basic Mandarin Chinese characters and pinyin. Students are exposed to a variety of Mandarin-speaking cultures in Mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, and more. This course fulfills the UC/CSU requirement for World Languages.

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