World Language
The World Languages department offers French, Spanish, and American Sign Language, and prepares students to meet and interact with speakers of other countries and cultures. Through the integration of second language skills and leveraging leading-edge technology, we bring our students in and beyond the classroom and offer opportunities for unique cultural experiences.
Experience World Languages at Mercy High School where:
- Integration of skills occurs daily
- Lessons are relevant
- Communication reflects real life
- Building community is an in-class activity
- Learning is rigorous
- Culture is embedded in the language learning
- Websites/apps here and at home sharpen your learning
Levels I and II: American Sign Language, French, Spanish
Levels III and IV: American Sign Language, French, Spanish
Honors Levels III and IV Courses: American Sign Language, French, Spanish
Advanced Placement (AP) Level Courses:
French and Spanish Language & Culture.
- Enjoyment is part of the learning
- Risk-taking builds self esteem
- Learning a language is inter-disciplinary
- You become active global citizens
- AND where you can begin with ONE language
study and graduate as a TRI-LINGUAL SCHOLAR!
Honor Societies:
La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, La Société Honoraire de Français, Mercy Tri-Lingual Honor Society, ASL Honor Society
Trilingual Honor Society:
Trilingual Scholars are exceptional world language students who commit to taking English 4 or AP English Literature; 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 Tri-School. In addition to being recognized at graduation, they are typically also eligible for the honor societies in their respective languages as well as Mercy's Seal of Biliteracy.
View our World Language Department video!
Meet Our World Language Department Chair
Julia Angeles, known to students as Madame, is the world language department chair and French teacher at Mercy High School, Burlingame. She teaches all levels of French, from 1 to 4AP, and some of her other roles include moderating the French Honor Society and co-moderating the Trilingual Honor Society and the Tri-School French Club. She has also been active in DEI work at Mercy. Madame loves finding creative ways to help students communicate more proficiently in French, build their intercultural awareness, and feel part of the Mercy community.
Outside of Mercy, she is a member of the California Language Teachers’ Association (CLTA) and serves as treasurer of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), Northern California chapter, where she helps prepare professional development for French teachers.
Madame holds a BA in French, magna cum laude, with highest departmental honors; an MA in Education with an emphasis on teaching French; and a California Clear Teaching Credential in French.
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart. Nelson Mandela