Modern Languages

In the Junior School, the Language A programs in French and Spanish focus on centering the student's mother tongue or home language, which is central to cognitive development and cultural identity. The programs are designed for students bringing a high level of proficiency and do not follow a bilingual or dual immersion model of instruction. Available from JA to J4, these programs ensure students develop advanced literacy skills that enhance the learning of additional languages. Students in French A are required to study Mathematics and Humanities in French, in addition to afterschool subjects, and students in Spanish A are required to study Humanities in Spanish. This course of study builds foundational literary and analytical skills. It also allows international students to transition into schools where instruction is delivered entirely in the target language. The French A program is part of the accredited Francophone Section (J2–M1), and the Spanish A program is part of the accredited Spanish International Section (JA–T2). 

In the Middle School, Language A programs are offered across all eight curricular languages. French A and Spanish A continue from Junior School, while Arabic, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian A are available from M3 through Tutorial House. The program focuses on analytical rigor in the target language, empowering students with the skills necessary to appreciate and interpret complex literary and non-literary texts. French A and Spanish A sections require the continued study of Humanities in the target language. Successfully completing the Spanish A course and Humanities in Spanish from M3 to T2 qualifies students for the Spanish Certificate of Secondary Education.  

In Tutorial House, Language A programs for all eight curricular languages continue through T2. These courses are designed to transition students toward the advanced proficiency required for the IB Diploma Programme (T3–T4). Students are expected to develop high proficiency, fluency, and linguistic range, focusing on acquiring the specific vocabulary necessary for textual analysis. The curriculum is highly analytical, requiring students to interpret, analyze, and evaluate a wide variety of concepts explored through literary, non-literary, visual, and performance texts. The focus is on thinking critically about texts and understanding how language constructs meaning and sustains or challenges ways of thinking. By building these rigorous linguistic, analytical, and communicative skills, the program ensures students have the grounding to pursue the DP course options with an inquiring and reflective approach, leading to a bilingual diploma. The IB encourages highly multilingual students to pursue their mother tongue (Language A) in the Diploma Program and gain a bilingual diploma.

In the Junior School, French and Spanish B courses (for acquisition) build students’ foundational knowledge of the language, with learners gradually expressing themselves in full sentences. The learning is project-based and often serves as a conduit for the discovery of products and practices from across the Francophone and Hispanophone worlds. From a communicative standpoint, students begin by focusing on listening comprehension and daily vocabulary, then progress through oral skills and basic reading, gradually incorporating language mechanics like gender, number agreement, conjugations, and possessive adjectives. This progression enables them to construct complete and more complex sentences, enabling functional uses of the language such as giving directions or justifying opinions. Across all levels, students explore various cultural aspects and perspectives, making connections with their own heritage. Participation in school events, traditions, annual language celebrations, film, and museum outings enrich their exposure to French or Spanish language and culture. By the end of JS, students will complete the Pre A1.1 through A1.1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). 

In the Middle School, the offerings in French and Spanish B (M1-M4) and Arabic, Chinese, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian B (M3-M4) are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Sections in French and Spanish range from Novice to Intermediate-High proficiency (A1.1 to B1.1) while in third languages, they are available in the Novice to Intermediate-Low proficiency (A1.1 to A2.1). The Middle School program is communicative in scope. Students develop their receptive, productive, and interactive skills, building the ability to understand and use everyday expressions, while expressing personal needs and navigating social situations. The acquisition of the language is embedded in cultural products and practices of the regions where the language of study is spoken, which allows students to consider their own identity and heritage in dialogue with other cultures and develop their global awareness. Real-world engagement, risk-taking, and curiosity are fostered through co-curricular activities, such as field trips in NYC for cultural events, guest workshops, and annual all-school language celebrations. Beginning in M4, students can choose to participate in cultural spring break trips to destinations where the target language is spoken, and all M4s travel to a Francophone or a Hispanophone destination in May. 

In Tutorial House, course offerings in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian B (T1-T2) are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). Sections typically range from Intermediate-Low to Advanced-Mid User levels (A2.1 to B2.1), depending on language (A2.1 to B2.1). The program is rigorous and communicative, designed to transition students to an independent command of the language. Students advance their receptive, productive, and interactive skills. They develop the ability to successfully navigate complex authentic media and non-literary texts and to produce longer pieces of analytical and creative writing. The acquisition of language is deeply embedded in the cultural products and practices of the target regions, encouraging students to critically examine their own identity and heritage in dialogue with other cultures, supporting global awareness. Real-world engagement and curiosity are fostered through frequent co-curricular activities, guest workshops , and annual all-school language celebrations. Students also have the option to join immersion trips to a destination where the language they study is spoken over spring break.This curriculum provides rigorous preparation for the IB Diploma Programme (T3, T4).