World Languages

Latin education has true academic value. A foundation in Latin expands one's vocabulary, hones critical thinking skills, provides a gateway to the Romance languages, and can improve standardized test scores. 

Latin education encourages social and emotional growth as well, since its challenges are often overcome by hard work, perseverance, and peer support. Before they enter high school, AMSA’s Latin students will be comfortable reading and interpreting real, complex abridged Latin texts by famous Roman authors. They will also be familiar with the customs of the Romans, including examples of their tremendous influence on modern American culture and government. 

The focus of AMSA’s curriculum is on reading, but speaking is also a component of the program. Though Latin is not widely spoken outside the Christian tradition, it is not a “dead” language. There are active Latin communities in many U.S. cities, including Boston, where students, teachers, and university scholars come together to communicate in Latin and celebrate Roman culture. 

In the spirit of this growing Latin community, AMSA students in grades 6-8 will learn to use Latin for polite conversation, to gain and provide information, and to discuss works of art and literature. Our high school program builds on the foundation set in the lower school and prepares students to study Latin at an advanced level in college. Latin is a very useful course of study for those high-school students wishing to pursue degrees in law or medicine.  

For more information about AMSA’s lower-school Latin program, please contact Mrs. Jessica Hoang or Mr. Aaron Fuller. To learn more about our high-school curriculum, please see the program of studies linked on AMSA’s website or contact Mr. Brian Bakkala.

As AMSA grows and the hours of language study increase so does the curriculum. The Bon Voyage series provides the central themes introduced in Levels 1, 2, and 3 while students who would like to pursue French at an advanced level have the choice between French IV ( Tresor du temps) or French film. Throughout these courses, the students are provided with numerous opportunities to engage in learning tasks for interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication. We have resources to include an AP French language and culture course and offer it when student enrollment meets minimum requirements.

In the French I course students will develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in the French language and develop an in-depth awareness of the French speaking countries. The thematic vocabulary and the basic grammar structures, such as present tense of regular and irregular verbs, will enable students to carry on conversations about everyday life experience.

Students in French II build upon the concepts learned in French I to increase the level of detailed descriptions and their ability to engage in more complex conversations. In this course students will use more varied vocabulary and phrases necessary when communicating in different situations. The grammar concepts will allow them to express their ideas in an articulate, concise, and correct manner both in speaking and writing. All of this leads to a better understanding of the language so that they will appreciate French culture as a whole.

The French III course is specifically aimed at reinforcing previous French vocabulary and conversational skills through discussions based on selected reading. The authentic reading selections will develop critical thinking skills and will allow for vocabulary expansion in context. Furthermore, the introduction of more sophisticated verb tenses such as the conditional and the subjunctive will help them write correctly in French. While the main emphasis will be on speaking, students will have the opportunity to delve further into the culture by examining authentic French periodicals.

The AP French language and culture course is equivalent to that of a third year college course in French language and excellent preparation for the expectations of a college classroom. This course is designed with this in mind and is directed at developing strong reading, writing, listening and speaking skills at this level. Through writing, reading and speaking on a wide range of topics, students expand their vocabulary, develop their writing style, and improve their critical skills- all in the target language. The reading selections focus on the culture and heritage not only of France but the other Francophone countries.

AMSA provides students with the opportunity to become proficient in Spanish, a great value in today’s global community. Our curriculum integrates the four skills of oral comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. We also study the similarities and differences between languages and cultures, helping students gain a wider perspective of the world and better understand diversity.

During the first year, Spanish I students develop the necessary skills to communicate in the Spanish language. By the end of their first year students have a solid vocabulary base that allows them to go on to Spanish II where grammar, especially verb tenses, will provide students with the opportunity to enjoy the versatility of the Spanish language. During the third year of Spanish, the curriculum is focused on the study of the different Spanish-speaking countries’ cultures. Seniors have the choice of taking AP Spanish or Spanish Literature, Film and Culture.

Honors class students are evaluated at a more sophisticated level of mastery in both oral and written work. Readings both in class and at home are required, as well as oral presentation, and regularly assigned compositions. Grammar is studied, applied and assessed in depth.