Global Languages

a light-skinned woman signs in front of a multicultural group of students and teachers seated before her

The Global Languages program at IDEAL expands student horizons and prepares them to be effective global citizens by exposing them to languages and cultures other than American English. Early introduction of global languages encourages students to learn more readily, promotes cultural competence, and extends appreciation for cultural diversity. Students work toward increased oral and written proficiency and fluency, becoming linguistically and culturally equipped to communicate in one or more of the languages offered.

All Lower School students study Spanish
Middle and High School students study Spanish
Students in kindergarten through Grade 3 study American Sign Language (ASL)
ASL is an Upper School elective
Three years of High School Spanish is a graduation requirement

Appreciation for global languages is also infused throughout IDEAL’s creative arts program. For example, Spanish class may be integrated with an art class by teaching students calligraphy, and dance is used to teach the Spanish alphabet by integrating music and movement into the lesson. Periodically, students whose primary language is ASL or Spanish are invited to support the classroom teacher. By doing this, self-esteem and leadership skills are promoted and students can take pride in their culture.

Students in both the Lower and Upper Schools learn and perform songs or poems in Spanish and ASL. This multidimensional approach to language acquisition and proficiency often results in a deeper level of proficiency than traditional foreign language class structures.