Global Languages

The Global Languages Program at IDEAL helps students become global citizens by introducing them to new languages and cultures. Learning a language early makes it easier to pick up, builds cultural understanding, and helps students appreciate diversity. Students focus on improving their skills in one or more languages.

All Lower School students learn Spanish. Classes are flexible and tailored to student needs and interests, using different projects to show what they've learned. Students are also introduced to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world, and enjoy celebrating holidays in class.

Global language learning is also part of the arts. For example, students learn the Spanish alphabet through art and music. Spanish-speaking students are sometimes invited to help teach, which builds confidence and leadership. 

IDEAL students can also take American Sign Language (ASL). All students in Grades K-3 learn ASL, and High Schoolers can take the class as an elective. 

In Upper School, all students are required to study a language, except those for whom the family, student, learning specialist, and school agree that additional support in foundational literacy skills or therapies would be beneficial. Starting in Grade 8, students are given a choice between ASL and Spanish.