The Foreign Language Department understands that an educated individual is enriched through the pursuit of Modern and Classical Languages. Our vision is to bring life to languages and cultures. In the Modern Languages, we want our students to be culturally competent as they savor their acquisition of the target language. We seek to develop proficiency, with equal emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening. In the Classical Languages, the emphasis is placed on reading and speaking. Through embracing diversity and celebrating similarity, students come to appreciate various cultures and histories. They become more involved and sensitive to the world outside their own familiar sphere giving them a healthier perspective, and a deeper understanding of people. A study of language heightens an individual's awareness of their responsibilities and commitments as global citizens.

Consequently, the Foreign Language Department seeks to impart to its students through its K-12 curriculum an enduring understanding of specific knowledge, principles, and habits of mind such as:

• Be active communicators appropriately proficient in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Be culturally sensitive and globally aware
• Become life long learners of language and culture.
• Know when and where to say what to whom.

In the Classical Language Department, at each level we want our students to:

• Be proficient in listening, reading comprehension and pronunciation.
• Be aware of the Hellenistic and Roman influences on Western civilization, culture and languages.
• Develop a life long appreciation of other cultures and languages both modern and ancient.