The philosophy of the Spanish Department is that students will eagerly participate in learning a language if they are having fun.
All students learn the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. They also learn to understand the cultural backgrounds of Spanish-speaking countries by studying them relative to American culture.
Much of the exposure K–5 is through visuals, songs, games of movement, stories, repetition and role playing. By second grade there is an emphasis on learning the Spanish alphabet, and students are given written and oral assignments.
A more formal approach begins in fourth grade with the introduction of the "¿Como te Va?" program, with an emphasis on learning grammar and verb conjugations through interactions and activities.
Spanish is mandatory in middle school. Students continue with the "¿Como te Va?" program, adding an intensive study of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills.
