Foreign Languages

St. Andrew's celebrates the fact that we live in a multicultural community and works hard to prepare our students to thrive in a diverse city, state, and world. In addition to fostering a greater appreciation for diversity and preparing students for a global marketplace, learning foreign language at an early age can enhance a child's ability to speak English and encourages a lifelong appreciation for communication. It is in this spirit that St. Andrew's begins teaching Spanish in prekindergarten, with classes for every student in prekindergarten through Grade 6 weekly.


Beginning in Grade 7, students have the option of continuing the study of Spanish or taking an introductory class in Chinese.

Spanish

Working toward mastery in vocabulary and grammar and building skills to read and write Spanish continue in seventh and eighth grades. Listening and speaking skills are emphasized. Conjugation of verbs, reading, listening and participating in conversations in Spanish are integral to each class. Cultural content is interwoven in the study of the language. By emphasizing cultural content, foreign language programs keep the connective thread to the past ever present and help students recognize connections to the world beyond themselves.


Chinese

An introduction to Mandarin Chinese is offered to those seventh and eighth grade students who would like to study a different language than Spanish. Students will begin to learn about the language, listening, writing and speaking and as well becoming acquainted with Chinese culture. A second year of Chinese continues to build upon the skills learned in the first year of Chinese.