The world languages curriculum offers an immersive learning experience, providing students an opportunity to “live the language” through hands-on activities. The goal of this type of curriculum is for students to become proficient in a target language, and to develop increased cultural awareness while reaching a high level of academic achievement.

"Notre Dame's Chinese classes definitely boosted my love of foreign languages, which I’ve held tightly in my heart since I could read and speak. How many American middle or high school students get to study a language other than Spanish or French? Not many, I would guess." - Marshall Weimer NDP'17 

Did you know?

• Fluency in a second language is a goal for all Notre Dame Prep students, who are required to take two years of Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. Those looking to master the languages can study them for three or four years, topping out with college-level AP/IB classes. Spanish Literature also is available for juniors and seniors.
• In middle school, 6^th graders gain exposure to the language and culture of Spanish- and Chinese-speaking lands by taking one semester of both languages. After settling into their language of choice in 7^th and 8^th grade, they typically will graduate with placement into Spanish or Chinese 3/4—second-year courses—at Notre Dame Prep.
• Students at our lower school take Spanish starting at the age of 3. Meeting seven days in an eight-day rotation of classes, students build a strong foundation of vocabulary and conjugation, and reading, writing and speaking skills. They also develop an understanding and appreciation of culture in Spanish-speaking countries.