World Language

Language That Connects

At JCHS, World Language students develop the confidence to communicate while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Through conversation, creative projects, role-playing, presentations, multimedia, and real-world experiences, students are active participants in the learning process. Our college-preparatory program emphasizes practical communication and cultural understanding, helping students build the skills to use language confidently and authentically.

World Language Requirements

Students may begin with a first-year language course or complete a course matching assessment for placement at a higher level. All students must complete at least two consecutive years of the same language through Level II, with continued study through Level III strongly encouraged.

Explore World Language Courses

Hebrew Language & Culture

Hebrew courses immerse students in the language through conversation, reading, writing, music, media, and creative activities. As students progress, they strengthen their communication skills while developing a deeper connection to Hebrew language, Israeli culture, and Jewish life.

  • Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Placement based on the Hebrew course matching assessment or previous Hebrew coursework.

    Students develop proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing Modern Hebrew through an immersive classroom experience taught primarily in Hebrew. Activities include conversation, music, film and television clips, role-playing, creative writing, presentations, guest speakers, and debates.

    Levels I–III build foundational grammar and vocabulary, progressing from learning the alphabet and basic conversation to increasingly sophisticated communication. Levels IV–VII explore themes in greater depth while expanding students' vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and expressive skills.

    Support is available within many introductory courses for students with documented learning needs through an integrated push-in model.

    [Explore the Hebrew Curriculum]

  • Open to: 9 (by course matching assessment), 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Hebrew VI

    Students explore contemporary Israeli literature while deepening their understanding of Hebrew language and culture. Through poetry, essays, short stories, and novels, students examine themes in modern Israeli writing and the influence of traditional Jewish texts—from the Bible and Talmud to later Jewish literature—on contemporary works.

  • Open to: 9 (by course matching assessment), 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Hebrew VI

    Students advance their speaking, writing, reading, and listening comprehension through contemporary Israeli literature, media, discussion, and debate. Students interact with native Hebrew speakers and read novels selected to match their individual interests and reading levels, strengthening both language proficiency and their understanding of Israeli culture.

Spanish Language & Culture

Spanish courses emphasize communication from the very beginning, immersing students in the language while introducing the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of the Spanish-speaking world. As students progress, they develop increasingly sophisticated speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through authentic and engaging cultural experiences.

  • Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12

    Students begin communicating in Spanish from the first weeks of class, learning language naturally through conversation, context, movement, visual cues, stories, and cultural experiences.

    Students develop foundational speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while exploring traditions and communities throughout the Spanish-speaking world. By the end of the year, students apply their growing vocabulary and comprehension to discussions and their first short novel in Spanish.

  • Open to: 9 (by course matching assessment), 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Spanish I

    Spanish II expands students' speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills through thematic units exploring celebrations, health, family, travel, and culture. Short novels, films, multimedia, and interactive activities immerse students in Spanish-speaking communities while introducing increasingly sophisticated vocabulary and grammar.

    Students make connections between their own experiences and those of communities throughout the Spanish-speaking world, culminating in a travel project using authentic Spanish-language resources.

  • Open to: 9 (by course matching assessment), 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Spanish II

    Students strengthen their communication skills through immersive explorations of Hispanic cultures, histories, and experiences. Literature, art, film, and multimedia provide the context for developing increasingly sophisticated speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

    Topics range from Central American culture and history to the life and work of Frida Kahlo and the cultural significance of coffee throughout the Hispanic world. Students expand their grammatical knowledge while learning to communicate more confidently about complex cultural topics.

  • Open to: 9 (by course matching assessment), 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Spanish III

    Students develop the language skills needed to discuss increasingly complex cultural and historical topics in Spanish. Through literature, film, biographies, research, art, and poetry, students explore identity, Latino history in the United States, Argentine history, and contemporary social movements in Mexico.

    These cultural studies provide a meaningful context for advanced grammar and vocabulary while strengthening students' ability to listen, read, write, and speak with greater nuance and confidence.

  • Prerequisite: Spanish IV and Department Approval

    Students develop intermediate-to-advanced Spanish skills through authentic materials including articles, podcasts, videos, and other media. Topics including identity, community, science and technology, politics, current events, and the arts immerse students in contemporary cultures throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

    Students strengthen advanced grammar and communication through essays, emails, conversations, and cultural presentations while developing the skills and strategies needed for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.

  • Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and Culture

    Students continue developing advanced Spanish proficiency through literature, film, art, and cultural study. Through discussion, immersive activities, and academic projects, students explore the history and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world while strengthening conversational fluency, grammatical accuracy, and sophisticated written and oral communication.