1. Shouldn’t my child be fluent after taking the same language for 6 years?

That depends on what “taking” means. Fluency is a result of at least 7 years of daily study and commitment to learning the language. Usually it is also necessary to spend time in a country where that language is spoken. The goal of our language programs is to give students a good foundation so that they will be able to have simple conversations and have continued success studying world language in high school and college.

2. My child wants to take French, but I want him to take Spanish. Should I let him?

Studying either language will benefit your son both intellectually and culturally, but he should take the language that interests him. Students do better when they are interested in a subject. He may even decide to take Spanish in high school, which, after having learned French, will be easier for him.

3. Are students allowed to switch languages from grade to grade?

Students spend equal time learning French and Spanish at Rye Elementary School. In 5th grade they choose a language to study full time during their years at Rye Junior High.

4. It seems like my child is studying some of the same vocabulary he had last year. Shouldn’t he be learning something new?

Learning a new language requires a lot of review. Most vocabulary units do not have an end; there’s always more to learn! While it may look like the same words, there are more added each year. For instance, they may learn the days of the week in 4th grade and revisit them again when learning how to discuss school schedules, or sports and activities, etc.

5. My 2nd grader is having trouble reading English. Should she study a language?

In most cases, yes. Studying a second language enhances a student’s skills in English. Many children all around the world are bilingual!

6. Is it really necessary to start a language in kindergarten?

And German, Russian, Japanese….that would be great! For every parent who wants one language, there’s another who wants a different one. Most elementary schools do not offer any language, so we are fortunate to be able to offer French and Spanish. Our language department has been in contact with the One World Language School in Durham and wholeheartedly supports their after school program. And yes, they have Chinese!

7. Shouldn’t we be teaching Chinese?

And German, Russian, Japanese….that would be great! For every parent who wants one language, there’s another who wants a different one. Most elementary schools do not offer any language, so we are fortunate to be able to offer French and Spanish. Our language department has been in contact with the One World Language School in Durham and wholeheartedly supports their after school program. And yes, they have Chinese!