Honors sections are offered in French and Spanish from level 2 through level 5 (when there is sufficient enrollment). Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered in French 5, Latin 4 and 5, and Spanish 5. Honors courses are more rigorous, with greater stress on in-depth language study, independent work, and accuracy in speaking and writing. These courses incorporate additional readings and supplementary materials. AP courses follow a curriculum aimed at preparing students to complete successfully the Advanced Placement Examination in that subject area.

Students who demonstrate outstanding ability and achievement in foreign language (as indicated in the placement process) are placed in honors sections by departmental recommendation. In order for a student to be recommended for honors or AP in a modern or classical language, the student must achieve the following objectives at a superior level:

Students will…

• understand the target language in context when spoken by a fluent speaker (for modern languages).
• demonstrate advanced use of the language in writing and speaking (for modern languages).
• show mastery of the grammar and phonetics at the current level of the target language.
• display cultural and geographic awareness relevant to the target language.
• work well both independently and in groups on long term projects and daily assignments.
• show superior independent reading ability.
• be active, voluntary participants in all classroom activities.
• take the initiative to identify and correct areas that need improvement.

Each year, a student submits a request to be placed in an honors or AP section. Placement is based upon the student’s demonstrated achievement in language (generally A or A-) and a specifically-designed assessment of the student’s work, including writing and speaking samples. The teacher completes an evaluation based on the departmental criteria and brings the recommendation to the department for discussion. The entire department meets to consider the placement and the chair notifies families of the placement decision.

All honors and AP placements are contingent upon the student’s continued superior work in his/her language course. All placements are reviewed annually. A change from a regular to an honors section may require a student to do summer work in preparation for the demands of the honors section.