Foreign Language Studies at The Wyndcroft School

The study of both French and Latin is a hallmark of a Wyndcroft education, setting a foundation for future success.

One of the strengths of Wyndcroft's academic program is our language study. Our students have the opportunity to graduate from Wyndcroft with 11 years of French and four years of Latin, all before high school. This foundation in foreign languages is unique to Wyndcroft and provides our graduates with many opportunities as they continue their studies in secondary school and beyond.

Language classes are offered for students at all levels beginning with a concentration on the verbal acquisition with emphasis on speaking and listening skills building confidence through continued practice. As students advance in their language levels, we focus on a shift to reading and writing skills.

Bar graph showing the average SAT Scores compared by language studied

Program Highlights

French Fete

A celebration of the French language and culture with presentations and performances, as well as special culinary treats, is enjoyed by all Wyndcroft students.

Latin Day

Upper School students share their love of the ancient Roman world with the Lower School students. You never know what this fun and creative day may bring, but one thing is for sure...no Latin Day would be complete without togas!

The Importance of Foreign Language Learning in Elementary and Middle School: A Real-Life Example

We are so pleased to share this incredible letter from Abi, a 2010 Wyndcroft graduate who went on to major in Spanish in college. It reads:

“When I️ started French at Wyndcroft, I️ had no idea how impactful foreign language would be on the rest of my life. To be honest, French was my least favorite class. But I️ kept with it, partially because it was required, but also because I️ secretly loved the challenge. I️ never would’ve admitted this back then, but through the years, I’ve come to appreciate opportunities to take risks and venture outside my comfort zone in order to gain new insights and become an even better version of myself.

Becoming familiar with another language and its culture as a child truly shaped the worldview that I️ have today. I️ learned to be open-minded, accepting of things that are different; to have curiosity at exploring world cultures, and I️ developed a passion to understand people on a higher level. I️ am confident that I️ will carry these skills throughout my personal and professional life as a more socially aware, creative, hard working, and kind individual than I️’d be if I️ had not discovered world languages and the lessons they have to offer.

Thank you a million times for everything you taught me. I️ will never be able to express my gratitude in words, but I️ sincerely hope you know that you made a positive difference in my life. Language became a part of me, and I don’t know where I’d be without it. Even though I️ majored in Spanish in the end, French gave me an excellent head start.”

 

Wyndcroft’s foreign language studies support our belief that language learning can stimulate a life-long interest in other cultures as our world becomes smaller. We feel it is increasingly important that students learn about, appreciate and engage with other cultures.