World Languages

  • World Language Logo  

    BCPS currently offers world language programs in 10 languages at the high school level. High School World language studies are offered in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish, Spanish S, and American Sign Language. 

     Elementary School World Language Programs

     Foreign Language Exploratory Program (FLEX) in the Elementary School:

    • Goals of this program include exposure to the language and culture(s) associated with the language.
    • Goals of this program include developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the target language. Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.
    • Students develop an enthusiasm for language study in general.

     Secondary World Languages Programs

     Secondary World Languages Program:

    • Offers a sequence of courses from Level 1 to Level 4 (or higher)
    • Includes the studies of customs, history, and art forms of the culture(s) associated with the language
    • Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for a variety of informal and formal interactions
    • Study also focuses on an understanding of sentence construction, nuances, and rules of grammar in the target language

     Secondary Advanced Placement (AP) Classes:

     For students who already have a high level of proficiency in the target language

    • AP courses focus on the development of vocabulary needed for reading literary texts and technical writing, in addition to self-expression that is coherent, accurate, and fluent in both written and spoken language
    • Students sometimes receive college credit or advanced placement for these courses based on their scores on the AP Exam.