World Language Program

The cognitive and social benefits of language learning are massive, especially in these times of great strife.  There are many studies that say being multilingual can help stave off Alzheimer's, increase problem solving capabilities, etc. Below are some links to good resources about language learning:
 
American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
 
Lead with Languages
 
 

French Program

French native Christine Honoré teaches French language to middle school and high school students.

French is the official language in 29 countries and the second language in many more. It is spoken by 125 million people around the world, on every continent. Fashion, cooking, dance, art, horse riding and architecture all use French vocabulary and it is also the primary language used at the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, UNESCO, the International Olympic Committee as well as international courts.

French is proposed as an elective introductory course to middle schoolers. High schoolers are offered the opportunity to go through a variety of levels that will help them prepare for college if that’s their goal. Two of Arcadia’s students were able to add a MN World Language Proficiency stamp on their High School diploma for French in 2023.

Photo: Middle school students learned about French culture around food and each brought a dish to create a “sample” French meal.

 

Japanese Program

Carly Born offers Japanese classes to high school students.

Japanese has been offered at Arcadia since 2018.

 

Two of the high school students from Japanese 2 took part in the National Japanese Exam in 2022.

Hannah Hulett (a Northfield High School student) got an honorary mention, and Nathan Wolff (an Arcadia junior) received a certificate of participation.