Key takeaways
- Spanish is the default first foreign language choice, with Mandarin offered for students wanting a more challenging, less commonly studied language.
- Students with a special interest in another language may substitute similar coursework for Spanish or Mandarin.
- High school Spanish uses Breaking the Barrier, a three-course series each equivalent to one year of high school Spanish.
- The default ninth grade course is Spanish 2, since Spanish 1 is covered in middle school; Spanish 1 can be added via the Add Courses page for students starting fresh in ninth grade.
- Completing the first level of Breaking the Barrier in middle school counts toward high school foreign language credits.
- By the third year of the chosen language, students should focus on watching videos and reading books in that language, and seek conversation practice through volunteer work.
Course options
Our default curriculum includes courses in Spanish, which we feel is an excellent first foreign language choice for Americans. We also include courses in Mandarin for those interested in a more challenging, less commonly studied language. If you have a special interest in a different language, feel free to substitute similar work in a foreign language of your choice for our Spanish or Mandarin courses.
Spanish sequence and credits
Our middle and high school Spanish curriculum uses Breaking the Barrier, a series of three courses each designed to be the equivalent of one year's worth of high school Spanish. In ninth grade the default course is Spanish 2, because our curriculum covers Spanish 1 in middle school.
If you completed the first level of Breaking the Barrier in middle school, it is counted as part of your high school foreign language credits. If you would like to start with Spanish 1 in ninth grade, you may add this course from the Add Courses page of your account.
Building fluency
Once you reach the third year of your chosen foreign language, we recommend spending time watching videos and reading books in that language to improve your comprehension. Students may also obtain conversation practice through volunteer work.