Skip Navigation

Foreign Language

In philosophy, BA believes that direct acquaintance, through language, with the varied cultures and peoples of this world provides students an understanding of human interconnection. At  BA not only is language the focus of study in Spanish courses, but additionally the history, literature, civilization, and contemporary mores of the peoples speaking Spanish. Currently, the Middle School offers three levels in the study of Spanish. Students are expected to take at least one Spanish course in every year of Middle School. Additionally, eighth grade students have an option to take Spanish II Honors in the High School.

 

Beginner Middle School Spanish

This curriculum will take your child on a tour of the Spanish-speaking world with engaging resources that balance communication, grammar, cultural instruction, and motivation that inspire learning. Each lesson carefully leads the students from structured practice to open-ended communication. This program has a simple format that allows learners to achieve success and be well-prepared for future courses in Spanish. Students have the opportunity to expand their interests, implement their knowledge, and enrich their understanding and respect for other cultures through field trips. Cooking and tasting experiences are provided to develop familiarization with Hispanic cuisine. Prerequisite​: Rising 6​ graders with little or no basic knowledge of the language are eligible to take this course.

Intermediate Middle School Spanish

This course enables your child to progress toward proficiency with clear goals and combines rich cultural lessons with carefully sequenced language instruction. The primary purpose of the course is to prepare students to be well-rounded global citizens who can communicate effectively in Spanish and are aware of the cultural influences of the Spanish and Latino heritage at home and abroad. As part of the course, students will be provided opportunities to read, write, listen, and speak Spanish while they work towards becoming linguistically and culturally literate. This course includes a broad series of lessons and activities that offer a variety of modalities for ultimate student engagement and content retention. Students have many opportunities to expand their interests, implement their knowledge, and enrich their understanding and respect for other cultures through field trips and experience the world of tasty flavors of Hispanic cuisine through sampling and even cooking.​ Prerequisite​: We offer this class to rising 7​ graders with little or basic knowledge of the language (and 8​ graders who choose not to take the HS Spanish Level 1 class).

Spanish I (1 year/HS Credit, 8th Grade only)

The Spanish I course has been designed to reflect the philosophy and goals found in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (ACTFL). ​In Spanish I, students begin their language journey towards proficiency by developing basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. As part of the course, students will be provided with developmentally-appropriate opportunities to read, write, listen and speak Spanish with a major focus on active communication. A wide variety of technology resources and engaging, authentic, interactive activities will be utilized throughout the course to facilitate interpretive, interpersonal and presentational communication skills. ​Prerequisite​: None

Aida Ramirez
Spanish
Email
 
Greg Thompson 
Upper School Spanish  
Email