Learning a Second Language

The study of a second or more languages is an essential element in helping students to develop an international perspective. At  The Renaissance School, we offer our students the opportunity to learn one or more languages taught by native speakers. We introduce conversational Spanish or French to our youngest children at the Primary level and carry forward through the Elementary level.

Our Primary students are placed in an environment where one of the three classroom teachers speaks to the children in either Spanish or French at all times. Lessons are given in both English and the second classroom language. They have an opportunity to acquire new vocabulary during lessons and in the context of conversations. Words that are new today are familiar tomorrow, building on the child’s confidence to understand and express himself in the second language. The accent that the child acquires, as well as the language patterns, is excellent as he has a native speaker as his role model. The written form of the language is introduced to each child whenever the child is ready.

At the Elementary level, our goal is for each student to continue developing conversational skills, learn to read and write in the language and to continue deepening his appreciation for other cultures. At that level, our students have the option of adding a third language to course studies as the French and Spanish speaking teachers are both available in the class. There is an atmosphere of multilingualism that permeates the environment and promotes the desire in our students to learn multiple languages. This desire is accompanied by a yearning to continue their study of history and cultural geography, promoting international understanding and a sense of world citizenship.