At All Saints Episcopal Day School, our World Language program is far more than learning vocabulary; it is about building connections, fostering international mindedness, and nurturing compassionate global citizens.
Rooted in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, our program goes beyond grammar drills to emphasize proficiency, inquiry, and authentic communication. Students learn to express themselves with confidence while gaining insight into the cultures, traditions, and perspectives of others.
From the earliest grades, language learning at All Saints is a joyful, purposeful journey. In our full-day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 program, children begin exploring both Spanish and French, discovering the sounds, rhythms, and cultures of the languages through songs, play, and conversation. These early experiences nurture curiosity and a love of language that continue to grow throughout their years at All Saints. Kindergarteners meet with their Spanish teacher twice a week, and students in Grades 1 through 4 three times a week, allowing their skills to deepen over time. With each new phrase, students connect their classroom learning to their own lives and experiences, discovering that language is a tool for connection and joy.
Mariela, Spanish teacher, shares:
“It’s such a joy to introduce our youngest learners to Spanish. When they connect new words to their everyday world – like greeting friends or describing what they love – the language comes alive for them. You can see their curiosity and excitement grow with each lesson.”
In Middle School, students continue to build on this strong foundation with greater independence and deeper inquiry. Upon entering Grade 5, they may choose to continue their Spanish studies or begin learning French. Those who transition to French often advance rapidly thanks to their years of Spanish study, applying familiar language-learning strategies, patterns, and cognitive connections that help them acquire French with confidence and enthusiasm.
Glicer, Middle School Spanish teacher, explains:
“I love seeing students grow in confidence as they use Spanish to express their own ideas and make real-world connections. Watching them explore different perspectives reminds me how curiosity and communication can open doors to understanding and empathy.”
Kristin, French teacher, reflects:
“The French-speaking world and its cultures are continually woven into every lesson to touch the students’ hearts and to pique their interest. As they learn about our global friends, they feel connected and invested in building relationships, deepening their intercultural understanding of those from different backgrounds – all made possible through the study of language.”
The World Language program at All Saints reflects the IB Learner Profile, nurturing learners who are caring, open-minded, and reflective. Students practice empathy and compassion as they discover how language serves as a bridge to understanding others. They come to see themselves as members of a global community, responsible for contributing to a more peaceful, interconnected world.
This vision of world-readiness drives our Language Acquisition team. Their shared passion is grounded in the belief that every student has the ability to communicate across cultures, listen deeply, and lead with compassion.
At All Saints, learning a language is an act of care, curiosity, and connection, a living expression of the IB mission and our school’s commitment to educating hearts and minds. Through language, our students learn not only how to communicate, but how to embrace the world with open hearts and open minds.
