Language Program
Language Program
World Language Study at Tuscaloosa Academy
At TA, we believe in helping every student work towards developing proficiency in one or more languages in addition to their home language. Language learning is a valuable part of each faction of our school, beginning in Pre-School and stretching through senior year. Pre-K and Kindergarten will study Spanish all year long. In the Lower School, we slowly introduce students to Spanish, French, German, and Coding. During the Middle School years, students are encouraged to choose a language pathway to prepare them for earning high school credit. Once they have chosen a language pathway commensurate with their goals and abilities, students have the opportunity to continue their language study through levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and AP. With numerous engaging classes to choose from, we hope students will develop a love for learning languages while fostering crucial interpersonal and cross cultural skills.
Lower School Language Program
In Pre-K and Kindergarten, students learn German, while children in grades 1 through 4 will be exposed to multiple languages. Each quarter-long language unit will engage students in thematic study of language and culture with a focus on interpersonal speak and listening skills.. Throughout the school year, each grade level will rotate through French, German, Spanish, and Coding language study.
Sample Schedule
| PreK & K | Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German | Spanish Q1 | French Q1 | Coding Q1 | German Q1 |
| German Q2 | Spanish Q2 | French Q2 | Coding Q2 | |
| Coding Q3 | German Q3 | Spanish Q3 | French Q3 | |
| French Q4 | Coding Q4 | German Q4 | Spanish Q4 |
Middle School Language Program
As they move into Middle School, students first take a foundational language course in 5th grade. Then students have the opportunity to explore two or more languages of their choice more fully before choosing a language to pursue into Upper School. An increased focus on interpretive and presentational skills coupled with purposeful instruction in grammar allows for more rigor as students decide on their personal language paths. Particularly motivated students (with a teacher’s recommendation) may begin to take high school-level courses in 8th grade.
| Pathways to Proficiency | ||||||
| Grade 5 | Foundational Language | All grade 5 students take a year-long foundational language class focusing on the origins of language and language study skills. | ||||
| Grade 6 | World Language Wheel | Grade 6 students choose two semester-long language options from the World Language Wheel | French | German | Linguistics | Spanish |
| Grade 7 | World Language Wheel | Grade 7 students may choose two new semester-long language options from the World Language Wheel | French | German | Linguistics | |
| OR Introductory Language* | With a language teacher recommendation, grade 7 students may enter the advanced pathway and choose a year-long INTRODUCTORY language class | French | German | Spanish | ||
| Grade 8 | Introductory Language | Grade 8 students may choose an INTRODUCTORY year-long language class of any of the three languages | French | German | Spanish | |
| OR Level 1 Language* | With a language teacher recommendation, grade 8 students may enter or continue the advanced pathway and choose a year-long | French | German | Spanish |
*Advanced pathways help talented language students towards the Advanced Placement class in Upper School. Language teacher recommendation needed.
Upper School Language Program
TA’s graduation requirements require students to take consecutive years of at least one world language. Ideally students will continue to study the language they chose in middle school. Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and AP are offered to high school students.
Special World Language Events
State Language Competitions
National Exams and Awards
Language Clubs and Honor Societies
International Trips
