World Languages  

The World Language Department offers students the opportunity to increase awareness and appreciation of other cultures by developing proficiency in another language. Students must successfully complete the study of three years of French, Latin, or Spanish at Fontbonne Academy to satisfy the minimum language graduation requirement. However, since Latin is offered only at the honors level, students opting for Latin must have Department approval.

The Fontbonne Academy language placement test is given in the spring to all incoming freshwomen who have previously studied a foreign language. Membership in honors classes and advanced classes for freshwomen is assigned by the Department based upon placement test score, high school entrance exam score, overall academic record, and previous language course results. Beyond the first year, honors-level assignment is contingent upon previous language course results.

In keeping with the goals of Fontbonne Academy and in light of the current global situation, the World Language Department encourages its students to study four years of a language in order to attain the highest possible level of competency and to consider studying two languages at Fontbonne Academy. Students will have a tremendous advantage as real life participants when they are able to communicate in other languages, demonstrate cultural awareness and knowledge of social and political issues around the world.

Fontbonne Academy’s recently installed digital language laboratory is designed to increase speaking and listening proficiency skills and to access current and authentic materials which strengthen the experience of studying another language.

Each year Fontbonne Academy offers an exchange program to Argentina.  Click here to learn more about this exciting program. Click here to apply for admission into the 2012-2013 program.

Faculty

For a list of course offerings, refer to the Program of Studies 2012-2013 (PDF).