World Languages
Goals
Linguistic fluency and cultural competency are the primary goals of Maret’s Languages program. Our students learn to adapt resourcefully to new situations and cultural contexts; to build relationships with others based on mutual respect and understanding; and to use their language skills to communicate, persuade, and negotiate.
How We Teach
Maret’s language program has two central goals—linguistic acquisition and cultural competency. Our teachers provide an immersive experience in the classroom and use English as little as possible. We believe that mastering a language is not limited to the acquisition of linguistic skills; this is why our classrooms are also a place where students cultivate and grow their ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with the individuals who speak the languages that we teach.
Summer Learning in Spain
Curriculum Snapshopt
LOWER SCHOOL
Students in Lower School are introduced to Spanish in first grade. They practice speaking, listening, writing and reading skills as they gain understanding of a range of cultures and learn what it means to be a student of languages.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle school students may continue Spanish studies or opt to pursue French starting in sixth grade. Latin is offered starting in seventh grade. The middle school program builds students’ confidence and develops their fluency and proficiency.
UPPER SCHOOL
In Upper School, students are required to take three years of language (Spanish, French, Latin, or Chinese), or two years of two languages. There are numerous language electives—including Arabic—for students who want to further increase their multilingual aptitude.
Signature Projects
These sample projects show the exceptional learning experience inherent in Maret's World Languages Program.
Summer Language Immersion Trips
Maret in France
During the summer immersion trip to France, students live and travel together for a month to improve their language skills, deepen their cultural understandings, make personal connections and grow as independent travelers and community members.
Maret in Spain
This program focuses on language acquisition through linguistic and cultural immersion. Over the course of one month, Maret students live in a full-immersion environment, learning Spanish in context through daily life, interactive lessons and cultural experiences
Expand Your Language Proficiency Through Our MSON Program
Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) provides motivated, upper-level students at participating Malone Schools with a variety of academically challenging courses beyond what would normally be available to them. These challenging language courses are among the offerings:
ANCIENT GREEK | ARABIC | CHINESE SEMINAR | FRENCH SEMINAR: National Identities | FRENCH SEMINAR: The Question of Evil from Voltaire to Camus