As a part of our commitment to promote understanding and respect for global diversity, Spanish is required of all students, kindergarten through eighth grade. By studying the attitudes, values, ideas, and customs of other countries, students develop a better awareness of self and a deeper appreciation of others.

Practicing their language skills with peers in Peru, while those in Peru practice their English, middle school students acquire insight into how language and culture interact by comparing cultural and personal differences and similarities. Younger students also gain a general introduction to the culture, its products, perspectives and practices, focused on the lives, needs, and experiences of the people.

Spanish Program Details
In kindergarten the Spanish program begins with a focus on listening and speaking skills. We incorporate hands-on, interactive teaching methods with age-appropriate instructional techniques. Learning activities are geared to the children’s interest levels and may include dramatic and role play lessons, and Total Physical Response (TPR) as well as use of visuals, manipulatives, songs and games.

Concrete activities involve students in oral language development as they progress through the next levels. Lessons centered around familiar topics help students generate ideas and expand vocabulary to produce more complex speech. Reading and writing skills are introduced as natural extensions of oral language.

During the Middle School years, the emphasis is placed on communication. Grammar is integrated throughout and is selected according to language needs and functions. Students engage in conversation and exchange information and opinions orally and in writing. They learn to understand and interpret written and spoken language and to present information, concepts, and ideas on a variety of topics to their classmates.

Completion of eighth grade Spanish at Fort Worth Academy is equivalent to a year of freshman Spanish at high school.