Let’s meet the World Languages Department at Laurel Springs! Our incredible World Languages department has more than 20 teachers and is led by our Academic Department Chair, Priscilla Chastain. The team is located throughout the United States, providing expert level guidance to Laurel Springs students learning new languages. World Language courses at Laurel Springs are designed to be interactive and personalized, with students getting opportunities to practice real communication skills with speaking activities, video assignments, and teacher feedback. 

As students begin to master their understanding of the language, they are also taught how to understand the culture through real-world contexts, learning how to connect language to other areas of interest. 

LSS World Languages Curriculum

At Laurel Springs, students in grades 3 – 12 have the opportunity to explore new languages. 

High school students can choose from six languages to study, including: 

• Spanish (Level 1 – 4, and AP Spanish) 
• French (Level 1 – 4, and AP French) 
• German (Level 1 – 3) 
• Mandarin (Level 1 – 3) 
• ASL (Level 1 – 3) 
• Latin (Level 1 – 3) 

Middle school students can also choose from six languages to study, including: 

• Spanish (Level 1 – 2) 
• French (Level 1 – 2) 
• German (Level 1 – 2) 
• Mandarin (Level 1 – 2) 
• ASL (Level 1 – 2) 
• Latin (Level 1 – 2) 

Elementary students in third grade through fifth grade can begin studying introductory courses in either Spanish or Mandarin. 

Every Laurel Springs World Language student will be matched with one of our skilled World Language teachers, receiving personalized feedback alongside opportunities to connect via appointment, where students can practice the language, review skills, and utilize extra resources. 

“My favorite part [of teaching a language] is watching students gain confidence while they develop their linguistic skills and cultural awareness- skills that extend far beyond the classroom,” shared Spanish teacher Karolina Kopczynski. “It’s rewarding to see [students’] curiosity grow as they explore both the language and the culture,” added Emily Feng, Mandarin Chinese teacher. 

LSS World Languages Department Resources

While the asynchronous coursework is imperative to developing a student’s language growth, we believe opportunities to practice the language with others is just as important to solidify the building blocks of a new language. We offer multiple opportunities for students to have these important conversations, including: 

Conversation Cubs & Café

Students can join during these twice-weekly sessions to practice the languages they’re learning in their coursework! Conversation Cubs are offered to elementary students and the Conversation Café is open to all middle and high school students. Students can join for dedicated sessions to practice languages verbally with other students and instructors. 

Honor Societies

We offer official Honor Societies in Spanish, French, German and Latin. Students can join these groups each fall, and those who complete all requirements will be eligible to receive honor cords at graduation. 

Language Immersion Field Trips

Laurel Springs World Language students can fully immerse themselves during a Language Immersion Field Trip! The opportunity to travel to another country to learn more about the culture and language can be an instrumental part of full language immersion. Most recently, Laurel Springs student field trips visited France and Japan. 

Academy Workshops

For students enrolled in The Academy at Laurel Springs, the opportunity to attend workshops on a weekly basis for ASL, Mandarin, Spanish, and French can be an excellent way to maintain language practice. These weekly sessions bring together students with an accomplished teacher for live, collaborative lessons that encourage verbal language practice. 

Did you know? 

The World Language Department has more than 300 years of combined experience teaching languages! Some teachers are fluent in their target language, and picked up English as a second language. 

“One thing people should know about the World Language department at Laurel Springs School is how diverse our department is,” shared Spanish and French teacher Nicole Wiemann. “Even though it’s an online environment, we make a real effort to connect with our students and create a supportive, engaging space that feels much more personal than you might expect.”

Our incredible World Language Department is located throughout the country, and below is a visual of where several talented team members call home. 

Interested in signing up for a World Language course? Review our full Course Catalog, or chat with our Admissions department to get started!

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