World Languages

In our global society, the ability to interact with ease in multiple language is quickly becoming an essential skill. Our approach to world languages places an emphasis on developing students' ability to confidently use the language they are studying at a high level of proficiency. Teachers strive to create an immersion experience for their students, so at all levels, students begin speaking in the language on the first day of class and actively use the language they are learning through various activities and written assignments. 

Starting in 2nd grade, students begin learning Spanish three to four days a week. Several elementary schools offer Spanish to students as early as kindergarten.  

 

In the PPS Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Community Park School, established in 2015, is open to all Princeton Public School students and transportation is available to CP. For the 2023-24 school year the district will add a Dual Language Immersion preK program hosted by Community Park.  

Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade spend approximately 50 percent of their core academic day learning in Spanish and the other 50 percent learning in English. Every DLI student has two main teachers, one for English instruction and one for Spanish. Students learn math, science, and Spanish language arts in Spanish, and language arts and social studies in English. Specials, such as physical education, music, or library, are taught in English. This 50-50 model allows students to maintain proficiency in their native language while adding another language. 

At the completion of elementary school, students will be on their way to becoming biliterate and bilingual in both Spanish and English. Research has shown that this DLI model is highly successful at teaching grade-level content while developing impressive levels of language proficiency in students. 

• Dual Language Immersion continues in middle school with an advanced Spanish-language class and a Social Studies class in taught exclusively in Spanish.
• The first cohort of Dual Language Immersion students will enter Princeton High School in September 2023. There will be a Spanish class taught at their (advanced) level as well as a science elective, La Horticultura, offered in Spanish. 

In middle school, students have the option to continue learning Spanish or to begin studying French. 7th grade students may also take Mandarin in addition to either Spanish or French. The Mandarin course meets five days a week from 7:40 to 8:20 AM.  Dual Language Immersion continues in middle school with an advanced Spanish-language class and a Social Studies class in taught exclusively in Spanish.

Six world languages are offered to students: Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, Mandarin, and Japanese. Students can choose to take one or more of the world languages that are offered. The first cohort of Dual Language Immersion students will enter Princeton High School in September 2023 where there will be a Spanish class taught at their (advanced) level as well as a science elective, La Horticultura, offered in Spanish. 

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