Programs
Academic Program

World Languages

About the Program

The World Languages department builds students' competence and confidence so they can communicate effectively across cultures and languages. Our French, Chinese, and Spanish classes engage students in meaningful activities that foster speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students also develop cultural empathy and awareness through exploring the traditions and values of their target language. Our goal is to empower students with the skill and confidence to engage in spontaneous, fluid conversations in their chosen language about issues that matter, including current events or aspects of contemporary culture in a country where the language is spoken.

Humanities at Archer



Kisa R. '18

"I like that the world language program encourages us to speak in the target language during class. It was really hard at first but I have a better grasp of the language because of it." 

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  • Introducing World Languages

    All 6th grade students take a modern world language course that gives them an introduction to Spanish, French, Chinese, and coding, as the language of technology. Seventh grade students choose the language they will study for the next two years: Spanish, French, or Chinese.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What languages do you offer?
    Chinese, French, and Spanish

    When do Archer students begin taking a foreign language?
    All 6th grade students begin in Language Foundations. The next year, 7th grade students may choose to continue in Chinese, French, or Spanish.

    How many years of foreign language are required?
    Archer requires three years of foreign language in the Upper School, but four years are highly recommended.

  • Program Highlights

    • Classes are conducted primarily in the target language, and lessons empower students to build confidence by speaking in the language whenever possible.
    • Lessons are designed to support and stretch students’ skills.
    • Cutting-edge digital tools encourage students to practice and apply their new language skills.
    • Technology allows our students to connect with native speakers across the globe through ePals, Skype, and Twitter.
    • Classrooms and community activities bring the language to life. Shared cultural celebrations, student-generated videos, and cultural outreach all add to the richness of the experience.
    • Students write in and about their target languages in songs, poetry, magazine articles, fairytales, creative writing, travelogues, scripts, and more.
    • Our teachers are passionate about language learning and cultural competency and they incorporate a wide variety of teaching techniques to support students’ learning.
    • Faculty are lead learners who are trained in ACTFL's Oral Proficiency Interview techniques and skilled in incorporating authentic speaking tasks and assessments at every level.

  • Technology at Work

    Technology is an integral part of the World Languages program. Classes use:

Department Chair

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  • Photo of Travis Nesbitt

    Travis Nesbitt 

    World Language Department Chair
    310-873-7061

Course Offerings

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  • Language Foundations

  • Chinese 1A

  • Chinese 1B

  • Chinese 1

  • Chinese 2

  • Senior Seminar in Chinese

  • French 1A

  • French 1B

  • French 1

  • French 2

  • French 3: Standard and Honors

  • French 4: Standard and Honors

  • Senior Seminar in French

  • Spanish 1A

  • Spanish 1B

  • Spanish 1

  • Spanish 2: Standard and Honors

  • Spanish 3: Standard and Honors

  • Spanish 4: Standard and Honors

  • Senior Seminar in Spanish: Culture and Conversation

The Archer School for Girls admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or other legally protected status to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or other legally protected status in its hiring or in the administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions policies, financial aid programs or other school-administered programs. 

The Archer School for Girls’ mission is to educate students in an environment specifically designed for girls. As such, the school will consider any candidate for admission who identifies as a girl. Once admitted to Archer, all students in good academic standing who abide by Archer’s code of conduct and who meet requirements for graduation will be eligible to receive an Archer diploma, regardless of any change in sexual identity or other legally protected status.