Middle School World Language

Students begin their study of Spanish in 6th grade and then continue in either 7th or 8th grade. The middle school program introduces fundamental language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction emphasizes vocabulary development, grammar foundations, and cultural exploration to prepare students for continued language study at the high school level.

• Grade 6: Students can begin exploring Spanish during their exploratory period.
• Grade 7: Spanish 1A is the first half of a level 1 high school credit language course. 
• Grade 8: Spanish 1B is the second half of the Level 1 high school credit language course. Students will receive one high school credit upon completing Spanish 1A, Spanish 1B, and a Checkpoint A Exam. Students will continue to explore the Spanish language and cultures, and the four listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are practiced in keeping with the New York State’s Regents Learning Standards for World Languages.

High School World Language

The high school Spanish program builds upon the foundational skills developed in middle school, allowing students to achieve higher levels of fluency and cultural understanding. Course offerings range from introductory to advanced levels, including college-level coursework for students seeking greater proficiency and preparation for advanced studies, with opportunities to gain college credit through our partnership with SUNY Stony Brook's ACE program.

• Spanish I: Introduces the basics of the language and emphasizes the development of communicative skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Spanish and Latin American cultures are explored, and students are prepared for Spanish II.
• Spanish II: builds on skills learned in Spanish I, expanding vocabulary and cultural knowledge. Students will work on improving conversational abilities, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
• Spanish III: refines grammar and vocabulary while emphasizing language proficiency in all four skills. The course prepares students for a local assessment examination at the end of Spanish III.
• Spanish IV: focuses on enhancing oral and written communication. Students are introduced to cultural nuances through literature and film, preparing them for advanced coursework.
• Spanish V Honors: This advanced course strengthens proficiency in all language skills through authentic materials, literature, and cultural activities.
• Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture:
  AP Spanish Language & Culture is an intensive course on advanced conversational, structural, and composition skills. Students are expected to take the AP exam in May and will complete a summer assignment.

Assessment: NYS Checkpoint Exams

• The Checkpoint A and B exams measure a student’s language proficiency with respect to the New York State World Language Standards.
• The Checkpoint A Exam is typically given at the end of grade 8, and the Checkpoint B Exam is typically given at the end of grade 10.
• Students enrolled in Spanish 3, looking to earn the Advanced Regents Diploma, will take the Checkpoint C exam at the end of 11th grade or upon completion of their Spanish 3 course.

Enrichment & Special Programs:

• National Foreign Language Honor Society
• Checkpoint C courses can be used to earn points toward the Seal of Biliteracy
• College Credit through Stony Brook’s ACE program

Graduation Requirements:

• Students must complete 1 credit of World Language coursework to earn a Regents diploma. 
  • Two years of middle school world language study and a passing grade on the Checkpoint A exam satisfy the minimum world language requirement for high school graduation. Students who do not pass the Checkpoint A Examination in Grade 8 must pass a high school world language course to fulfill the graduation requirement.
• To earn an Advanced Regents Diploma, students must complete 3 units of credit in a world language OR 5 units of credit in art, music, or Career Technical Education.
• Students pursuing a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation must pass a Comprehensive Checkpoint B Examination.

Please refer to the Mount Sinai High School Course Guide for a detailed description of specific high school World Language courses, including prerequisites and course content, and more details regarding the ACE credits.