Language Options and Requirements
As a tool for intercultural understanding, language is an important component of the WIS curriculum. WIS graduates are proficient in at least one language in addition to English; many are functionally or fully bilingual.
All students in Grades 1 through 12 study at least two languages, one of which is English. WIS does not offer an English only program. The options that are available to students vary by grade level. Click on the appropriate link below to review the language options:
Primary School
-Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
-Grades 1 through 5
Middle School
-Grades 6 through 8
Upper School
-Grades 9 through 12
Primary School
Language Immersion Program –
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
WIS offers a total Language Immersion Program in French or Spanish. Experience in French or Spanish is not needed. Many children enter WIS for Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten speaking only English while others are fluent in or have some knowledge of Spanish or French. Still others speak English and another language.
Kindergarten applicants who do not speak French or Spanish at home should have age-appropriate comprehension of and oral expression in English.
Dual-Language Program –
Grades 1 through 5
WIS offers a Dual-Language Program in English/French, English/Spanish, and English/Dutch . Students spend half of their academic day being instructed in English and the other half being instructed in French, Spanish, or Dutch.
Parents of children applying to the Grade 1 English/French or English/Spanish
program should note that strong preference is given to applicants with
prior knowledge of French or Spanish. Applicants without experience
in French or Spanish would be expected to have strong academic foundations
in other areas and, enjoy new situations and challenges Parents of new
language learners who are admitted are required to arrange for and maintain
regular language tutoring beginning at the time of admission and continuing
during the summer prior to enrollment. Ongoing tutoring throughout Grade
1 is usually necessary, as well, to insure a child's successful transition
to dual-language instruction.
In Grades 2 and above applicants would be expected to be reading and
writing on grade-level in Spanish, French, or Dutch.
Intensive Spanish as a Second Language Program – Grades 2 through 5
A program for those who are beginners or at an intermediate level in Spanish, or for those who are not reading or writing on grade level in French or Spanish. Additional fees will apply.
English as a Second Language
ESL is offered and scheduled on a tutorial basis depending on each student’s needs. Additional fees will apply.
Middle School
Beginning French Program –
Grades 6 and 7
No previous experience is required. This is the only option for those without a language background in French, Spanish, or Dutch, or for those who are not reading or writing on grade level in French or Spanish. Students in the Beginning French Program have an hour of language instruction per day. All other subjects are taught in English.
Intermediate French Program –
Grade 8
For those with 3 to 5 years of French instruction. This program includes daily classes in French language and literature. All other subjects are taught in English.
Intermediate/Advanced Spanish Program –
Grades 6 through 8
For those with 3 to 6 years of previous Spanish instruction. This program includes daily classes in Spanish language and literature. All other subjects are taught in English.
Dual-Language Programs –
Grades 6 through 8
For those who are fluent in French, Spanish, or Dutch. In the English/French and English/Spanish programs classes in history, geography, and language and literature are taught, respectively, in French and Spanish. All other subjects are taught in English. In the English/Dutch program, students study language and literature in Dutch and all other subjects in English.
In addition, students enrolled in the Dual-Language Program may choose to study a third language (e.g. French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian).
English as a Second Language
ESL is offered and scheduled on a tutorial basis depending
on each student’s needs. Additional fees will apply.
Upper School
Grades 9 through 12
Students take progressively higher levels of language and literature
classes in Spanish, French, Dutch, or another approved language (e.g.
German, Chinese, Arabic). All other classes are taught in English.
New students in Grades 9 and 10 are expected to place into ongoing intermediate,
advanced, or fluent language classes. WIS does offer beginning Spanish
in Grade 11 (ab initio) for those without prior exposure to the language.
Additional fees will apply.
English as a Second Language
ESL is offered and scheduled on a tutorial basis depending on each student’s needs. Additional fees will apply.
