Language Other Than English

The HPHS Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Department believes students can develop a lifelong love of language learning by making every class an opportunity to learn more about themselves, each other, and the world around them.

Through engaging instruction and immersive learning experiences in Spanish, French, Latin, and Chinese, students develop confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while strengthening their cultural awareness and communication skills in an interconnected global society.

The department is beginning to implement Acquisition Driven Instruction, an approach that emphasizes comprehensible input strategies and supports the development of real-world language proficiency across all four communication domains recognized by ACTFL: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are encouraged to become confident bilingual communicators who can meaningfully connect with others both inside and outside the classroom.

In addition to the cultural and communication benefits of language study, students gain strong academic advantages through continued language learning. While some colleges and the HPHS Alpha Diploma require two years of study in the same language, competitive colleges and the HPHS Alpha Plus Diploma recommend or require three years of the same language. Research consistently shows that students enrolled in world language courses often strengthen their English language skills and perform at higher levels on college entrance exams.

Students who complete Level 2 coursework develop the ability to communicate in familiar social and limited work situations at the ACTFL Intermediate Low to Mid proficiency level. Students who continue through Level 3 and advanced coursework have the opportunity to reach Intermediate Mid to Advanced proficiency levels, allowing them to carry on conversations and interact more confidently with native speakers. Honors and AP language courses further prepare students for rigorous college-level language and cultural studies while continuing to build advanced communication and literacy skills.