Middle School Foreign Language (FCPS)

[Anonymous]

Starting next year, Carson will offer French and Spanish L1 in 7th grade in addition to JI L1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What Spanish class should a student take in 9th grade after Spanish 2 in middle school? Is the 8th grade Spanish class really equivalent to that taught in the HS? Should they take Spanish 2 freshman year or will they be prepared enough to successfully take Spanish 3 if getting A in S2.

Spanish 3. My DC is doing this now without any problems.

[Anonymous]

My DD will be at Rocky Run next year for 7th. Another parent stressed to do the foreign language both years, then complete it in 9th grade. It sounds appealing, but there are so many electives that might be more interesting choices/broaden horizons.

What are thoughts on completing these by 9th? Are the electives in HS better, so finishing early allows for more there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD will be at Rocky Run next year for 7th. Another parent stressed to do the foreign language both years, then complete it in 9th grade. It sounds appealing, but there are so many electives that might be more interesting choices/broaden horizons.

What are thoughts on completing these by 9th? Are the electives in HS better, so finishing early allows for more there?

There are lots of universities (such as UVA) where they essentially require 4 years of a world language, so your child might not be done until 10th grade. If your child does not have any other year long commitments (band, orchestra), it could be worthwhile taking two years of language to finish early. Mine did not because she was already in Algebra I HN and orchestra, and I felt that it would be too much work to do two HS level courses in 7th grade. She's glad she eased into middle school and tried a couple of electives. This year in 8th grade, she's doing a language, and she says it's so much more work than last year was.

DD is at Rocky, BTW. If you're looking at electives, she would tell you to not take any art electives with Ms. L, who she says talks a lot, doesn't let you do anything, and you'll lose whatever interest you have in art. The Design/Engineering classes are fun, and she really enjoyed the one she took, and wishes she had taken both.