World Language Program

Since its inception in 1960, St. Richard’s Episcopal School has placed a strong emphasis on world languages, consistent with our roots in the traditional British primary school model and in alignment with our Classic Curriculum and Global Readiness pillars of success.

Learning a second language at early ages enhances memory, problem-solving abilities, and multitasking skills. Studies have consistently shown that bilingual children tend to have sharper cognitive skills. At St. Richard's French is the primary world language taught in all grades. At the end of each school year, our Early Childhood Dragons celebrate Promenade à vélo to visit iconic Parisian landmarks, create their own en plein air masterpieces, and sample typical French foods. Building on concepts learned in Early Childhood, Lower Division Dragons begin to read and write in French. In Grade 5, Dragons participate in a Back-to-Back French exchange program, expanding their world experience. In Grade 6, Latin classes are added, and students have the option to remain in French or switch to Spanish.

Why French?

Why offer French rather than Spanish at a school located in central Indiana? Let us count the ways:

Learning French helps with learning English. It is estimated that at least 30% of the English language is derived from French. Learning French in early years and Latin in later years fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of English. This benefit can have a lasting impact. For example, data from the College Board analysis of SAT scores suggests French language studies are among the most beneficial for college-bound students, across all three categories of critical reading, mathematics, and writing.
The French curriculum at St. Richard's includes a focus on language concepts, as well as cultural aspects of French-speaking countries. According to data curated by the Department of French at Yale, French and English are the only languages to be spoken on all five continents. Learning French exposes children to the richness of a variety of cultures and helps them develop a global mindset. This early exposure fosters curiosity and empathy towards people from different backgrounds, making it easier for children to embrace diversity in their own communities.
French is the official language of the International Olympic Committee and is an official language of most international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO and the International Court of Justice (with English), and the International Red Cross (with English and Spanish).

Adding Latin

All students begin Latin in Grade 6, with a focus on mythology, etymology, and Roman culture. In Grades 7 and 8, the focus expands to include history, novice Latin grammar, etymology, vocabulary, and translation.
All students in Grades 7 and 8 participate in the National Latin Exam and have a history of high performance on the exams.
St. Richard's has a large, active Latin Club, which meets twice a month. The club attends the Indiana Junior Classical League State Latin Convention and is the only middle school in attendance.

Choosing Spanish

In Grade 6, students elect to continue in French language study or change to Spanish, taught daily by a full-time Spanish and Latin teacher.
Each year covers material consistent with one semester of high school Spanish, including Spanish culture and the arts from the time of the Ancient Mayan, Incan and Aztec cultures, through the conquests, and continuing into present day.
Students are exposed to a variety of authentic language resources and have the opportunity to express their learning through interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication styles.
Students participate in the National Spanish Exam in Grades 7 and 8 and have a history of high performance on the exams. Students often test into second- or third-year Spanish in high school, or elect to study a fourth language of interest.

College Board Data

Data from the College Board demonstrates measurable benefit in studying foreign languages for multiple years. As noted in the graph on the left, mean SAT scores increased in critical reading, mathematics, and writing as the number of years of study increased. Starting foreign language study at younger ages at St. Richard's allows for many years of study. When looking at the benefits of specific languages, mean SAT scores for critical reading, mathematics, and writing are high among students who studied French, Latin, and Spanish, all three of which are offered in a St. Richard's education.

[SOURCE: College Board 2016 Total Profile Group | https://reports.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/2016-total-group-sat-suite-assessments-annual-report.pdf]

A Student's Point of View

Grade 8 Student Perspective on St. Richard’s Global Readiness

Hello, my name is Minna, and I am in eighth grade. As my time at St. Richards comes to a close, I have been reflecting on all the things that this school has taught me and prepared me for. I have been learning about the world since the moment I stepped into this building. From the Kindergarten around the world unit to last year’s Italy trip, St. Richard’s has given me the skills and knowledge to leave this school with the ability to appreciate and value parts and communities of our world that are unfamiliar to me. In Grade 3, all students participated in the country fair. Each of us was assigned to a country, mine being Poland. Nine-year-old me learned about their culture, language, and traditions. Projects like these at St. Richard’s have not only helped me to be prepared for the world but to see the beauty in it.

As soon as you start at this school you are put into our language program. Pre-K to Grade 5 takes French and Grade 6 students are given the opportunity to switch to Spanish. Going into 6th grade, our school participates in the French exchange program, and although my grade could not participate because of Covid, my family hosted a French buddy when it was my younger sister’s turn. Hosting a foreign exchange student was something that my family had to adjust to, but I have many happy memories from those two weeks. Our buddy told us about her life in France and explained how American life was different. I’ve learned some things that I wouldn’t have learned about French life if I hadn’t had that opportunity.

Last year, Grades 7 and 8 had the privilege to take a trip to Italy. This trip aligned with what we had been learning in history and Latin and was definitely one of the highlights from my time here. The minute we stepped off the plane we were surrounded by people speaking in different languages and different types of interaction and humor. The people that I met in Italy like waiters and shop keepers all came from different backgrounds and a different culture than me yet because of all I have learned here at St. Richard’s I was able to connect with them and share light-hearted laughs.

The last thing that I will touch on is the Grade 7 divinity class. Last year in divinity we learned about religions all over the world including Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Not only did we learn about their respective religions but also the history behind them, why they believe what they believe. I learned about cultures with a different faith and value system than me yet I still respected their beliefs and traditions while having my own.

St. Richard’s has taught me about global conflicts, how to be sensitive towards those completely opposite of me, and how to respect and understand everyone’s own individual perspective of the world, and for that I will be forever grateful.

Our students have the opportunity to graduate from St. Richard's with 11 years of French and three years of Latin, all before high school. This foundation in foreign and classical language and culture provides our graduates with many opportunities as they continue their studies in high school and beyond.