World Languages

Chinese is a critical-need language. The Hill School's Chinese program is nationally renowned: For more than 19 years, it has been a model for other schools. As one of only four “Confucius Classrooms” in Pennsylvania, the program offers courses through the AP level and beyond. Chinese is an eminently learnable language, and while the writing system is both beautiful and challenging, the grammar is simpler than that of many other languages. Additionally, the tonal nature of the language engages parts of the brain that non-tonal languages do not.  

Beyond the practical and career-oriented benefits of learning Chinese, as well as its social and cultural aspects, the cognitive and metacognitive skills that accrue from this learning process are invaluable.

The French program begins with a Level 1 introductory course for students new to the language. At Level 2, an honors track is added for students who wish to accelerate their learning, and it continues at all levels. The School requires three years of language study in a single language, and at the conclusion of Level 3, students are prepared to take the SAT-II Subject test in French. With 94% of our students enrolled in a modern language, it is clear that Hill students often exceed the requirement.

Advanced French 4 Honors offers students an opportunity to enhance their communication skills in preparation for the AP Language course. It is presented as a two-year sequence, is arranged thematically, and allows for some grammar review. French 4 AP Language prepares students for the College Board examination. French 5 Senior Seminar is offered to students of native or near native ability who wish to continue their study of French with a concentration on literature.

The Spanish program enjoys the strongest student enrollment within the World Languages Department. Course sequencing is identical to that of the French program, with two notable exceptions. The Department continues to offer the College Board-approved Spanish 5 AP Literature (no longer offered in French).