<p>Hi,</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all of the feedback! </p>
<p>What I find interesting here is the very different approach that American schools take toward learning languages. At my son’s school, every single one of his peers is bilingual and automatically takes both English and French class. Also part of the required curriculum is the study of an additional language (German, Spanish, Chinese or Italian). On top of this, many students also choose to take Latin, which isn’t really considered a “language” class. </p>
<p>Having grown up in the States, the American system makes sense to me, but my son is having trouble understanding how US schools in essence only encourage the study of one language (and frankly, not a very rigorous study compared to other countries). </p>
<p>Now, he is admittedly being a bit cynical, but he really is committed to an American high school experience and understands that things will be different. I’m just trying to help him find some schools that will be open to the concept that taking a language class instead of a math class (for example) one year. Or a school that satisfies his pursuit of languages through clubs, other activities, plenty of international students etc. We all know that he could re-evaluate his priorities over time, once he is “on the ground” so to speak. But the key right now for me is to have a list of schools - maybe 4 or 5 - that HE feels will support his goals.</p>
<p>So, thanks for all of your input (am adding Concord Academy to his research list ;-)) Do either of you know anything about Choate in this regard? They do offer quite a few languages as well, including an interesting Arabic Studies program.</p>
<p>SevenDad - I would recommend that she take Latin. It really is so helpful, and IMHO there are probably better options to continue with her French elsewhere. It sounds like she is nearly fluent, so she would have plenty of programs open to her. Just my 2 cents!</p>