US World Languages

The NCS language diploma requirement is three sequential years of the same language studied in grades 9–12.

The NCS Upper School World Languages curriculum offers courses of study in Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. Courses are offered from level one to 5 in all languages. Students are placed in the appropriate level according to proficiency.

In view of the cumulative nature of language study, a student should achieve a satisfactory level of proficiency and Departmental approval in order to advance to the next level of the language with a good prognosis for success.

Adv Classics Seminar

STA

This course is intended for students who have completed their studies through the AP Latin course. The first semester will involve close study of Latin literature in the original language, while the second semester will focus on a classical topic in translation. The subjects to be studied will be arranged according to student and teacher interest. Past topics have included the Roman Empire, Seneca and Stoic Philosophy, and Greek Tragedy. The purpose is to expand the students' awareness of the classical world through more personal and in-depth study. The seminar format means that the students will take greater responsibility for the content through individual research, writing, class discussions, and presentations.

Prerequisite: AP Latin.
Ancient Greek I

STA

This year-long course is an introduction to the grammar and syntax of ancient Greek. This course has as its primary objective the development of the student’s ability to read the works of the classical authors and to widen her/his exposure to the classical world. The many parallels with the Latin language reinforce and facilitate this study.

Prerequisite: Latin II
AP Chinese Lang/Cult

This AP course is designed for students to further develop an advanced level of language proficiency. Students focus on deepening their reading, writing, oral, and aural skills. Readings encompass both modern literature and classical works. Students will also broaden their knowledge about the history and culture of China by reading and exploring the authentic Chinese artifacts. Students strengthen their command of Chinese vocabulary and refine their use of grammatical structures by writing short narrative and argumentative essays. Oral and auditory skills are reinforced by analyzing the scripts of classic movies and television shows. Students will also write and perform in skits, in order to combine their interpretive skills with their Chinese language knowledge.

Prerequisite: Chinese 4 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AP French Lang/Cult

This course is designed to enhance the student’s language proficiency by analyzing culture and examining grammar and language. Students will refine the four core skills of a modern language: writing, speaking, reading and listening. Students will learn to apply their grammatical knowledge to different writing styles, read various literary excerpts, listen to and discuss passages from multiple sources, and deepen their cultural, historical and political knowledge of the Francophone World.

Prerequisite: French 3 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AP Latin

Students read in the original Latin all the required selections from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid as specified on the AP Latin syllabus. Students explore various aspects of each author’s style, while considering the cultural, social, and historical and political context of each piece of literature.

Prerequisite: Latin III or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AP Span Lang & Cult

This course is designed to enhance the student’s language proficiency through the analysis of culture and the examination of grammar and language. Students will refine the four core skills of a modern language: writing, speaking, reading and listening. Students will learn to apply their grammatical knowledge to different writing styles, read various literary excerpts, listen and discuss passages from multiple sources and deepen their cultural, historical and political knowledge of Spanish speaking countries.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AP Span Lit & Cult

This course is designed to enhance the student’s Spanish language proficiency while helping to develop their ability to analyze texts and communicate ideas through discussion and writing. The reading and analysis of literature give students a historical and cultural background of Spain and Latin America. Students study the main Hispanic texts from the 13th through the 20th centuries, including poetry, drama, essay, and fiction. This course places special emphasis on providing the necessary foundation to help students master interpretation and analytical thinking.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AS Chinese Language & Culture

This course is designed for students to further develop an advanced level of language proficiency. Students focus on deepening their reading, writing, oral, and aural skills. Readings encompass both modern literature and classical works. Students will also broaden their knowledge about the history and culture of China by reading and exploring the authentic Chinese artifacts. Students strengthen their command of Chinese vocabulary and refine their use of grammatical structures by writing short narrative and argumentative essays. Oral and auditory skills are reinforced by analyzing the scripts of classic movies and television shows. Students will also write and perform in skits, in order to combine their interpretive skills with their Chinese language knowledge.

Prerequisite: Chinese 4 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AS Francophone Cultures

This course is designed to enhance the student’s language proficiency by analyzing culture and examining grammar and language. Students will refine the four core skills of a modern language: writing, speaking, reading and listening. Students will learn to apply their grammatical knowledge to different writing styles, read various literary excerpts, listen to and discuss passages from multiple sources, and deepen their cultural, historical and political knowledge of the Francophone World.

Prerequisite: French 3 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AS Latin American & Spanish Cultures

This course is designed to enhance the student’s language proficiency through the analysis of culture and the examination of grammar and language. Students will refine the four core skills of a modern language: writing, speaking, reading and listening. Students will learn to apply their grammatical knowledge to different writing styles, read various literary excerpts, listen and discuss passages from multiple sources and deepen their cultural, historical and political knowledge of Spanish speaking countries.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AS Latin American & Spanish Literature

This course is designed to enhance the student’s Spanish language proficiency while helping to develop their ability to analyze texts and communicate ideas through discussion and writing. The reading and analysis of literature give students a historical and cultural background of Spain and Latin America. Students study the main Hispanic texts from the 13th through the 20th centuries, including poetry, drama, essay, and fiction. This course places special emphasis on providing the necessary foundation to help students master interpretation and analytical thinking.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or equivalent and teacher recommendation
AS Latin Literature & Composition

This course challenges students to master Latin through reading foundational texts that underpin our modern world, including geographical narratives and scientific treatises. Students will develop strong Latin composition skills, understand the origins of modern science, and, ultimately, possess the writing skills required to articulate complex systems with clarity and precision.

Prerequisite: Latin III or equivalent and teacher recommendation
Chinese 1

This course introduces students to Chinese language and culture. The class covers the Romanization system of Chinese characters (Pinyin), vocabulary, basic phrases, and elementary conversation. Basic writing skills are also introduced. All assessments include oral, listening, and writing components. By the end of Chinese IC, students will be able to read and write 500 Chinese characters and conduct daily conversations in Chinese. Chinese culture and history are also a supplementary part of this course.
Chinese 2

This course builds on the skills mastered in Chinese 1C. Students focus on learning characters, speaking, listening, and reading. Emphasis is placed on conversation skills and reading comprehension. Writing skills are also taught. Chinese culture and history are introduced as a supplementary part of the course.

Prerequisite: Chinese 1 or equivalent
Chinese 3

This is the first course of intermediate-level Chinese and is taught primarily in Chinese. Students will focus on developing more advanced language skills, including both oral expression and written skills. More topics and grammar rules will be introduced in depth. In-class practice emphasizes the development of communication skills. Course readings are drawn from authentic materials. Students who are interested in taking the SAT II Chinese exam will start their preparation by the beginning of second semester.

Prerequisite: Chinese 2 or equivalent
Chinese 4

An intermediate-level course conducted in Chinese. This course focuses primarily on the further development of reading, translation, and writing skills in Chinese. The reading component aims to enhance students’ analytical skills and understanding of the structure of the text. The translation component requires students to recompose a work in English, using precise grammar rules and vocabularies while maintaining its original style. In the writing component, students strengthen their writing skills by composing more advanced essays. Materials are drawn from authentic news, magazines, and modern literature. Some short stories and poems from classical Chinese literature are introduced as supplementary readings. Oral expression and communication skills continue to be developed as well.

Prerequisite: Chinese 3 or equivalent
Chinese 5 Cinema & Culture I

This semester-long course focuses on the continued development of Mandarin language skills through the study of Chinese films and television dramas. Using selected works as primary texts, students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and analytical skills by engaging with authentic audiovisual materials. Both contemporary and historically themed productions are introduced.

Through film and television, students explore topics such as gender equality, environmental protection, major historical events, and social justice. Class discussions, scene analysis, and guided viewing activities help students interpret cultural perspectives and narrative techniques. Students further deepen their understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary by writing analytical responses and creative compositions based on the works studied.

Prerequisite: AS Chinese or Chinese 4; students may enroll in either or both semesters.
Chinese 5 Cinema & Culture II

This semester-long course focuses on the continued development of Mandarin language skills through the study of Chinese films and television dramas. Using selected works as primary texts, students strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and analytical skills by engaging with authentic audiovisual materials. Both contemporary and historically themed productions are introduced.

Through film and television, students explore topics such as gender equality, environmental protection, major historical events, and social justice. Class discussions, scene analysis, and guided viewing activities help students interpret cultural perspectives and narrative techniques. Students further deepen their understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary by writing analytical responses and creative compositions based on the works studied.

Prerequisite: AS Chinese or Chinese 4; students may enroll in either or both semesters.
French 1

In this course, students acquire and build on basic vocabulary and communicative skills as they expand their knowledge of grammar, developing skills of comprehension and communication through reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
French 2

This course continues the study of the language. Students expand their vocabulary and deepen their knowledge of grammar and culture, engaging in more complex communicative activities.

Prerequisite: French 1 or equivalent
French 3

This course stresses proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension, emphasizing contemporary life in French-speaking countries. Various materials are used to promote understanding of historical and current events and cultural trends in the Francophone World.

Prerequisite: French 2 or equivalent
French 3 Accelerated

This course includes a systematic study of grammar as part of an integrated program that stresses oral and written communication. Students read literary works by renowned authors, refine their composition skills, and start developing as analytical writers.

Prerequisite: French 2 or equivalent
French 3 Classic

This course includes a systematic study of grammar as part of an integrated program that stresses oral and written communication. Students read literary works by renowned authors, refine their composition skills, and start developing as analytical writers.

Prerequisite: French 2 or equivalent
French 3 Modern

This course stresses proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension, emphasizing contemporary life in French-speaking countries. Various materials are used to promote understanding of historical and current events and cultural trends in the Francophone World.

Prerequisite: French 2 or equivalent
French 4

This course is a continuation of French 3, stressing proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension, emphasizing contemporary life in French-speaking countries. Various materials are used to promote understanding of historical and current events and cultural trends in the Francophone World.

Prerequisite: French 3 or equivalent
French 4 Modern

This course is a continuation of French 3 Modern, stressing proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension, emphasizing contemporary life in French-speaking countries. Various materials are used to promote understanding of historical and current events and cultural trends in the Francophone World.

Prerequisite: French 3 or equivalent
French 5 Cinema & Culture I

This semester-long class continues to hone reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of colonialism, wars, and social upheaval and their impact on the Francophone world. This course will address current topics such as immigration, social justice, and gender roles.

Prerequisite: AS Francophone Culture or French 4; students may take either or both semesters.
French 5 Cinema & Culture II

This semester-long class continues to hone reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of colonialism, wars, and social upheaval and their impact on the Francophone world. This course will address current topics such as immigration, social justice, and gender roles.

Prerequisite: AS Francophone Culture or French 4; students may take either or both semesters.
French 5A

This semester-long class continues to hone reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of colonialism, wars, and social upheaval and their impact on the Francophone world. This course will address current topics such as immigration, social justice, and gender roles.

Prerequisite: AP French Language & Culture or French 4 Modern; students may take either or both semesters.
French 5B

This semester-long class continues to hone reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of colonialism, wars, and social upheaval and their impact on the Francophone world. This course will address current topics such as immigration, social justice, and gender roles.

Prerequisite: AP French Language & Culture or French 4 Modern; students may take either or both semesters.
Latin I

This foundational course builds the skills for future Latin study, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. Students master complex grammar by engaging with progressively challenging Latin texts. The course also explores the legacy of Roman civilization, including its technology and linguistic influences.
Latin II

This course completes the student’s formal study of grammar and prepares her to read the Latin literature offered at the higher levels. Vocabulary, including work with English derivatives, continues to be emphasized. Passages chosen for reading introduce the student to various aspects of the history and culture of the Roman Empire.

Prerequisite: Latin I or equivalent
Latin III

Students study advanced topics in Latin grammar and read authentic texts. Reading selections are from various Latin authors, introducing students to different literary genres, writing styles, and themes in Latin literature.

Prerequisite: Latin II or equivalent
Latin IV

This year-long advanced course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to master and refine their language skills. Students read selections from an assortment of Latin authors, while exploring various literary genres and themes.

Prerequisite: Latin III or equivalent
Latin V Literature & Culture I

This semester-long class expects in-depth reading of Latin texts and subsequent integration of language comprehension with prior knowledge and experience. As such, this course continues to develop Latin reading and writing as well as analytical skills. Students read selections from an assortment of Latin authors while exploring various literary genres.

Prerequisite: AS Latin Literature & Composition or Latin IV; students may take either or both semesters.
Latin V Literature & Culture II

This semester-long class expects in-depth reading of Latin texts and subsequent integration of language comprehension with prior knowledge and experience. As such, this course continues to develop Latin reading and writing as well as analytical skills. Students read selections from an assortment of Latin authors while exploring various literary genres.

Prerequisite: AS Latin Literature & Composition or Latin IV; students may take either or both semesters.
Latin V-A

This semester-long class expects in-depth reading of Latin texts and subsequent integration of language comprehension with prior knowledge and experience. As such, this course continues to develop Latin reading and writing as well as analytical skills. Students read selections from an assortment of Latin authors while exploring various literary genres.

Prerequisite: AP Latin or Latin IV; students may take either or both semesters.
Latin V-B

This semester-long class expects in-depth reading of Latin texts and subsequent integration of language comprehension with prior knowledge and experience. As such, this course continues to develop Latin reading and writing as well as analytical skills. Students read selections from an assortment of Latin authors while exploring various literary genres.

Prerequisite: AP Latin or Latin IV; students may take either or both semesters.
Spanish 1

In this course, students acquire and build on basic vocabulary and communicative skills as they expand their knowledge of grammar, developing skills of comprehension and communication through reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
Spanish 2

This course continues the study of the language. Students expand their vocabulary and deepen their knowledge of grammar and culture, engaging in more complex communicative activities.

Prerequisite: Spanish 1 or equivalent
Spanish 3

This course stresses proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension with emphasis on contemporary life in Spanish-speaking countries. A variety of materials is used to promote understanding of historical and current events as well as cultural trends in the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or equivalent
Spanish 3 Accelerated

This course includes a systematic study of grammar as part of an integrated program that stresses oral and written communication. Students read literary works by renowned authors, refine their composition skills, and start developing as analytical writers.

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or equivalent
Spanish 3 Classic

This course includes a systematic study of grammar as part of an integrated program that stresses oral and written communication. Students read literary works by renowned authors, refine their composition skills, and start developing as analytical writers.

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or equivalent
Spanish 3 Modern

This course stresses proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension with emphasis on contemporary life in Spanish-speaking countries. A variety of materials is used to promote understanding of historical and current events as well as cultural trends in the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or equivalent
Spanish 4

This course is a continuation of Spanish 3, stressing proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension with emphasis on contemporary life in Spanish-speaking countries. A variety of materials is used to promote understanding of historical and current events as well as cultural trends in the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or equivalent
Spanish 4 Modern

This course is a continuation of Spanish 3, stressing proficiency in conversation, composition, and listening comprehension with emphasis on contemporary life in Spanish-speaking countries. A variety of materials is used to promote understanding of historical and current events as well as cultural trends in the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or equivalent
Spanish 5 Cinema & Culture I

This semester-long class continues to develop Spanish reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of wars and social upheaval and their impact on contemporary Spanish-speaking countries. Current topics of Spain and Latin America such as immigration and social justice are also key themes of the course.

Prerequisite: AS LA & Spanish Cultures, AS LS & Spanish Literature, or Spanish 4; students may take either or both semesters.
Spanish 5 Cinema & Culture II

This semester-long class continues to develop Spanish reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of wars and social upheaval and their impact on contemporary Spanish-speaking countries. Current topics of Spain and Latin America such as immigration and social justice are also key themes of the course.

Prerequisite: AS LA & Spanish Cultures, AS LA & Spanish Literature, or Spanish 4; students may take either or both semesters.
Spanish 5A

This semester-long class continues to develop Spanish reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of wars and social upheaval and their impact on contemporary Spanish-speaking countries. Current topics of Spain and Latin America such as immigration and social justice are also key themes of the course.

Prerequisite: Spanish AP Language, Spanish AP Literature, or Spanish 4 Modern; students may take either or both semesters.
Spanish 5B

This semester-long class continues to develop Spanish reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical vocabulary and analysis of themes and characters in the cinematic art. Students explore the origins and consequences of wars and social upheaval and their impact on contemporary Spanish-speaking countries. Current topics of Spain and Latin America such as immigration and social justice are also key themes of the course.

Prerequisite: Spanish AP Language, Spanish AP Literature, or Spanish 4 Modern; students may take either or both semesters.

Department Faculty

Kevin Perry

Latin Teacher & World Languages Department Chair

202-537-6341
Bio
Kevin Perry joined NCS in 2014 after teaching Latin in middle and high schools in Spotsylvania County, Va. for the previous five years. He also taught several summers at the Virginia Governor's Latin Academy. Magister Perry's classical interests include the verbal and auditory uses of Latin in the classroom, Roman board games, and performing the comedies of Plautus. Outside of class, Magister Perry enjoys motorcycling, cooking, and camping with his wife and two children.
Annie deSaussure

French Teacher

202-537-6329
Bio
Annie deSaussure began teaching at NCS in the Fall of 2023. Before joining the NCS faculty, Dr. deSaussure was an Assistant Professor of French at Lafayette College and previously taught French language, literature, and culture at Bowdoin College, Willamette University, and Yale University. An Ohio native, Dr. deSaussure moved to France during high school as a School Year Abroad student and continued her studies at the University of Rennes in Brittany where she earned her Licence and Master 1 in Literary Studies. In 2016, Dr. deSaussure earned her Ph.D. in French from Yale University. She is completing her first book manuscript on Breton authors of the late twentieth-century and enjoys listening to podcasts and exploring the parks and museums of D.C. with her husband and young daughter.
Jennifer Kakuk

Spanish Teacher

202-537-5627
Bio
Jennifer Kakuk joined NCS in 2012. She previously taught Spanish at the all-girls Agnes Irwin School outside Philadelphia. She has also taught at Villanova University, Grand Valley State University, and Lansing Community College. Ms. Kakuk has traveled to many Spanish-speaking countries and lived for seven years in Buenos Aires, where she taught English to professionals. Ms. Kakuk loves to read, walk, play the drums, and spend time with her family and friends.
Deborah Oliveros

Upper School Spanish Teacher
Emma Pluquet

French Teacher

202-537-6311
Tamara Riquelme-Manzoni

Spanish Teacher; Divisional Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

202-537-2337
Bio
Tamara Riquelme-Manzoni joined NCS in 2004 to teach Spanish in the Upper School. In 2016, she was named to the NCS Governing Board as a faculty representative. Sra. Riquelme holds degrees from the University of California San Diego and the University of Maryland. She and her husband have two children.
Katharine Sheeler

Latin Teacher

202-537-6354
Bio
Kate Sheeler joined NCS in 1991 as Latin teacher. She has also served as chair of the classics and foreign languages departments and faculty adviser to the Mitre. Ms. Sheeler combines her passion for teaching Latin with a keen interest in archaeology, taking her most summers to work on excavations. Since 1988, she has worked at sites in Israel, Italy, and Greece, bringing back stories that have inspired more than a few students. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Education honored Ms. Sheeler as a Distinguished Teacher.
Nilda Villalta

Spanish Teacher

202-537-6372
Bio
Dra. Nilda Villalta, born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador, earned her degrees from the Jesuit University of Central America, Louisiana State University, and the University of Maryland. Before joining NCS in 2004 as an Upper School Spanish teacher, she worked at the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, where she promoted her love of Latin American culture. At NCS, she teaches and also serves as an Upper School academic advisor. She has served on the admissions committee and has led the World Languages Department as chair for twelve years. Dra. Villalta lives in Arlington, VA with her husband, Carlos, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Lucky. She enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, reading, and watching movies with her family. She is a proud parent to Zoé (NCS ’19) and Andrés (STA '25), who inspire and motivate her every day.
Rae Weeks

Chinese Teacher

202-537-2334
Bio
Rae Weeks joined NCS in 2011 as a Chinese-language teacher from the University of Maryland, where she was a manager in the Office of International Programs. A native of Beijing, Ms. Weeks came to the United States by way of Toronto, where she was a student counselor at a private high school. Later she taught Chinese at the University of California San Diego and Hope Chinese School. She and her husband have two children.
Ted Xu

Chinese Teacher

202-537-5536
Bio
Ted Xu joined NCS in 2007 and helped build the Upper and Middle Schools' Chinese language program, including by designing the curriculum. He is a founding board member of the Chinese Language Teacher Association-National Capital Region. Mr. Xu holds a degree from the University of Maryland, where he has taught as a lecturer, and an advanced-level certification from the Beijing Language University. He enjoys hiking and singing.

Explore our Curriculum

US World Languages

Department Faculty