Choosing a world language is a major academic decision students make when entering Lexington High School. Many students continue studying the language they learned in middle school, while others decide to start anew. With options such as Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin, Italian, and American Sign Language (ASL), students have a wide range of languages to choose from. However, Spanish and French remain the most popular choices at LHS. 

Even though students can start a new language in high school, many believe that they must continue the one recommended by their middle school teachers. Teachers say this misunderstanding can limit students’ choices. 

“It’s not the teacher signing you up for that class. It’s just a recommendation,” Lily Zhu, a Latin teacher, explained.

For some students, switching languages can feel like a risk. Less common languages sometimes carry a reputation for being difficult or providing limited opportunities. With French, Spanish, and Mandarin being the only languages offered in middle school, many students end up sticking with the same language in high school rather than exploring new options.

“There’s that feeling of, ‘Oh, I’ve already taken three years of this language in middle school. It’s such a waste if I change to a different language,’” Zhu said. 

In the past, middle schools held assemblies where representatives from every language program introduced their courses to eighth graders in order to spread awareness. Nowadays, some students do not learn about certain languages until later in high school. Anushka Bende, a junior, said she only discovered Latin when reading the LHS Program of Studies.

“The Google form only had two options, Honors French or CP French,” Bende said. Since Bende took French in middle school, the course selection process made it seem like her only option was to continue learning French. 

Teachers say another misconception involves academic opportunities within these programs. Some students worry that starting a new language in high school will prevent them from reaching advanced levels. LHS language teachers noted that if a student starts studying Italian or Latin in their freshman year, they will be able to take AP Italian or earn college credits in Latin IV Concurrent Enrollment in their senior year.

Smaller language programs also offer the advantage of a stronger classroom community. Because fewer students take certain languages, many students stay with the same classmates and teachers for several years. This allows students to build deeper relationships with their classmates and teachers, and feel more comfortable taking risks in class.

“We stay together for years and we grow as a family,” Paola Dorfmann, an Italian teacher, said. 

For teachers, the most important factor in choosing a language is curiosity. World language programs at LHS encourage students to build confidence and communication skills, and develop new ways of thinking in unfamiliar situations. For many students, trying a new language may feel intimidating at first, but it can also become a valuable and lasting experience.