World Languages

World language programs in Jeffco Public Schools invite students to explore the world and their place in it through the study of languages and cultures. Jeffco offers courses in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin and Spanish. Jeffco also offers Spanish for Heritage Speakers to honor and support the development and maintenance of heritage language.

Jeffco strives to educate students to become communicatively proficient and globally competent in languages other than English with a curriculum aligned to national standards. Students will have opportunities to use their cultural and linguistic knowledge outside of the classroom, with travel, cultural events, performances and competitions.

IB aims include:

• Gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of students’ mother tongue and cultural heritage.
• Develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages.
• Develop the student’s communication skills necessary for further language learning, and for study, work and leisure in a range of authentic contexts and for a variety of audiences and purposes.
• Enable the student to develop multiliteracy skills through the use of a range of learning tools, such as multimedia, in the various modes of communication.
• Enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning.
• Enable the student to recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects, and as a tool for enhancing literacy.
• Enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components.
• Offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language is spoken.
• Encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from their own and other cultures, leading to involvement and action in their own and other communities.
• Foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning.