ACADEMICS
A Notre Dame Education

Modern and Classical Languages

    • French I students singing in French with Miss Benion

Philosophy

In today’s global society, fluency in another language is a life advantage. The ability to communicate in a language other than one’s own helps shape thoughtful, globally conscious citizens, fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures, and opens doors to expanded academic and career opportunities. In our program, language learning is not only an academic pursuit, but a way for students to better understand the world and their place in it.

Students have many opportunities for immersive engagement with language and culture both in and outside of the classroom. They work with authentic texts and materials and participate in hands-on experiences such as cooking, creating video projects, engaging with music, and learning dance choreography. 

Beyond the classroom, students deepen their cultural understanding through affinity and culture clubs, where they experience the foods, traditions, and histories of different cultures and global communities. Whether celebrating Dia de Muertos, exploring the legacy of ancient Rome, or participating in activities such as calligraphy workshops, rice ball making and French-cooking, students extend their learning into real-world experiences and connections.

Students also have opportunities to grow as leaders and engage with their communities. They may apply for Spanish Honor Society and use their language skills to serve Spanish-speaking communities in Los Angeles through the L.A. Immersion program.

Students can further expand their learning through travel to countries where the language is spoken, including France, Japan, Perú, the Dominican Republic, and Spain. In addition, those in the French and Japanese programs participate in international exchanges and may host visiting students from France and Japan, building meaningful cross-cultural relationships and applying classroom learning to authentic interaction.

Courses Offered

List of 30 items.

Ms. Emily Hansum
MCLD Department Chair
Spanish Teacher
818-933-3693

Ms. Luisa Benion
Spanish Teacher
818-933-3498
 
Ms. Jessica Castillo
Spanish Teacher
818-933-3412
jcastillo@ndhs.org
 
Ms. Alicia Coffey
Spanish Teacher
818-933-3407
 
Dr. Thomas Moody
Latin Teacher
MCL
818-933-3442
moody@ndhs.org

Ms. Montserrat Perez
French & Spanish Teacher
818-933-3437
mperez@ndhs.org
 
Ms. Kyoko Shoji
Japanese Teacher
818-933-3408
shoji@ndhs.org

Ms. Joanne Shumway
Spanish Teacher
818-933-3452
shumway@ndhs.org

Ms. Christine Stewart
French Teacher
818-933-3436
stewart@ndhs.org

Dr. Buenaventura Torres-Ayala
Spanish Teacher
818-933-3430
torres@ndhs.org
Ms. Rachel Yang
Chinese Teacher
818-933-3634
yang@ndhs.org
 
 
A College Preparatory School of Excellence
13645 Riverside Drive
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 933-3600 Main Office
info@ndhs.org

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