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Languages

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Connect across cultures. 

The study of language and culture has the power to develop responsible and committed global citizens. Today, it is more critical than ever before, as accelerating growth in technology is making the world ever smaller and enabling expanding connections between people and communities around the planet.

We work with students on the four basic language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In the Branson language classroom, we communicate only in the target language, and whenever possible, we enhance this linguistically rich classroom environment with the immersive experiences of international travel and connection with local communities.

At the end of our program, you will feel confident communicating with native speakers both orally and in writing and reading literature and consuming content in the target language. You will also learn to appreciate a variety of cultural perspectives that will help you feel comfortable engaging in communities other than your own. 

If you are a native Spanish speaker, you might find yourself connecting with other Branson students who speak Spanish at home and deepening your language skills through cultural units based on arts, literature, history and politics of different Spanish speaking cultures.

Through the Branson language program, you will find yourself communicating meaningfully across different communities and cultures, and equipped to use this knowledge for positive change in the world.

Language Requirements

12 units (3 years) of one language or 16 units (2 years each) of two languages

Students are welcome to sign up for any first-year language, or take a placement test to determine placement into a higher level. The Language Department strongly encourages students to take four years of one language to derive maximum benefit from the program.

Meet Our Language Faculty

Arturo Acevedo

Arturo Acevedo

Spanish Teacher
Henri de Marcellus

Henri de Marcellus

Latin Teacher / Transportation Coordinator (Student Facing)
Jennifer Diaz

Jennifer Diaz

Spanish Teacher, Language Department Chair
Sergio Ovalles

Sergio Ovalles

Spanish Teacher, Spanish Interpreter/Translator
Gisella Petrone

Gisella Petrone

Italian Teacher; Senior Class Dean; Human Development Teacher
Eva Silot Bravo

Eva Silot Bravo

Spanish Teacher
Sabrina Wilson

Sabrina Wilson

Spanish Teacher; Human Development Teacher
Jasmine Xiang

Jasmine Xiang

Mandarin Chinese Teacher

Branson Curriculum Guide

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Read the Curriculum Guide to see all the courses we offer in the 2022-23 academic year.

Italian

  • Italian III
  • AP Italian Language and Culture

Latin

  • Latin II
  • Latin III
  • Latin IV Honors: Golden Age Poetry

Mandarin

  • Mandarin I
  • Mandarin II
  • Mandarin III
  • Mandarin IV Honors
  • Mandarin V

Spanish

  • Spanish I
  • Spanish II
  • Spanish III Honors
  • AP Spanish Language and Culture
  • Spanish V: History, Culture and Literature of the Spanish-Speaking World

Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers

  • Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers
  • Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers Advanced
  • Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers III: AP Spanish Language and Culture
  • Spanish for Native and Heritage Speakers IV

For a complete list of language courses and their descriptions, read the 2022-23 Curriculum Guide