Spanish, French, and German are the three world languages offered at our High School. Languages are offered by level, so that strong students are able to pursue their studies at an advanced level while older students can choose to start a new language at a beginner level. Ninth graders are typically required to select one language to study for a minimum of three years and can add a second language as an elective beginning in tenth grade.

The twin goals of our world language instruction, which begins formally in first grade, are linguistic (developing skills needed for effective communication in a world language) and cultural (providing an understanding of people from the literature of foreign countries). Our program seeks to cultivate an appreciation for approaches and exercises, including oral, visual, dramatic, and routine memorization during class time.

As such, our International Exchange Program gives 10th Graders the opportunity to build upon the language skills they have developed in earlier years. The program encourages fluency in their chosen foreign language, while gaining insights into the host country and its people. Our cultural and linguistic exchange allows our students to studying at another Waldorf school in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Chile, or France. Our students travel, make friends, and experience another culture, returning home with new insights about themselves and the world.

Due to the demands of the  Waldorf curriculum, the program is designed for a period of one to three months.

For questions regarding our International Exchange Program, please email: foreignexchange@steiner.edu