Academics

Overview

The Foreign Language Department at Elk Grove High School offers full programs in four languages - French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Italian and Japanese have four year programs with opportunities to do advanced independent study; French and Spanish offer a fifth year of study and the option to take the National Advanced Placement exam for college credit where applicable. Students in French and Italian may be given national contest exams to compete for local and national recognition. Students may also take the College Board SAT tests in French, Japanese, and Spanish.

Foreign language field trips are popular with Elk Grove students. French classes have visited exhibits of Caillebotte, Degas, Monet, and Renoir at the Art Institute of Chicago. Italian classes have toured the Lyric Opera House. Japanese students have experienced local shopping and eating at the Yaohan Japanese shopping center in Arlington Heights. The Spanish AP class has taken a Spanish-speaking tour of the Art Institute in conjunction with their study of Spanish Art History. Each language group has also taken advantage of the many ethnic restaurants in the Chicago metropolitan and suburban areas.

The new Multi-media Language Lab allows students to extend their skills in all phases of language learning - listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are able to work with CD ROM, software, and audio/video programs with their classes and individually. Students have Internet privileges to give them access to authentic documents and the opportunity to correspond with students in France, Italy, Japan, and Spain. Adjoining the Language Lab, the Foreign Language/Social Studies Learning Center provides an opportunity for students to meet staff members for additional instruction as well as to make up exams. Several video viewers enable students to watch film segments they may have missed due to absences or to review material for extra comprehension practice. Advanced foreign language students frequently volunteer to tutor language or ESL students needing help. They also aid in the operation of the Language Lab, provide interpreting services to parents, and assist teachers in the elementary schools.

To learn more about the Japanese Exchange Program and other student activities, go to the activities page.