Italy is the most visited country by tourists from all over the world and there is a very good reason for this fact. Consider that Italy, which is not as large as several other countries, houses by itself about 65% of all of the world’s art and treasures! Let’s think of how the Italian Renaissance influenced the rest of the world for centuries in the fields of science, art, architecture, music, literature and medicine. Some of the most famous landmarks in the world are in Italy, such as St. Mark Square in Venice; The Tower of Pisa; The Colosseum in Rome; St. Peter’s Church and the Vatican Museums; the Statue of David in Florence; the Fountain of Trevi in Rome; and the beautiful island of Sicily.

Italy is an amazingly beautiful country. It would take a lifetime to explore it and appreciate not only its antiquity but its natural resources and landscapes as well. Italian is a pleasant language to hear and the Italians are known to be a friendly people.

Last, but not least, consider the following findings from research in 2007 by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages: “More students had an interest in studying Italian than any other language.”

Why Take Chinese?

College students say: “It’s cool if you know Chinese!”

Why Take Latin?

Latin is exciting! In Latin class not only do we study the language of the Romans ("the masters of the world, the toga-clad race!"), but we also embark upon a voyage into the strange and wondrous world of antiquity. We study the ideas, literature, mythology, religious practices, and methods of warfare of the distant past. We also become acquainted with the tremendous debt that we owe to the Romans, both in terms of our culture, and our language (60% of English comes from Latin in one way or another). 

Latin is practical! There are many benefits to studying Latin. Students who study Latin on average score higher on the verbal SAT than students who study any other language. Latin on a student's transcript is also highly regarded by college admissions’ officers. The secret, however, is that Latin is a fun, interesting—and not terribly difficult—subject.

If you are interested in learning something a bit different, you are somewhat outgoing, and enjoy authentic encounters with another culture, then German is for you!  Students enjoy listening to and learning about Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as popular German techno and pop music.  Do you like coffee, cake, and conversation? Students engage in regular Kaffeestunden, where they have the opportunity to eat and speak German.  Have you ever wanted to actually understand and perhaps even enjoy a foreign film?  The MHS German program includes several feature length movies in each level of instruction.  What about meeting real German teenagers or even living among the Germans?  German is presently the only MHS language to offer an exchange program, where you live with a German family for 3 weeks in the summer and then host your German partner for 3 weeks in the fall.  

Yet the German program has even more to offer academically. Linguistically, German is the most closely-related language to English, helping students generally score higher on the SAT-Verbal section and become more proficient in English grammar. Germany is also one of the top-contributing countries of all foreign-based companies located here in the US, making knowledge of German an advantageous skill in your future career.

Why Take French?

Did you know that:

Ø      French is spoken in 55 countries.              

Ø      French is the 3^rd most used language used on the internet. 

Ø      Provides the base for 50 % of the English vocabulary.

Ø      Will help you improve your SAT scores.

Ø      Will open doors to art, such as music, food, fashion, and architecture.

Ø      Speaking French will increase your chances of getting the job you want, in areas like business, medicine, aviation, and law.

Ø      French is the official language of many international organizations, such as the UN, NATO, UNESCO, The International Red Cross, The International Olympic Committee, and the European Union.

          There are so many reasons why you should choose Spanish.  Spanish is the fourth most commonly spoken language in the world, and within the United States, it is the most widely spoken language after English.  So, how will taking Spanish benefit you?  Studies show that job applicants who are bilingual earn significantly more money in the workplace.  Some places will even offer annual bonuses for being proficient in both Spanish and English.             

Taking Spanish opens a world of possibilities.  Not only does studying Spanish offer you limitless job opportunities, but it also expands your world view and makes you a more cultured person.  Imagine the amazing countries you could visit!  From vacations in the tropics, to study abroad experiences in exciting cities throughout the Spanish-speaking world, the opportunities are endless.  And it all starts when you choose to take Spanish!  In your Spanish class, cultural connections through food, music, dance, movies, and field trips will prepare you for many awesome adventures in your future.