Modern World Languages: Spanish & Mandarin Chinese at TNCS

We believe that learning modern world languages will not only improve your child’s academic performance, but will also develop their cultural insight. The ability to speak more than one language and having well-developed intercultural awareness are hallmarks of the global citizen.

Learning a language builds oral and written proficiency in that language while providing cognitive benefits your child will carry through life. Multilingualism optimizes brain function and keeps the brain flexible and ready to learn well into adulthood. Learning other languages is a key part of TNCS academics.

TNCS’s international staff brings a multitude of talent to our classrooms.

Elementary Student learns Spanish

The 5 Cs of Language Learning

From age 2 years and up, TNCS students are taught by native Spanish and Mandarin Chinese speakers. Using the national standards set by the American Council on Foreign Language Teaching (ACTFL), our staff teach the 5 Cs of language learning:

  • Communication
  • Cultures
  • Connections
  • Comparisons
  • Communities

Instructors share their skills, cultures, and experiences to provide your child with deep connections to modern world languages. Your child will learn to speak, read, and write in both Spanish and Mandarin.

Language In Action elementary student and chinese teacher

Language In Action

Our Spanish and Mandarin Chinese Language Directors have designed curricula that emphasize absorption rather than memorization so that students feel comfortable using the target language. To make language learning active and interactive, they provide plenty of cultural exposure, such as cooking, singing, dancing, and playing games.

Most importantly, students learn actual content in the target language. Disciplines such as math and geography become even more meaningful when taught in another language. Your child will be able to use the language and think in it, not just memorize vocabulary.

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Learning language is not just learning words; it is itself a tool for learning.

TNCS Twice Awarded Coveted STARTALK Grant

TNCS is the proud recipient of two consecutive grants from STARTALK, a National Foreign Language Center program. TNCS strives to make language-learning an authentic experience, not a lesson. Simple, real-world experience, such as what is actually going on in the classroom that day, gives students context and a reason to communicate in the target language verbally and in writing.