World Languages
The World Languages Department prepares students to communicate across cultures and engage thoughtfully in an interconnected world.
Through the study of Spanish, French, Chinese, Latin, and Ancient Greek, students develop linguistic proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. Rooted in Loyola Academy’s Jesuit and liberal arts tradition, language learning encourages curiosity, empathy, and an appreciation for the richness of the global community.
Beyond the classroom, students have opportunities to deepen their learning through clubs, travel experiences, exchange programs, academic competitions, and the pursuit of the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy and Global Seal of Biliteracy. Supported by innovative learning spaces, including Loyola’s Global Communications Center, students are challenged to use language as a bridge to greater understanding and meaningful connection.
In World Languages, students do more than learn new words—they discover new ways to understand the world and their place within it.
 | Connect with Purpose |
| World language study opens doors to new cultures, perspectives, and experiences while preparing students to lead and serve in a global society. | |
Featured Courses
The courses below represent just a sample of the opportunities available within this department, offering students pathways to explore their interests, develop their talents, and deepen their understanding of the subject.
For a complete listing of courses and descriptions, please view the Curriculum Guide
| Honors Chinese |
This course continues to build students’ communication skills through an expanded vocabulary and advanced grammar and more authentic learning materials such as Chinese movies, YouTube videos, TV shows to prepare students to reach the intermediate level of competence. The accelerated pace of this course adequately prepares students to take Honors Chinese IV and the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture. |
| Advanced Placement French Language and Culture |
| In this college-level course conducted entirely in French, students improve their interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills, while developing an appreciation for the products, practices, and perspectives of the French culture. Through the study of authentic sources ranging from literature to podcasts and YouTube videos, students explore the themes of global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, search for self, family and community, and beauty and aesthetics. A summer assignment is required. Students are required to take the national AP exam at the end of the course. Successful completion of French 4 (L746 or L749) is a prerequisite for this course with the exception of seniors dualenrolled in L749 and L750. |
| Spanish 2 |
| This course helps students to build their communication skills and enhance their knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. It is a continuation of Spanish 1 (L816). Mastery of grammar and vocabulary and developing more creative and proficient speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills in Spanish are the focus of this course. Incoming freshmen who wish to enroll in this course must take the Spanish Qualifying Exam offered in the spring. This course is conducted in Spanish whenever possible. |
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Global Studies Illinois and Global Seals of Biliteracy
Meet the Department
