World Languages Program in Chevy Chase

At Oneness-Family School we believe that learning another language is one of the most powerful ways to expand your world, understand another culture, and become a global citizen. Every student—from preschool through high school—takes part in our immersive World Languages Program, learning Spanish, Italian, or French.

Our school's foreign language program is grounded in the Montessori approach. Students learn vocabulary, grammar and conversational fluency through student-led activities in small groups, learning to speak, write, and understand their chosen language. Our teachers, guides in this process, are all native speakers of the language they teach.

Explore Our Italian Program

Teacher giving lesson with five preschool students

Language Learning By Level

Primary Programs

The World Languages program for our primary program students in preschool through kindergarten focuses on teaching in a playful way which reflects Montessori principles. Students learn how to read, write, and speak in their foreign language of choice through picture books, fun stories, interactive games, and songs. The class incorporates Montessori material and every week, students work on hands-on projects to support their class themes.

Student with pumpkin shirt holding Halloween art with Italian titles

Lower Elementary

Students in 1st through 3rd grade practice their target language and its culture through reading and writing assignments as well as role-playing activities. Cultural projects based on practical life experience, like talking on the phone or ordering food at a restaurant, give students the opportunity to practice the language and gain conversational fluency. Classes are kept small so that students have ample opportunity to practice and get feedback from their teacher.

Two students presenting Italian learning materials in class

Upper Elementary

Fourth and fifth grade students in our upper elementary program focus on increasing their vocabulary in their chosen world language, and on reinforcing fundamental concepts of grammar. Students primarily work in groups on creative projects and dialogues, engaging with new vocabulary in ways that spark creativity and cooperation. At this stage, students work to build a base of knowledge in a foreign language that uniquely prepares them for more advanced instruction in middle and high school.

Three students smiling and holding Italian dictionaries

Middle School

The World Languages program for middle school promotes authentic knowledge of the language as it is used abroad and fosters international culture. Students learn about the history, lifestyles, traditions, and other important customs of different countries, all in their target language. In each lesson, students are exposed to new vocabulary, grammar structures, and conversation skills, allowing them to communicate in the target language.

Most students enter high school at an advanced level in Spanish, French, or Italian, entering at Level 3.

Student seated at desk writing on assignment

High School

The high school World Language program provides students with opportunities to improve speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension skills by developing compositions and dialogues. Throughout the curriculum, special attention is paid to student-led projects, where the interests of each student can be explored in greater depth. At this level there is an emphasis on speaking in the target language during class.