Foreign Language Requirements (Grades 7 & 8)

New boys entering seventh and eighth grade will choose one of three foreign languages: French, Latin, or Spanish. Most boys continue studying the same language in high school. Boys, of course, are not ‘locked in’ for six years, but the less they change their course of study, the better they can master one language. Boys who previously studied a foreign language in their old school should continue with that language.

If boys choose Latin:
  • Because study is started at the beginner level, no placement test or tutoring required unless the student has previously studied Latin. Students who have previously studied Latin will be required to take a Latin placement test on Saturday, April 30 that will follow the math placement test.
If boys choose French or Spanish:
  • Boys will be required to take a placement test on Saturday, April 30 following the math placement test.
  • For incoming seventh grade: boys may be placed in a sixth grade or seventh grade class, depending on the results of their placement test.
  • For incoming eighth grade: boys may be placed in a sixth, seventh or eighth grade class, depending on the results of their placement test.
  • The placement test is an assessment of current understanding. No preparation is required.
  • If you have questions,  please e-mail or call Mr. Khoury, 216-321-8260 x8256.
If boys are placed in beginning Spanish, Mr. Khoury will provide information about required summer tutoring. There is no cost for this tutoring. No preparation is required for French or Latin.

New students: Please submit this information by April 25

Contact

List of 1 members.

  • Photo of Michael Khoury

    Mr. Michael Khoury 

    Director of Global Programs, Coordinator of Diversity, Education, Inclusion, and Belonging, Middle School French & Spanish Teacher
    216-321-8260 x8265

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • My son wants to take one language and I want him to take another. What do you think?

    This decision is personal for each family and both languages are good choices. In our experience, the student puts more effort into and learns more from a language which he is excited about taking. Talk with your son about why he wants to take a particular language and see if his reasons are things like, "That language seems more interesting to me" or things like, "all my friends are going to take that language." Please encourage him to choose a language he will truly enjoy.

  • How many years of foreign language does my son have to take at University School?

    The requirement for graduation from University School is 3 levels of the same foreign language (e.g. Latin I, II, and III). The middle school program is the equivalent of Level I. Thus, boys need to take two years of language in the Upper School. Therefore, if your son sticks with the same language in high school he studied in middle school, he will be finished with his requirement after tenth grade. If he changes to a different language in ninth grade, he will be finished with his language requirement after eleventh grade. That being said, most colleges like to see one additional year of language study in high school.

  • Why does my son have to stick with one language throughout his middle school years?

    We ask boys to stick with one language so they can make the most progress in his chosen language. In addition, beginning language courses are not offered at every grade level. If a boy finds himself in a language he does not particularly enjoy, he will be able to switch in ninth grade.

  • Why are only some boys given the option to take a second foreign language in seventh grade? How many boys will be selected?

    After sixth grade, we select a small number of boys who have done very well in their sixth grade language classes and in their classes overall and give them the option to study a second foreign language beginning in seventh grade. The number of boys varies from year to year, depending on how many boys we deem capable of this extra challenge.

  • Why does my son have to give up Soundscape if he would like to add a second foreign language in seventh grade?

    The reality of our scheduling requires boys give up one class in order to add another. Choosing to do this may or may not be right for your son, and you and your son will have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what is right for you. Boys who choose two languages can be involved in the arts by taking part in a play, participating in a music group which meets before school, or taking lessons outside of school. If your son wants to continue with Soundscape in the middle school, he can add a second language in ninth grade. He cannot add a second language in eighth grade.

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
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