World Languages

The goal of the AACPS World Languages program is to prepare students to be linguistically and culturally competent in languages other than English. The ability to communicate in a culturally appropriate manner with speakers of other languages is the key to success in an increasingly diverse global community of the 21st century. As students develop proficiency in world languages and an understanding of the underlying values and beliefs of other cultures, they gain the skills that are essential to meaningful communication.

The AACPS world language curriculum is performance- and proficiency-based and is designed to develop learners’ communication skills (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) and intercultural competencies to engage in our local and global environments. These skills and competencies prepare students to interact with people in our nation and around the world.

Students will build literacy and cognitive skills that transfer to other content subjects, prepare learners for college and career, as well as citizen diplomacy, through developing language skills and cultural competencies.

What Is an AACPS World Language Class Like?

  • Language instruction is not translation or rote memorization.

  • Learning builds interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication in real-world, meaningful contexts.

  • Culturally relevant authentic resources provide rich language to build cultural and content knowledge.

  • Classes are taught using 90-100% target language to foster a rich learning environment.

  • Students are engaged in the learning process by using gestures, visuals, color-coding, organizers, manipulatives, music, art, movement, games, and technology.

  • Proficiency-based classes motivate students to work with what they know.

  • Proficiency is assessed through performance tasks--that is, by how learners apply the language they are studying in meaningful, culturally authentic, real-life situations..

  • Teachers use a curriculum beginning at level 1 that is organized around the six Advanced Placement Language & Culture themes (Personal Identity, Beauty & Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, Families & Communities, Science & Technology, and Global Challenges).

Languages offered include the following:

Course Progression and Requirements

High School World Language Graduation Requirements

Students who are college-ready must take two credits of the same World Language. Students may elect to take two credits of a World Language rather than two credits of an advanced technology or a career completer program. A student with the required math courses and two credits of a World Languages meets one of the criteria for qualifying for the University System of Maryland completer. It is recommended that students who elect the World Languages option to continue in the program beyond the second level. Some specialized programs, as well as many colleges and universities require additional credits in World Languages. Check with your school counselor for next steps.

Please see the Program of Study for World Language Graduation Requirements and available courses: Program of Study: High School or Middle School.

High School Magnet Application Requirements

All 8th grade applicants must be currently enrolled in a level 1 or 1B World Language course or have earned 1 credit of a World Language.

Events and Opportunities

MD Seal Biliteracy

Are you a SENIOR that is fluent in a language other than English?

Seal of Biliteracy

The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by participating school systems that recognizes a student's high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and one or more languages. 

Starting in California in 2011, the Seal of Biliteracy is now offered in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Bill was signed into law in 2016 and implemented for the first time in 2017.

In 2017, about 1,200 students earned the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy. 

What are the requirements to earn the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy?

  • Demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a language other than English, as measured by assessments that are aligned to ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) proficiency guidelines.

  • Click here for approved assessments. Some home languages will be assessed through MSDE approved assessments.

How do students test for the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy?

  • Students who are scheduled to take an AP or IB language exam are candidates for the Seal of Biliteracy.

  • Students who are not scheduled to take an AP or IB Language exam should consult with the world language department chair at your school to obtain information about summer testing for the Seal of Biliteracy through the AVANT/Stamp proficiency exam provided through AACPS or an approved language assessment appropriate to your language.

For more information about the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy, please refer to the Maryland State Department of Education's web page about the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy. 

We also have the Biliteracy Infographic to share with you as well as information regarding STAMP / Avant level 3 assessment.

Parent Resources

See below for answers to frequently asked questions about World and Classical Languages. If your question is not answered on this website, please contact us.

Which languages are offered at my school?

Our language programs differ by school. Visit our Programs by School page to see the offerings at each Middle and High School in Anne Arundel County.

Do you offer language instruction in elementary schools?

Program offerings at elementary schools in Anne Arundel County differ from school to school. Contact your local elementary school to find out more. Elementary language programs are managed by the Office of Advanced Studies. 

Can students receive high school credit for language courses completed in middle school?

Yes, students who successfully complete level 1 language courses in middle school can receive high school credit. Some middle schools also offer level 2 language courses for high school credit. 

What are the requirements for language study?

Students in high school are required to complete two levels of a world language or classical language in order to recieve a standard diploma. However, many universities recommend additional years of language study as a requirement for admission.