Welcome to BLS!  Please choose your language carefully!  This is the only subject at BLS where you make a commitment to study something for four years.  While we do everything we can to give your your first choice, it is not always possible, and you may be assigned  your second or third choice--make sure you have a good back-up language!  
Beginning levels of Modern Foreign Languages focus on simple communication in the language along with elements of grammar and vocabulary. By the end of their first year, students should be able to converse in the target language about everyday matters, write simple paragraphs, and display knowledge of where the language is spoken throughout the world at the Novice High level. More advanced levels explore literature, history and art along with an intensive study of the language’s structure and composition with the goal of reaching Intermediate Mid to Advanced Low.

Five years of Chinese, French, German, Italian and Spanish are offered at BLS, when budget and enrollment
allow. Currently, Advanced Placement (college level) courses are offered in Chinese Language, French Language,
German Language, Italian Language, Spanish Language and Spanish Literature.

If you have had previous study of one of our languages before coming to BLS,  and demonstrate proficiency through written and oral assessments by passing the BLS level 1 final,  you will have the option of placing into level 2 of that
language. You will still be required to meet the four year graduation requirement, which may mean taking Advanced
Placement in your senior year.

Placement testing is scheduled starting at 8am on June 22nd;  if you cannot come that day, your other option is August 3rd at 8am.  
Please contact Mrs. Kelley directly if you are thinking of testing out of level 1 so she can send you information about what will be on the exams.  

Current modern language teachers may be most helpful in answering any questions about specific languages.
All teachers can be contacted via email through www.bls.org.
More information about how to choose the right language for you can be found on the Modern Foreign Language
page on www.bls.org under the Modern Foreign Languages tab and then "Why Study this Language".  
If you have any questions at all, please contact Program Director Christine Kelley at ckelley2@bostonpublicschools.org.  
We look forward to welcoming you in the fall!