High School World Languages

CMS World Language Programs provide intentional learning pathways that will allow students to develop linguistic and intercultural communicative competencies. This also includes pathways for heritage speakers and former dual language immersion students to develop, maintain, and enhance their heritage or immersion language proficiency.

CMS World Language Programs employ a curriculum based on the ACTFL and NCDPI standards and thematic units, with clearly defined proficiency targets, which provide scaffolded language learning experiences and opportunities for students to interact with authentic sources in the target language. In addition, students may choose to continue through Cambridge, IB or AP pathways for advanced language study.

There may be additional unique offerings at North Mecklenburg High School or South Mecklenburg High School, both World Language Magnet Programs. In addition, students who have completed all levels of advanced language at their school may also be interested in continuing their language studies through the UNCC High Flyers Program, available through the CMS Advanced Studies Department.

Students may also earn the Global Languages Endorsement, NC’s Seal of Bi-literacy. The Global Languages Endorsement is an opportunity for students to show their multi-literacy in English and at least one World Language. Students may add as many World Languages as they qualify to a Global Languages Endorsement on their diploma.

What will my student be able to do at the end of each World Language course or program? Click on the NCDPI World Languages Proficiency Outcomes Document to see the minimum exit proficiency expectations for each course or program.  Please note that the learning targets usually aim for 1-2 sublevels above the minimum exit proficiency outcomes.

Languages Offered in grades 9-12

Currently, the following languages are offered in grades 9-12 in CMS. Language offerings will vary by school, based on staffing:

• American Sign Language
• Chinese
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Latin
• Spanish
• Spanish for Native Speakers

NCVPS also offers additional languages. Please ask your school's counselor about these options.