My early days as an elementary-school Spanish student involved conjugating endless lists of verbs and repeating phrases that came from scratchy records (anybody else remember the old 78 RPMs and the ALM method?). I recited Mamá se nos ha escapado Pancho so many times that the description of the family cat’s escape is forever seared in my brain. As I worked my way through AP Spanish courses in boarding school, I accumulated an enviable library of data on Spanish literature and culture, but when I arrived to León, Spain, for the last semester of high school, I became flummoxed when I needed to obtain real-life information, such as where to buy international stamps, or how to find a public restroom. As I look back now, my real education came only after I recognized the importance of communicating clearly and effectively, rather than merely filling my brain with verbs and vocabulary words. Literature and culture are beautiful and teach us about the world and humanity. Authentic communication with those who speak a different language than our own is equally beautiful.

 

What I saw last week epitomized what independent schools have spent years striving for: a state-of-the-art language program that combines history, literature and culture with a full-throttle and genuine immersion, and is enhanced by smartly designed technological tools. Our teachers have embraced the new pedagogy, speaking the target language exclusively in class and challenging their students with dynamic coursework. Students often work together, assembling their own phrases and creating their own dialogues. They embrace interaction and speak before they write. They have ready access to web programs and technological equipment that would make your jaw drop. They also benefit from our location in Miami, where Spanish isn’t really a second language at all.

This was part of the plan when we decided that our Middle Schoolers, beginning with the Class of 2023, would undertake an intensive Spanish curriculum through the eighth grade. We wanted to create an environment that would not only promote learning, but also bring our students together as a class, and help foster a connection to the community beyond our campus. We expect that some of our more advanced students will sit for the AP Spanish Language examination before they enter the Upper School, allowing them to shift to French or Chinese, or another language we have yet to add. We hope our graduates will display proficiency in not just two languages, but three – or perhaps more.

It’s not difficult to imagine our students honoring Paul Ransom’s vision that they put more into the world than they take from it when they are speaking the languages – both of them – of our city, and much of the world. It’s a pleasure and privilege to watch our students grow at Ransom Everglades.

Penny Townsend
Head of School