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World Languages

At Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), world languages are an essential part of students' learning.

Elementary School (Grades K–5)

In MPS, there are three types of elementary program models:

  • Foreign language in the elementary schools (FLES) courses meet two to five times per week during which students acquire some proficiency in listening , speaking, reading, and writing and develop an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.
  • Full immersion is school programs in which teachers teach core content in the foreign language all or part of the day. Students become functionally proficient, master subject content taught in the new language, and acquire an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.
  • Partial immersion is school programs in which teachers teach language using the core content. Students are able to communicate in the second language and at the same time acquire an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

FLEX (foreign language exploratory) programs are an introduction to one or more foreign languages with some interpersonal language skills expected at the middle school level. Depending on the school’s language offering, middle school students can choose to learn Chinese, French, German, Italian, or Spanish. Time spent in learning the language varies depending on the school’s program schedule.

  • To develop proficiency, a sequential course that meets through the year at a minimum of three times a week is preferred.
  • In middle grades world languages programs, students begin to use key  vocabulary and structures of the language. They begin to engage in conversations, understand and interpret spoken and written language, present information or ideas, make connections with other disciplines, and compare cultures and languages studied with their own.

High School (Grades 9–12)

Depending on their school’s language offerings, high school students can choose to learn Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish. Classes typically meet daily for one class period. High school students may continue a language studied in middle grades or choose a new language.

  • Three to four years of high school study is recommended to progress to high levels needed for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams or College in the Schools credits.
  • Colleges recommend a minimum of two years of high school study of the same language for entrance and three to four years for more selective colleges or for placement into upper levels and study abroad opportunities.

More Information

If you have any questions about our language programs, please contact our curriculum specialists:

Sarah Borges, English as a Second Language Program
Email: borgess@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475-8732

Solmaris González Chico, World Languages/Language Immersion Program
Email: gonzals1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 777-7827

Dra. Lucía Torres, Bilingual Dual Language Program
Email: torresli@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: (414) 475-8093