While the department’s primary goal is for students to become active and proficient at communicating, learning a modern language and gaining insight into its culture(s) are also important for increased self-awareness and international understanding. It is an integral part of a Putney education. We offer both French and Spanish.
The Putney Difference
From the start, students are exposed to grammar and vocabulary through speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture. Authentic materials, visiting speakers, and trips are central to this process, along with project-based learning. For instance, students may learn to dance the merengue following instructions in Spanish, absorbing the language as they figure out the movements and steps. Teachers often draw from their personal experiences for projects and hands-on learning opportunities.
Something that I’m really proud that we do here at Putney is we cook. During Saturday morning blocks, we’ll say let’s make mole from scratch, and we’ll serve it to the whole school for lunch. These are recipes that I’ve known since I was little. I literally eyeball everything. In passing that knowledge on to my students, I tell them this is a story about connecting immigration and cooking.
— Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez, Language Department Chair and Spanish Teacher
As students reach proficiency, classes above level three shift to complete immersion, with a focus on comprehension as subjects such as immigration, accents, and education pedagogy are taught completely in a modern language.
Core Skill Development
Grammar and vocabulary
Cultural awareness and understanding
Speaking and conversational proficiency
Reading and writing proficiency
Immersion & Expression
The importance of spoken proficiency, primary source materials, and learning to think and speak creatively.
Study Away Program
We offer a variety of options that give students the opportunity to live, learn, and work side-by-side with students and adults from a different culture through both domestic and international trips that enrich the Putney experience.
Meet Our Faculty
World Languages Courses
- French 1
- French 2
- French 3
- French 4
- French 5
- French 6
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3
- Spanish 4
- Spanish 5
- Spanish 6
- Spanish 7
- Spanish 8
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Mathematics
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