Academic Departments

At Worcester Academy, you’ll develop a clear sense of purpose and a strong work ethic. How? We start in Middle School with a strong academic base, and an abundance of leadership and co-curricular opportunities. We’ll guide you to think critically, act thoughtfully, and be confident in your choices.

In Upper School you’ll continue to grow. Your opportunities will explode with fascinating hands-on learning, intriguing elective choices, and opportunities like our nationally recognized Math Team or our top-ranked Model U.N. Club.

No matter your passion, you’ll find it here.

Select a Department

World Language

  • Latin I

    (2_LAT1020; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)

    Latin I presents a traditional approach to the fundamentals of the Latin language. The first three declensions of nouns and adjectives, as well as all six verb tenses in both the active and the passive voice, are introduced with a view towards mastery. Historical events, myths, and legends supply the topics for both English and Latin readings. Emphasis is placed on knowing all forms and grammar and, through the topics mentioned, understanding the culture of Roman civilization. Weekly quizzes on vocabulary, word forms, and sentence structure prepare students for the cumulative tests.
  • Latin II

    (2_LAT2020; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Latin I.

    Latin II is a continuation of language study for students who began Latin I in the Upper School or equivalent. It develops the basic skills met in Level I and provides an introduction to more complex grammatical patterns, such as Latin pronouns, infinitives, and the multiple uses of the passive voice. Roman culture—history, myth, art, and architecture—provides the basis for readings, while Latin works, untouched in the original, are studied. Reading Latin is introduced early and becomes a constant activity for practice and mastery.
  • Latin III

    (2_LAT3020; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Latin II.

    Latin III, a higher-level language course, begins the study of Latin literature through a survey of Roman authors and literary genres, after the completion and review of Latin grammar and forms. Pliny and Cicero in the fall, Catullus and Horace in the spring, are our core authors. Students master advanced grammar structures, literary genres and styles, and authentic cultural selections. Reading and writing become more sophisticated and receive greater emphasis in this course. Frequent quizzes and summary tests are the basis of the performance evaluation, along with written assignments and classroom participation.
  • Honors Latin III

    (2_LAT3520; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Latin II (A- or higher) and departmental approval.

    Honors Latin III is an accelerated course that prepares students to take AP Latin. The reading includes such influential authors as Cicero, Seneca, Horace, Catullus, Ovid, and Virgil. Students are trained in sight-reading, analysis and interpretation of Latin literature—in essential literary, historical, and cultural contexts—and scansion and recitation of Latin verse.
  • Honors Latin Seminar

    (2_LAT4540; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Latin III (A- or higher), Honors Latin III (B+ or higher) or AP Latin, and departmental approval.

    Project-based, Honors Latin Seminar is a college-level course for advanced Latinists beyond level three. It begins with selections from Seneca’s Epistolae and continues in the second semester with Virgil’s Eclogues. Other authors (e. g., Horace, Martial, Ovid) complement these core texts. We review Latin grammar as necessary in this rigorous reading and research course. Juniors who successfully complete this course may apply to take AP Latin. Our projects, based upon the early printed Latin and English books held at local and regional university libraries (e. g., UMASS, Amherst, Harvard), pursue the classical traditions of the Renaissance in England to find and explore the presence and influence of Roman literature, criticism, and art.
  • AP Latin

    (2_LAT4920; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Honors Latin Seminar (B+ or higher) or Honors Latin III (A- or higher) and departmental approval.

    AP Latin instills deep and demonstrable understanding of large selections of both Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s De bello gallico. Literal translation is the key to these two great and greatly influential works. In addition, students must demonstrate competencies in text explication and interpretation; identify the historical, mythical, or literary context of appreciable excerpts, specific words, and Latin phases within those same contexts; and identify modes of expression, imagery, figures of speech, sound effects, metrical effects, and historical and literary contexts and traditions. This course prepares students for the AP Latin Exam.
  • Spanish I

    (2_SPA1030; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)

    Spanish I is designed for students in the Upper School with no prior experience in Spanish or students with some prior coursework who need further development. The course includes thematic vocabulary units, basic grammar structures, and cultural topics. Equal attention is given to the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are evaluated by quizzes, oral activities, chapter tests, projects, written assignments, and classroom participation. Students experience a variety of learning modalities (presentational, interpersonal, and interpretive) at various times during the year by means of projects and long-term assignments. The use of the target language increases incrementally throughout the year with the expectations that students will achieve intermediate low competency to high novice on the ACTFL by year’s end. Of paramount importance is that students experience the richness of Hispanic cultures through exposure to authentic music, literature, cinema, and cuisine as well as through opportunities to interact with native speakers.
  • Spanish II

    (2_SPA2030; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish I.

    Spanish II, a second-year course, includes thematic vocabulary units, basic to intermediate grammar structures, and cultural topics to enhance cultural understanding and language competency. Equal attention is given to the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are evaluated by quizzes, oral activities such as skits and presentations, unit tests, projects, written and oral assignments, and classroom participation. Students are expected to use Spanish in their classroom interactions.
  • Spanish III

    (2_SPA3030; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish II.

    Spanish III is for students who have successfully completed Spanish II and wish to continue improving their communicative skills. The course includes cultural readings and associated vocabulary, conversation, and intermediate to advanced grammar structures. Attention is given to the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are evaluated by quizzes, oral assessments, unit tests, written assignments, integrated projects. Frequent classroom participation in the target language is also an essential component.
  • Honors Spanish III

    (2_SPA3530; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish II (A- or higher) and departmental approval.

    At the Honors level, students refine their competence in the four skills needed to learn a world language and begin literary analysis. Honors Spanish III is conducted entirely in Spanish and active participation is a baseline requirement. There are frequent quizzes (and less frequent tests), as well as oral work and writing assignments. Students analyze short stories and poems. An Honors course demands a great deal of personal responsibility and determination as students are expected to review basic materials outside the classroom so that class discussions can focus on cultural/literary analysis.
  • Spanish IV

    (2_SPA4030; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish III and departmental approval.

    Spanish IV, conducted entirely in Spanish, is for those wishing to continue Spanish studies without any expectation of AP preparation. Through film and research, students examine, discuss, and explore cultural facets. Along with cultural study, students refine their interpretive and productive skills by way of an intensive survey of the major components of syntax. Heavy emphasis is placed on interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Major and minor assessments, daily participation, and research make up the grade
  • Honors Spanish IV

    (2_SPA4530; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish III (A- or higher) or Honors Spanish III (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    Honors Spanish IV, taught entirely in Spanish, is designed to perfect students’ competence in all modes of expression and to introduce them to the literature, history, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world through short stories, poetry, and drama. Students increase their understanding of formal and informal speech, improve their spoken fluency by expressing their ideas and beliefs entirely in Spanish, and advance their writing ability through projects and compositions based on readings and class discussions. The course seeks refinement in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Use of technology, film, and additional readings enhance the content of the course. Students are expected to communicate entirely in Spanish.
  • Spanish V

    (2_SPA4040; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV and departmental approval.

    Spanish V, conducted entirely in Spanish, is for those wishing to continue Spanish studies without any expectation of AP preparation. Through film and research using technology and traditional redactions, students examine, discuss, and explore cultural facets. Along with cultural study, students refine their interpretive and productive skills by way of an intensive survey of the major components of syntax. Heavy emphasis is placed on interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication. Major and minor assessments, daily participation, and research make up the grade.
  • AP Spanish Language and Culture

    (2_SPA4931; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV (A- or higher) or Honors Spanish IV (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    This is a course unique to Worcester Academy and has been designed to both prepare students to take the AP Language and Culture exam and to get them engaged in the local and global communities of Spanish-speakers. We achieve this goal by partnering with institutions such as the Worcester Historical Museum, Centro, the Latino Educational Institute at Worcester State and many individuals in the community. Students often do projects that have a wider audience and community benefit, such as transcribing oral histories or visiting the elderly for conversation and companionship. Guest speakers, experiential learning, and excursions are also an integral part of the class. Students will also become an “expert” in one of the Spanish-speaking countries of their choosing and delve deeply into its culture to share with the rest of the class. Students will take the AAPPL exam, which will make them eligible to earn the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a recognized credential for both academic and career purposes. Through constant vocabulary acquisition and the polishing of the modalities of speaking, listening, writing, and reading, students will be ready to take the AP exam.
  • AP Spanish Literature and Culture

    (2_SPA4935; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish IV (A- or higher) or Honors Spanish IV (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    AP Spanish Literature and Culture, conducted entirely in Spanish, continues the study of works begun the previous year in Honors Spanish IV in order to prepare for the AP Spanish Literature and Culture Exam. Students enter the course with a foundation in Spanish literature, history, and literary analysis that informs and enhances comprehension. Students are expected to perfect their presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal communication modalities as they read, while exploring historical, thematic, philosophical, and aesthetic themes in Europe and Latin America. Students leave the course prepared to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture Exam as well as entering university study well versed in some of the Spanish-speaking world’s most profound material.
  • French I

    (2_FRE1010; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)

    French I is for students in the Upper School with no prior experience in French or students with some prior coursework who need further development before entering French II. Coursework includes thematic vocabulary units, basic grammar structures, and cultural background. Equal attention is given to the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are evaluated through quizzes, oral activities, chapter tests, written assignments, and participation.
  • French II

    (2_FRE2010; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of French I.

    In French II, students combine new vocabulary and a full range of grammatical structures and are further exposed to Francophone culture and customs. The four language skills are equally emphasized: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Evaluation is proficiency-based, with integrated performance assessments at the end of each unit, and includes regular class participation, quizzes, and a variety of assignments.
  • French III

    (2_FRE3010; Grades 10-12/PG; Full Year Course)
    Prerequisite: Completion of French II and teacher recommendation and departmental approval.

    In French III, students will continue to deepen their understanding of and comfort with French grammar. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities become more sophisticated. Evaluation is proficiency-based, with integrated performance assessments at the end of each unit, and includes regular class participation, quizzes, and a variety of assignments. French III is similar in content and approach to Honors French III without the fast pace.
  • Honors French III

    (2_FRE3510; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of French II (A- or higher) and departmental approval.

    In Honors French III, students are exposed to original cultural reading, authentic pieces from contemporary French vloggers, and an introduction to Francophone literature. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities, although present from the earliest stages of language study, become more sophisticated and receive greater emphasis in this course. Frequent quizzes and summary tests are the basis of performance evaluation, along with a variety of project-based assignments and classroom participation in French.
  • French IV

    (2_FRE4010; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of French III and departmental approval.

    In French IV, students explore the French and Francophone worlds through poetry, film works of literature, and art. All students are expected to participate in class discussions. Evaluation is based upon regular writing assignments and oral presentations, including movie, art, and research projects, as well as oral and written quizzes and essays. This course is conducted almost entirely in French and is similar in content and approach to Honors French IV without the fast pace.
  • Honors French IV

    (2_FRE4510; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of French III (A- or higher) or Honors French III (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    In Honors French IV, students explore the French and Francophone worlds through poetry, film, works of literature, and art. All students are expected to participate in class discussions. Evaluation is based upon regular writing assignments and oral presentations, including movie, art, and research projects, as well as oral and written quizzes and essays. This course is conducted entirely in French and prepares students for continued work in AP French Language and Culture.
  • French V

    (2_FRE4050; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisites: Completion of French IV and departmental approval.

    In French V, students explore the French and Francophone worlds through poetry, film works of literature, and art. All students are expected to participate in class discussions. Evaluation is based upon regular writing assignments and oral presentations, including movie, art, and research projects, as well as oral and written quizzes and essays. This course is conducted almost entirely in French.
  • AP French Language and Culture

    (2_FRE4910; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of French IV (A- or higher) or Honors French IV (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    AP French Language and Culture, conducted exclusively in French, advances students’ communication skills, enabling them to achieve a high level of proficiency in their speaking, listening, writing, and reading of French in preparation for the AP French Language and Culture Exam. A broad range of authentic materials (including newspapers, the Internet, film, radio, and television) serves as the basis for discussion and investigation of diverse cultural and linguistic subject matter. Students are given freedom to explore the six AP themes and questions. Evaluation of progress is based on a variety of assessments including essays, oral and written quizzes and tests, as well as individual and collaborative research projects and oral presentations.
  • Mandarin I

    (2_CHI1010; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    NOTE: Introductory Mandarin classes will only run with sufficient enrollment. Recently we have not met the threshold for enrollment.

    Mandarin I, a beginner course, is an introduction to modern standard Chinese, commonly called Mandarin. The purpose of this course is to learn the Chinese sound system (Hanyu pinyin), stroke order for writing Chinese characters, and 400-450 characters and their usage; to develop basic daily conversation and reading skills with help of pinyin; to write paragraphs with basic grammar and sentence structure; to explore aspects of the Chinese culture related to the topics covered in the textbook; and to understand the language learning process so that students are able to continue studying effectively on their own. During the year students’ learning progress is evaluated by various forms of assessments, such as daily vocabulary quizzes, home assignments, in-class exercises, tests, pair practice activities, presentations, and projects. The emphases of this course are placed equally on all the modalities of a language acquisition—listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Mandarin II

    (2_CHI2010; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Mandarin I.
    NOTE: Introductory Mandarin classes will only run with sufficient enrollment. Recently we have not met the threshold for enrollment.

    In Mandarin II, a continuation of Mandarin I, students practice conversation on a variety of topics to develop the skill of sequential narration through the use of common sentence structures and time markers; to increase vocabulary to 750-800 characters and master their usage; to further develop the ability to read in characters; to develop skills in writing notes, diaries, letters, and short essays with correct grammar and sentence structure; and to learn about traditional Chinese holidays and the Chinese food culture. During the year, students learning progress is evaluated by various forms of assessments, such as daily dictation, pair activities, in-class exercises, reading comprehension, short essay writing, tests, and presentations. After finishing each unit, students prepare and perform a major group project in class to demonstrate their presentational, interpersonal, and interpretive skills in using the target language.
  • Mandarin III

    (2_CHI3010; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Mandarin II and teacher recommendation and departmental approval.
    NOTE: Introductory Mandarin classes will only run with sufficient enrollment. Recently we have not met the threshold for enrollment.

    In Mandarin III, a continuation of Mandarin II, students develop proficiency in various modes of communication—making requests, expressing opinions, arguing positions, and negotiating effectively; to increase vocabulary to 1100-1200 characters; to develop the skills necessary to read a wide variety of texts in Chinese and practice summarizing what has been read; to develop skills in producing a variety of sophisticated written discourse; and to learn more about the target culture.
  • Honors Mandarin III

    (2_CHI3510; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Mandarin II (A- or higher) and departmental approval.

    Honors Mandarin III is for students who have satisfactorily completed Mandarin II and wish to continue improving their conversational, reading, and writing skills. This course helps students continue to develop their linguistic and grammatical concepts, enlarge their vocabulary, and explore further their study of the traditions, culture, history, geography, and literature of the target language. Students are exposed to original reading materials in a variety of areas and learn to use the target language to engage in conversations on broader topics, more effectively express their feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions and information. Equal attention is given to the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are evaluated by classroom participation, quizzes, oral activities, and tests. After finishing each unit, students work on a major project in groups and perform it in class to demonstrate their presentational, interpersonal, and interpretive skills in using the target language.
  • Mandarin IV/V

    (2_CHI4015; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Mandarin III and departmental approval.

    Mandarin IV/V is a course that prepares students for AP Chinese Language and Composition or allows them to continue into Mandarin V as an alternative to AP Chinese Language and Composition. All students take Mandarin IV, either with an honors or regular designation, in which they are introduced to a variety of new vocabulary and grammar dealing with daily life. Students in IV and V are in the same classes, but due to a two-year rotation in material, the students in V are not repeating what they learned the previous year. In addition to the core of functional communicative content, students begin to explore cultural and historical topics in the target language.
  • Honors Mandarin IV

    (2_CHI4510; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Mandarin III (A- or higher) or Honors Mandarin III (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    Honors Mandarin IV is structured for students who have satisfactorily completed Mandarin III and wish to continue to further improve their Mandarin language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is a precursor to AP Chinese Language and Culture and makes use of the same textbook series and initiates students in the performance tasks as appear on the test. The course focuses on improving all aspects of language learning with a special emphasis on reading. Students are given a variety of materials to enhance their reading speed, comprehension, and vocabulary. Through this emphasis on reading the students expand their knowledge of Chinese culture, history, geography, art, and literature. Students in Honors Mandarin IV are expected to pursue their learning with a higher degree of independence and willingness to accept accelerated character acquisition.
  • AP Chinese Language and Culture

    (2_CHI4910; 1.0 credits; Offered every year)
    Prerequisite: Completion of Mandarin IV/V (A- or higher) or Honors Mandarin IV (B+ or higher) and departmental approval.

    AP Chinese Language and Culture further expands students’ abilities in Mandarin reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The course is conducted nearly entirely in Mandarin, and a variety of instructional materials are employed; including, but not limited to, essays and writings of famous Chinese authors, newspaper articles, Internet sources, cultural writings, and Chinese film and television. Students are expected to participate actively in class and prepare daily through reading and character memorization. Evaluation is based on a variety of assessments including quizzes, tests, presentations, projects, essays, and journals. This course provides ample preparation for students intending to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam.

Department Faculty

  • Photo of Kristina Geenty
    Kristina Geenty
    Department Chair- World Language
    508-754-5302 Ext 555
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  • Photo of Alexandra Gere
    Alexandra Gere
    Faculty
    508-754-5302 Ext 235
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  • Photo of Aimée Birnbaum
    Aimée Birnbaum
    Faculty
    508-754-5302 Ext 431
  • Photo of Janine Demerath
    Janine Demerath
    Facutly- US/MS Spanish
  • Photo of Juliette Dunn
    Juliette Dunn
    Faculty
    508-754-5302 Ext 934
  • Photo of Yuming Lu
    Yuming Lu
    Faculty
    508-754-5302 Ext 943
  • Photo of Timothy Markey
    Timothy Markey
    Faculty
    508-754-5302 Ext 947
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  • Photo of Kathryn Mendez
    Kathryn Mendez
    Faculty
  • Photo of Aaron Stephenson
    Aaron Stephenson
    Urban Outreach Coordinator
    508-754-5302 Ext 525
  • Photo of Zachary Taylor
    Zachary Taylor
    Faculty
    508-754-5302 Ext 936