View Our Curriculum

Department

World Languages

As educators at Xaverian Brothers High School, we believe that the acquisition of a second language is an important part of the education of our students. The ability to communicate in more than one language contributes to the total enrichment and growth of the individual.

With the increase in global marketing and world travel, it is more important than ever to be able to communicate in multiple languages. Bilingual job candidates have far more marketability than their monolingual counterparts. We require two years of study in French or Spanish. Courses taken at the middle school level do not fulfill this requirement. We strongly recommend a minimum of three years of language study.

Our language courses offer rich and varied content. Topics include geography, literature, history, art, music, and architecture.Whatever language you choose, you can expect to be challenged. We hope you will find the information below helpful.

Why Study French?

French remains widely used throughout the world. In addition to being the official language in France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and many smaller nations, it is the second language of many Europeans, Asians, and Africans. French is a global language in the truest sense. French, along with English, is the official working language of both the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee. French is also one of the official languages of the International Red Cross. For those interested in science, CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, is located in France and in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.

Why Study Spanish?

You do not have to look very far to find valid reasons to study Spanish! There are over 35 million Spanish speakers in the United States. Spanish is the official language in 21 countries. In addition, Spanish is an official language of many international organizations including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. The ability to speak Spanish is important in many professions and is likely to become a necessity in some fields in the not too distant future.

French 7

FRENCH 7

Grade 7

#FX473

This course introduces students to the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as to French culture and geography. They will be exposed to fundamental vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the introductory level of language abilities. Grammar topics to be covered include introductions, agreement of gender and number between nouns and adjectives as well as how to conjugate verbs in the present tense. Vocabulary learned will be pertinent to everyday life. Students will easily relate to vocabulary topics such as daily greetings, food, art and school activities. Basic class conversations will be used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material which will be done to a large degree in French. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to carry on and understand conversations in the target language as well as read and write sentences of their own.
French 8

FRENCH 8

Grade 8

#FX483

Students will resume their language studies and work to enhance their French language listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities and skills. Students will also continue learning about the French culture and geography of places such as Canada and Africa. The students will build on their already existing knowledge of French vocabulary and grammar. Some grammar topics to be covered this year include: the preterite tense and object pronouns. The vocabulary acquired this year will continue to build off of what students learned last year and will be relevant in the students’ daily lives with the coverage of topics such as vacation, shopping, household chores and celebrations. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to carry on and understand elementary conversations in the target language, read short selections and produce concise paragraphs of their own.
French 8 Advanced

FRENCH 8 ADVANCED

Grade 8

#FX484

Students will resume their language studies and work to enhance their French language listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities and skills. Students will also continue learning about the French culture and geography of places such as Canada and Africa. The students will build on their already existing knowledge of French vocabulary and grammar. Some grammar topics to be covered this year include: the preterite tense and object pronouns. The vocabulary acquired this year will continue to build off of what students learned last year and will be relevant in the students’ daily lives with the coverage of topics such as vacation, shopping, household chores and celebrations. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to carry on and understand elementary conversations in the target language, read short selections and produce concise paragraphs of their own. Students in the advanced level are expected to possess the skills necessary to succeed on more challenging assignments involving the integral aspects of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
French I-A

FRENCH I
Grade 9

#412 Accelerated

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript and 8th grade teacher recommendation.

Description: Students are introduced to the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as to French culture and geography. They will be exposed to vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the elementary level. Basic class conversations used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material are done to a large degree in French. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to carry on and understand conversations in the target language as well as read and write short passages of their own.
French I-H

FRENCH I
Grade 9

#411 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript and 8th grade teacher recommendation.

Description: Students are introduced to the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as to French culture and geography. They will be exposed to vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the elementary level. Basic class conversations used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material are done to a large degree in French. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to carry on and understand conversations in the target language as well as read and write short passages of their own.
French II-A

FRENCH II
Grade 10
#422 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript, and 8th grade teacher recommendation or successful completion of French I-A.

Description: Further study of more intricate grammatical structures, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension of spoken French and French culture will be emphasized. Intermediate level reading selections will be introduced and students will be expected to incorporate new verb tenses and grammatical structures into their increasingly complex use of spoken and written French.
French II-H

FRENCH II
Grades 9-10
#421 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript and 8th grade teacher recommendation or successful completion of French I-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher. Consideration will be given to French I-A students who have earned a grade of an A.

Description: Further study of more intricate grammatical structures, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension of spoken French and French culture will be emphasized. Intermediate level reading selections will be introduced and students will be expected to incorporate new verb tenses and grammatical structures into their increasingly complex use of spoken and written French.
French III-A

FRENCH III
Grade 10-11
#432 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French II-A.

Description: This course stresses grammar, introductory literature, vocabulary acquisition, culture, listening comprehension and basic composition. Greater emphasis is placed on communication skills, both verbal and written. Selected readings by noted French and French-speaking authors are introduced at this level. This class is conducted almost entirely in French.
French III-H

FRENCH III
Grade 10-11
#431 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French II-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher. Consideration will be given to French II-A students who have earned a grade of an A.

Description: This course stresses grammar, introductory literature, vocabulary acquisition, culture, listening comprehension and basic composition. Greater emphasis is placed on communication skills, both verbal and written. Selected readings by noted French and French-speaking authors are introduced at this level. This class is conducted almost entirely in French.
French IV-A

FRENCH IV
Grades 11-12
#442 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French III-A with a recommended minimum average of a C+ and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: This course stresses conversation, literature, the advanced study of grammar, culture, and composition, with emphasis on oral communication. At this advanced level, the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be clarified and refined. Frequent conversations, compositions and oral reports are an important part of this course. Students read original works of major French and French-speaking authors. This class is conducted entirely in French.

Please note: French IV Accelerated is the last course in the accelerated sequence of study.
French IV-H

FRENCH IV
Grades 11-12
#441 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French III-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: This course stresses conversation, literature, the advanced study of grammar, culture, and composition, with emphasis on oral communication. At this advanced level, the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be clarified and refined. Frequent conversations, compositions and oral reports are an important part of this course. Students read original works of major French and French-speaking authors. This class is conducted entirely in French.
French V-A

FRENCH V

Grade 12

#452 Accelerated

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French IV-A with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: This class, based off of the AP Language and Culture course, will stress written and oral communication in multiple registers, the advanced study of grammar, cultural comparisons from different areas of the francophone world and French literature and film. In this course focused on six themes, students will make cross-cultural comparisons between their own communities and French speaking countries. Frequent formal and informal conversations will play an integral role in the classroom. This class is conducted entirely in French.
French V-H

FRENCH V

Grade 12

#453 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French IV-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher. Students in French IV Honors who have achieved well, should look to take the AP course in lieu of French V.

Description: This class, based off of the AP Language and Culture course, will stress written and oral communication in multiple registers, the advanced study of grammar, cultural comparisons from different areas of the francophone world and French literature and film. In this course focused on six themes, students will make cross-cultural comparisons between their own communities and French speaking countries. Frequent formal and informal conversations will play an integral role in the classroom. This class is conducted entirely in French.
AP French

ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE
#440 Advanced Placement
Grade 12
Full year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French IV Honors with a minimum average of a B and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: The AP French course is designed for highly qualified students. This course will prepare them to take the AP Test in French Language. Prime emphasis will be placed on students’ use of all communication skills in the target language. Readings include selected works of French and Francophone literature. All students who take this course are required to complete summer assignments and to take the AP Exam.

Please note: AP French is the last course in the sequence of study.
Spanish 7

SPANISH 7

Grade 7

#FX471

Students are introduced to the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as to the Hispanic culture and geography of countries such as Spain and Mexico. The students will be exposed to fundamental vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the introductory level of a language. A couple examples of grammar topics to be covered include introductions, agreement of gender and number between nouns and adjectives as well as how to conjugate verbs in the present tense. Vocabulary learned will be pertinent to everyday life. Students will easily relate to vocabulary topics such as daily greetings, food, art and school activities. Basic class conversations will be used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material which will be done to a large degree in Spanish. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to carry on and understand basic conversations in the target language as well as read and write short sentences of their own.
Spanish 8

SPANISH 8

Grade 8

#FX481

Students will resume their language studies and work to enhance their Spanish language listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities and skills. Students will also continue learning about the Hispanic culture and geography of places such as Puerto Rico and Cuba. The students will build on their already existing knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and grammar. Some grammar topics to be covered this year include: ser and estar, the preterite tense, reflexive verbs and double object pronouns. The vocabulary acquired this year will continue to build off of what students learned last year and will be relevant in the students’ daily lives with the coverage of topics such as vacation, shopping, daily routines and celebrations. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to carry on and understand elementary conversations in the target language, read short selections and produce concise paragraphs of their own.
Spanish 8 Advanced

SPANISH 8 ADVANCED

Grade 8

#FX482

Students will resume their language studies and work to enhance their Spanish language listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities and skills. Students will also continue learning about the Hispanic culture and geography of places such as Puerto Rico and Cuba. The students will build on their already existing knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and grammar. Some grammar topics to be covered this year include: ser and estar, the preterite tense, reflexive verbs and double object pronouns. The vocabulary acquired this year will continue to build off of what students learned last year and will be relevant in the students’ daily lives with the coverage of topics such as vacation, shopping, daily routines and celebrations. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to carry on and understand elementary conversations in the target language, read short selections and produce concise paragraphs of their own. Students in the advanced level are expected to possess the skills necessary to succeed on more challenging assignments involving the integral aspects of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Spanish I-CP

SPANISH I
Grade 9
#416 College Preparatory
Full Year

Description: Students are introduced to the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as to Hispanic culture and geography. They will be exposed to vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the elementary level. Basic class conversations used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material are done to a large degree in Spanish. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to carry on and understand basic conversations in the target language as well as read and write short passages of their own.
Spanish I-A

SPANISH I
Grade 9
#415 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript and 8th grade teacher recommendation.

Description: Students are introduced to the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as to Hispanic culture and geography. They will be exposed to vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the elementary level. Basic class conversations used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material are done to a large degree in Spanish. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to carry on and understand basic conversations in the target language as well as read and write short passages of their own.
Spanish I-H

SPANISH I
Grade 9
#414 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript and 8th grade teacher recommendation.

Description: Students are introduced to the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as to Hispanic culture and geography. They will be exposed to vocabulary and grammar skills relative to the elementary level. Basic class conversations used to practice newly acquired vocabulary and to introduce cultural material are done to a large degree in Spanish. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to carry on and understand basic conversations in the target language as well as read and write short passages of their own.
Spanish II-CP

SPANISH II
Grade 10
#426 College Preparatory
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish I-CP.

Description: Further study of more intricate grammatical structures, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension of spoken Spanish and Hispanic culture will be emphasized. Intermediate level reading selections will be introduced and students will be expected to incorporate new verb tenses and grammatical structures into their increasingly complex use of spoken and written Spanish.
Spanish II-A

SPANISH II
Grade 10
#425 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript, and 8th grade teacher recommendation or successful completion of Spanish I-A with a recommended minimum average of a C- and recommendation of the teacher. Consideration will be given to Spanish I-CP students who have earned a grade of an A.

Description: Further study of more intricate grammatical structures, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension of spoken Spanish and Hispanic culture will be emphasized. Intermediate level reading selections will be introduced and students will be expected to incorporate new verb tenses and grammatical structures into their increasingly complex use of spoken and written Spanish.
Spanish II-H

SPANISH II
Grades 9-10
#424 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful performance on the Xaverian language placement exam, 8th grade transcript and 8th grade teacher recommendation or successful completion of Spanish I-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher. Consideration will be given to Spanish I-A students who have earned a grade of an A.

Description: Further study of more intricate grammatical structures, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension of spoken Spanish and Hispanic culture will be emphasized. Intermediate level reading selections will be introduced and students will be expected to incorporate new verb tenses and grammatical structures into their increasingly complex use of spoken and written Spanish.
Spanish III-A

SPANISH III
Grade 11
#435 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II-A.

Description: This course stresses grammar, introductory literature, vocabulary acquisition, Hispanic culture and civilization, listening comprehension and basic composition. Greater emphasis is placed on communication skills, both verbal and written. Selected readings by noted Hispanic authors are introduced at this level. This class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.
Spanish III-H

SPANISH III
Grades10-11
#434 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher. Consideration will be given to Spanish II-A students who have earned a grade of an A.

Description: This course stresses grammar, introductory literature, vocabulary acquisition, Hispanic culture and civilization, listening comprehension and basic composition. Greater emphasis is placed on communication skills, both verbal and written. Selected readings by noted Hispanic authors are introduced at this level. This class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.
Spanish IV-A

SPANISH IV
Grades 11-12
#445 Accelerated
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish III-A with a recommended minimum average of a C+ and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: This course stresses conversation, literature, the advanced study of grammar, culture and composition, with an emphasis on oral communication. At this advanced level, the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be clarified and refined. Frequent conversations, compositions and presentations are an important part of this course. Students read adapted and original works of major Hispanic authors. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Please note: Spanish IV Accelerated is the last course in the accelerated sequence of study.
Spanish IV-H

SPANISH IV
Grades 11-12
#444 Honors
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish III-H with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: This course stresses conversation, literature, the advanced study of grammar, culture and composition, with an emphasis on oral communication. At this advanced level, the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be clarified and refined. Frequent conversations, compositions and presentations are an important part of this course. Students read adapted and original works of major Hispanic authors. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish.
Spanish V-A

SPANISH V

Grade 12

#455 Accelerated

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish IV-A with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: This class, based off of the AP Language and Culture course, will stress written and oral communication in multiple registers, the advanced study of grammar, cultural comparisons from different areas of the Spanish speaking world and Hispanic literature. In this course focused on six themes, students will make cross-cultural comparisons between their own communities and Spanish speaking countries. Frequent formal and informal conversations will play an integral role in the classroom. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish.
Spanish V-H

SPANISH V

Grade 12

#456 Honors

Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish IV-Honors with a recommended minimum average of a B- and recommendation of the teacher. Students in Spanish IV Honors who have achieved well, should look to take the AP course in lieu of Spanish V.

Description: This class, based off of the AP Language and Culture course, will stress written and oral communication in multiple registers, the advanced study of grammar, cultural comparisons from different areas of the Spanish speaking world and Hispanic literature. In this course focused on six themes, students will make cross-cultural comparisons between their own communities and Spanish speaking countries. Frequent formal and informal conversations will play an integral role in the classroom. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish.
AP Spanish

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE
#450 Advanced Placement
Grade 12
Full Year

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish IV Honors with a recommended minimum average of a B and recommendation of the teacher.

Description: The AP Spanish course is designed for highly qualified students. This course will prepare them to take the AP Test in Spanish Language. Prime emphasis will be placed on students' use of all communication skills in the target language. Readings include selected works of Spanish literature. All students who take this course are required to complete summer assignments and to take the AP Exam.

Please note: AP Spanish is the last course in the sequence of study.

Faculty

Andrew Press '03

Boston College - B.A.
Middlebury College - M.A.

apress@xbhs.com

2007
Bio
Mr. Andrew Press ’03, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2007-2008 school year. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies from the Boston College Honors Program and Master of Arts in Spanish Literature from Middlebury College. Prior to arriving at Xaverian, Mr. Press studied at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. An avid globetrotter, Mr. Press has lived in Barcelona and Madrid and has traveled with the world languages department and campus ministry to Spain, China, Ecuador, and Italy. Mr. Press also serves as the assistant coach for varsity ultimate disc and as head coach for junior varsity soccer.
Adrienne Banko

University of South Carolina - Ph.D.
University of South Carolina - M.A.
West Chester University - B.A.

abanko@xbhs.com

2025
Bio
Dr. Adrienne Banko joined the Xaverian faculty in the spring of 2025. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Political Science from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MA and PhD in Spanish Literature from the University of South Carolina. Before coming to Xaverian, Dr. Banko taught Spanish at both the secondary and collegiate levels, with experience in both public and private boarding schools. She has lived in Madrid, Spain, and traveled extensively throughout Latin America and Europe. In addition to her personal travels, Dr. Banko has led student trips to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. She is also an active presenter at language and pedagogy conferences.
Stephen Brennen

Notre Dame - B.A.
Notre Dame - M.Ed.

sbrennen@xbhs.com

2014
Bio
Mr. Stephen Brennen joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2014-2015 school year. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in French at Middlebury College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, he taught English in Chile.
Catherine Douglas

Cambridge College - M.Ed.
College of the Holy Cross - B.A.

cdouglas@xbhs.com

1996
Bio
Ms. Catherine Douglas, P ’21, ’24, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1996-1997 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in French from College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Education from Cambridge College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, she studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. Ms. Douglas serves as moderator for the French National Honor Society and the X-Ploring Media Club, and the French National Honor Society moderator.
Laura Guzzi

Roanoke College - B.A.
Simmons College - M.A.

lguzzi@xbhs.com

1996
Bio
Ms. Laura Guzzi, P ’24, joined the Xaverian faculty in the 1996-1997 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Roanoke College and a Master of Arts in Spanish from Simmons College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, she taught at Our Lady of Nazareth Academy in Wakefield. She studied in both Spain and Mexico. Ms. Guzzi serves as the co-moderator of the international culture club and is a member of the National Honor Society selection committee.
Fabiola Nieto Tapiador

University of Girona - M.A.
University of Castilla-LaMancha - B.A.

fnietotapiador@xbhs.com

2021
Bio
Ms. Fabiola Nieto Tapiador joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2021-2022 school year. She has a B.A. in modern languages and literatures from University of Castilla - La Mancha and a master's in teaching Spanish as a foreign language from University of Girona. Prior to arriving at Xaverian, Ms. Nieto studied at the Université Stendhal in Grenoble, France. A global citizen, Ms. Nieto has lived in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, where she taught at Albion College, MI and Millis Middle School.
Lisa Osborne

Boston College - B.A.
University of Rhode Island - M.A.

losborne@xbhs.com

2023
Bio

Mrs. Osborne joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2023-2024 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and French from Boston College and a Master of Arts in Spanish Literature. Prior to coming to Xaverian, Mrs. Osborne taught French and Spanish at Walpole High School.
Elizabeth Shatas

Middlebury College - M.A.
Providence College - B.A.

eshatas@xbhs.com

2008
Bio
Ms. Elizabeth Shatas joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2008-2009 school year. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Providence College and a Master of Arts from Middlebury College. Prior to coming to Xaverian, she studied in Guadalajara, Mexico and Salamanca, Spain. Ms. Shatas serves as the co-moderator of the ski and snowboard club and Hawk News.
Michael Shippie

University of Notre Dame - M.Ed.
Boston College - B.A.
Middlebury College - M.A.

mshippie@xbhs.com

2016
Bio
Mr. Michael Shippie joined the Xaverian faculty in the 2016-2017 school year. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies and History from Boston College, a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Arts in Spanish Language from Middlebury College. He has completed graduate coursework in French in Québec, Canada, and in Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prior to coming to Xaverian, he taught Spanish at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, AL. Mr. Shippie has traveled with students to Mexico, Ecuador, Italy, France, and Spain, and currently serves as the moderator of the international culture club.

Curriculum Detail

View Our Curriculum

World Languages

Faculty

Xaverian Brothers High School