At the Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies awaits the next step for students in the  Spanish/English Dual Language program. Here students will take rigorous classes, taught in Spanish, that are designed to hone their language skills and prepare them for college, careers and life. They’ll also deepen their understanding of literature, culture and history while sharpening their critical-thinking and communication skills. Opportunities for learning-based travel, community involvement, certification and professional interpretation experiences further enrich students’ knowledge. Meanwhile, Fort’s Center for International Studies—in which all students participate at this tradition-rich, culturally diverse school—develops students’ global competence by teaching them to investigate the world, recognize different perspectives, communicate ideas and take action to benefit the world around them.

Pathway features

COHORT

Students continue their education alongside the peers with whom they started the program.

DUAL CREDIT

Dual credit opportunities are available through two Advanced Placement courses.

COLLEGE CREDIT

Students can earn college credit and higher placement in college courses.

COMMUNICATION

Students have opportunities to talk with native Spanish speakers from other countries.

SEAL OF BILITERACY

Students may earn a Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma.

PARTNERSHIP

Partnerships with other language programs help shape the Spanish pathway.

TRAVEL

VPS is exploring partnerships to support student travel for learning purposes.

GLOBAL

Global virtual relationships and communication opportunities are available to students.

Rigorous classes designed to deepen students’ language and cultural skills and prepare them for success after high school

Ninth grade

Honors Spanish Seminar: Investigating the World

This seminar, conducted entirely in Spanish, allows ninth-graders to explore complex real-world issues, recognize a variety of perspectives and communicate their ideas while further developing their Spanish language proficiency through conversations and interactions with native speakers. Students will apply their Spanish language skills while developing research and investigatory skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, group process skills and problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Tenth grade

AP Spanish
Language and Culture

This is a higher-intermediate-level class addressing increasingly complex language situations and interactions. Course objectives include more fluent communication and an increased emphasis on literature. It includes an in-depth study of Spanish that builds upon prior knowledge and also includes an expanded literary study. Students will be able to communicate comfortably with native Spanish speakers in many situations. This course will prepare students for success on the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.

Eleventh grade

AP Spanish
Literature and Culture

This advanced course prepares students to be successful in the AP exam of the same name. Students will study Spanish literature from Spain, Latin America and the U.S. through global, historical, political or cultural contexts. The course offers opportunities to deepen proficiency in Spanish, with emphasis on critical reading and analytical writing. It exposes students to a variety of authentic, contemporary media. The course also encourages them to reflect on the global role of Spanish-speaking culture.

Twelfth grade

Las Artes del
Mundo Hispanohablante

This advanced-level course is designed for students to engage in thought-provoking discussions and analytical writing about culturally relevant films, visual and performing arts and literature from the Spanish-speaking world. Students will demonstrate their understanding of literary, artistic and cinematic themes and their critical-thinking skills through written critiques and Socratic seminars. This course will satisfy both the elective and visual and performing arts graduation requirements.

Occupational (CTE) Credit Option

Translation and Interpretation

In this class, students will develop consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills and become competent in the use of medical/technical, legal, educational and social services terminologies. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity issues inherent in interpretation and translation, ethical issues relevant to interpreters and the code of conduct for interpreters. Finally, students will develop work-readiness skills and certification opportunities upon completion of the course.

Why Fort?

FVHS is poised to provide local and international opportunities for students to apply and expand their knowledge of the Spanish language. Students will become globally aware and engaged citizens who are ready for college, careers and life.

Learn more about Fort

What students are saying about Fort

“Here, you make friends all over the place.”

“I’ve seen so much more of the world here.”

“We’re like family.”

“Teachers are engaged and passionate about seeing students succeed.”

“Wherever you go, someone is willing to help you.”

“You will have a great experience here.”

Contact

Lucy Estrada-Guzman
360-313-1285

Elsa Martinez-Myers
360-313-1188