Foreign Language
Through the study of Latin, French and Spanish languages the students at Jesuit are given the opportunity to learn and to become aware of cultures and languages rich in their impact on the American heritage. The need to understand and appreciate our neighbors and fellowman has never been greater. By learning more about others we learn more about ourselves and through this we become better persons both for ourselves and for others.
Houston is in the middle of a strong Spanish-speaking environment. To live in such a community and to fail to see the need to understand, both in language and in culture, this sector of the population would be a tragedy. Business, politics, sports, technology, medicine, all aspects of life are often conducted around us in Spanish and it is essential that the students of Strake Jesuit have the chance to see and study this world.
Likewise, the city maintains its prominence as an international center dealing with all parts of the globe. The French language is being used daily by both visitors to Houston and through our contacts with parts of the French speaking world.
Through the study of Latin, students gain a greater appreciation of the English language. They acquire an in-depth knowledge of the terminology of basic grammar in Latin and in English and of vocabulary with English derivatives. Also, students gain an understanding of the influence of Latin culture on Western culture in reference to literature, art, law, and principles of social and political organization.
A student at Strake Jesuit is required to take three years of a language or two years of two different languages. Strake Jesuit does offer a placement exam in late April or early May to enable students with a very solid background in the language of their choice to begin at the second-year level. Since our first-year language courses are intense, most entering students are placed in first-year courses.
Each year a number of our graduates tell us about placing out of a number of hours through placement tests at the college they are attending.