Modern language is more than a linguistic experience. Our faculty reflect the diversity of culture that we teach, with teachers coming from Brazil, France, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Several members have received distinctions for their work in the field of language and cultural exchange. Upper School modern language students are assessed by written, oral, and comprehension testing. Proficiency tests administered by the French and Spanish Ministries of Education (DELF and DELE exams) confirm well-developed language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in both French and Spanish. The core of our curriculum strengthens vocabulary and grammar skills with the help of text books, DVDs and CDs, short stories, French and Spanish-language newspapers, magazines and television broadcasts as well as works of literature. Exposure to the art, history and culture of French and Spanish-speaking countries occurs both in and outside of class through various interdisciplinary projects, field trips and guest speakers.