Starting in middle school or junior high school, which are grades six through eight, children begin to enroll in a class schedule where they learn from several different teachers. It is during these years when students can choose elective classes, generally one or two courses that are not mandatory. Students may choose to learn a foreign language or take art or music classes.

Since there are so many foreign languages offered, some middle schools will offer a beginners language course that splits introductory teachings of more than one language and elective class. For example, a school may offer what is called "Cultural Wheel" class, which taught Spanish, French, Latin, art, chorus and so on, split evenly over the school year. having this exposure can make learning a language in a more intensive way much easier in later years. Even better is exposure to other languages as a small child.

Foreign Language Options

Although Spanish, French, and Latin are typical foreign languages offered in American public schools, some students may wish to take other languages, such as Japanese, German, Chinese, or Portuguese. In some school systems, students are allowed to take courses not offered at their own schools by attending a class at another school or at a separate education center.

For instance, the Guilford County school system in Greensboro works with Weaver Education Center to offer students additional course options that are not offered on their own high school campus. However, adults may have limited options. In these cases, language videos tapes are a great option.