World Languages

Students in Arlington Public Schools in grades 7-12 may receive world language credit for native language study and for the study of world languages. To receive world language credit, the following requirements must be met:

  • A transcript verifying a minimum of 140 hours of formal language study for each credit must be submitted.
  • The student must have earned a passing grade.
  • Since these are sequential courses, a grade of “C” or better in the course must be verified if the student is to continue with the language in the Arlington Public Schools.
  • A state approved Credit-by-Exam assessment has been taken and the student has demonstrated proficiency levels that may earn up to four credits.

Speakers of languages taught in Arlington Public Schools should consult with counselors for placement testing.

Students seeking the Advanced Studies diploma will meet the world language requirements by completing three years/levels of study in one language or two years of study in each of two languages. Successful completion of each world language course results in one credit toward the Advanced Studies Diploma. Some colleges require the study of world languages to continue in high school. If your student has successfully completed three years of study upon completion of their freshman year, be sure to look at the college admissions criteria for the student’s college(s) of choice. According to SB323 in 2020, a student who is pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma and whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifies a credit accommodation for world language may substitute two standard units of credit in computer science for two standard units of credit in a world language.

Under 8VAC20-131-51 (graduation requirements to students entering 9th grade in 2018-19 or thereafter), the Advanced Studies Diploma has a sequential elective requirement for both world languages and electives. Thus, a fourth and fifth year of a world language, arts, and/or career & technical education count towards the sequential elective requirement.

Note: Courses that have fewer than 15 students may not be offered based on student interest and budget considerations. In some cases, additional budget considerations may require that courses may not be offered in any given year and impacted students should select an alternative course. Additionally, courses with insufficient enrollment may be offered through virtual courses.

American Sign Language (ASL) meets public Virginia university and community college entrance requirements as a world language.  Some out-of-state post-secondary institutions do not recognize ASL as a world language. ASL is not an International Baccalaureate (IB) language. American Sign Language (ASL) meets public Virginia university and community college entrance requirements as a world language. Some out-of-state post-secondary institutions do not recognize ASL as a world language. ASL is not considered an IB language. 

Arabic levels I and II at the Career Center, may be delivered through distance learning technologies. At our secondary programs, Arabic may be available only through online courses by outside providers. 
Washington Liberty has a face-to face instructor for all levels of Chinese.  Chinese levels II and III at Yorktown are taught face-to-face.  Wakefield level II and III students of Chinese travel to the Career Center for face-to-face instruction. All other levels of Chinese at the high schoolsare delivered only through online courses by outside providers with support of a native Chinese speaking assistant. 
In some instances, languages may be available only through virtual courses by outside providers. Virtual courses offered by providers elsewhere in the state or in the country have policies for grading, homework and attendance that may differ from those of APS.  

High School Courses 

Sequence Options