An All-You-Need Guide on High School Classes in Spanish
Did you know that less than 10% of Americans speak another language? Becoming fluent in Spanish means you’ll stand out in your career and in your community. You can achieve this worthy goal by taking high school classes in Spanish.
Whether you aspire to pursue higher education or to enter the workforce upon graduation, investing in language learning during your critical high school years increases your chances of achieving your specific goal.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of taking high school classes in Spanish, look at key criteria for choosing the best classes, and describe the acclaimed, credit-earning high school program that we offer at Homeschool Spanish Academy.
Why Take High School Classes in Spanish?
When you learn another language, you develop intellectually and emotionally, which empowers your skills as a better and more confident communicator. Studies show that bilingual individuals have excellent problem-solving skills, as well as enhanced memory, concentration, and mental flexibility.
Plus, foreign language experience is a fantastic addition to your college applications. The admissions officers who review your application value the focus and drive of students who have invested in learning another language for several years. What’s more, Spanish language skills provide a serious competitive edge in the job market. Bilingual professionals are in demand across the private, non-profit, and government sectors.
Read: Top 10 Bilingual Careers of the Future
Another exciting benefit is that your ability to speak the language of the Spanish-speaking places you visit will revolutionize your travels. You can navigate outside the tourist bubble and forge deeper connections with that particular country’s people and culture. Speaking Spanish also gives you insight into how Latin American and Spanish people see the world.
Learning any language requires time and effort, but it’s pleasant and, dare I say it—fun! The ability to connect with international friends on social media is another reason students love mastering foreign languages!
High School Classes in Spanish: The Benefits of Being Online
When it comes to Spanish study, a common debate exists on whether to learn Spanish online or in a traditional classroom. Ultimately, learning Spanish online offers a handful of advantages that the traditional route fails to provide. Online courses are:
- Flexible, allowing you to attend your lessons when it fits your schedule.
- Accessible, providing you access to your learning materials at all times
- Portable, equipping you with the ability to learn from the comfort of your own home or anywhere with a solid internet connection
- More affordable than offline methods
- More efficient than traditional classes that focus mostly on reading and writing.
Additionally, in terms of frequency, most physical classes meet once or twice a week. In contrast, with online classes, you can feasibly take three to five per week, since you don’t have to commute anywhere and can arrange Spanish sessions around your other commitments.
How to Choose the Best High School Classes in Spanish
Make sure your high school classes in Spanish meet the following 5 criteria to make learning the language as fast, efficient, and enjoyable as possible.
1. It Delivers Valuable High School Credit
Earning your high school diploma usually requires a certain number of foreign language credits. Online classes are a super option for homeschooled or non-traditional students. In any case, obtaining high school credit is absolutely necessary when choosing your high school classes in Spanish.
Questions to ask about the programs you are considering:
- Does it offer high school credit with an official transcript?
- How many credits will you receive?
2. It Offers an Effective, High-Quality Curriculum
The ideal curriculum includes 4 main elements:
- Helpful grammar lessons and meaningful vocabulary
- Varied and balanced exercises focused on sharpening reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
- Plenty of opportunities to speak Spanish in class and receive immediate feedback from the teacher
- A chance to connect emotionally with your teacher and learn more about them and where they come from.
Questions to ask of the program or course you are considering:
- Does it have an established curriculum?
- How does the school or the teacher teach the four competencies (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)?
- Can you take a sample class for free with no obligation?
- Does the course offer supplementary materials or “homework”?
3. It Emphasizes Personalized Classes Tailored to Your Level
Some classes offer placement tests while others are specifically tailored for a certain level. Ensure that the course has the level you need before you sign up.
When you invest in personalized lessons, it keeps you accountable. An experienced teacher or tutor will create customized lessons to fit your specific strengths, challenges, and goals while they provide reliable assistance in clarifying any questions you may have. The most effective online Spanish class will focus completely on you, your skills, and your improvement since, after all, you are the reason for the class.
Questions to ask about the programs you are considering:
- Does the Spanish course offer the right material for your current level of Spanish?
- Will the teacher tailor the classes to your needs and interests?
4. It Employs Excellent Teachers Who Are Language Professionals
Like any profession, you’re bound to find those who are great, good, and even mediocre at best. Spanish teachers are no exception. As you measure up your potential language teacher, keep in mind that excellent Spanish teachers not only understand the mechanics and theories of proper language instruction, but they also exude a passion and excitement about assisting their students in reaching Spanish fluency.
Questions to ask about the programs you are considering:
- Are the teachers native Spanish speakers from Latin America or Spain?
- Are they certified teachers?
- Are their accents clear and easy to understand?
- Are they well versed in many aspects of Spanish and Latin culture, history, politics, and society?
- Do they know how to teach you Spanish according to your needs and abilities?
5. It’s Cost-Effective and Affordable
Comparing the costs and benefits of online high school classes in Spanish is a time-consuming effort, but worth every minute of your time. In the end, you want to feel confident that you are paying a comfortable price for a high-quality program that will provide everything you need to effectively learn Spanish
Questions to ask about the programs you are considering:
- What benefits are you seeking by taking Spanish classes online?
- What are your goals? Academic Spanish? Preparation for travel to Latin America or Spain? Professional development? Conversation and communication development?
- What is your budget?
- How much do the Spanish classes you are considering cost?
The High School Program at Homeschool Spanish Academy
Homeschool Spanish Academy has a partnership with an independent accreditation agency, North Atlantic Regional High School (NARHS). This means that HSA students can earn high school credits through NARHS. It also means that NARHS validates the quality of HSA curricula and holds it accountable. This means you’ll receive a transcript for official credit.
Our high school Spanish curriculum at Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) includes eight courses, from Spanish 1A to Spanish 4B. This program enables you to make your own schedule, choose your instructor, and reschedule or cancel a session if needed. As a student, you can choose your session frequency.
The High School Spanish Program at HSA is one of the most competitive online Spanish classes for high school credit options available. The program exceeds the expectations of any public high school curriculum in the United States. It complies with grammar requirements while it heavily promotes your development of strong conversational skills.
Do you want to learn more?
- Preview our High School Curriculum (FREE download)
- Read an interview with a high school student
- Learn 25 Common Spanish Verbs for High School Students
- Explore other Spanish class options
Are You a Parent?
As you’ve seen, your high schooler can earn high school Spanish credit with our online Spanish classes in Guatemala. This program is much more rigorous than any public high school Spanish curriculum you will find. At this level, each lesson is 50 minutes long and integrates grammar and vocabulary with crucial conversation practice.
Individual and paired sessions are available, with the latter being a more economical option (perfect for siblings or friends). You also have flexibility when it comes to payment options. Learn more by contacting our Care Team (info@spanish.academy).
Get Official Transcripts for Your Student
Since HSA’s program satisfies the high school foreign language requirement for college admissions, your student will receive official transcripts after each completed course.
Get the details on how a mother of one of our current students supports her child in her Spanish studies with us to see whether HSA would be a good fit for you and your child!
Read: 10 Crucial Ways to Support Your Child’s Homeschool Spanish Classes
What Others Are Saying About HSA
Thousands of high school students have invested in a better future by taking classes with us at Homeschool Spanish Academy. Not only did they learn to speak fluent Spanish, but they enjoyed the experience every step of the way. Let’s take a look at what they’re saying about our programs.
“The customer service with this company is top notch!” – Rebecca, TN
“There’s just something about hearing someone speak Spanish as their first language that you don’t get with teachers whose first language is English.” – Josh Bernam, NY
“I think you’ll find the quality of Homeschool Spanish Academy to be excellent and the cost reasonable.” (Read more.) – Marcy, KY
“This is a wonderful Spanish program that pairs students with native Spanish speakers for one-on-one tutoring and conversation practice. It is flexible, adaptable, individualized, and fun!
Plus, the upper levels count as high school foreign language credits.” – Dennis, CA
“So far, we are really enjoying our experience with Homeschool Spanish Academy. My daughter has made significant progress in understanding Spanish and being able to speak in complete sentences and have simple conversations in Spanish. It’s also been a huge boost to her confidence.” (Continue reading.) – Lexi, IN
Read more testimonials from our previous and current students!
Get Started Now
If you’re ready to see what it’s like to learn Spanish from day one, try a free trial class today!
Homeschool Spanish Academy is well-known and loved for offering online Spanish classes with certified, native-speaking Spanish teachers. It’s an affordable, interactive option to consider if you’re looking for a high-quality curriculum and guaranteed Spanish fluency. We pride ourselves in giving students the opportunity to advance in their studies by learning at their own pace. If you decide to complete an HSA course, it will transfer easily to a high school credit. No matter your Spanish level, join us and dive right in to the high school program!
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