International High School of New Orleans

The IHSNO World Language Program prepares students to meet the challenges of an interdependent global community. Our students are provided opportunities to recognize the importance of learning foreign languages,  engage with other cultures, and develop proficiency in one or more world languages.

The IHSNO World Language Program places emphasis on all three modes of communication: Interpersonal, Interpretive (Listening/Speaking), and Presentational (Speaking/Writing). Students receive instruction in the target language and begin to develop communication competencies in the earliest stages of study. IHSNO students must earn at least two credits of the same language to be eligible for graduation.

Language acquisition is one of the five pillars on which the International Baccalaureate is articulated. The Language IB Ab Initio Program is offered in French, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese/Mandarin. The IHSNO World Language program is at a crossroads in its development. Due to the International Baccalaureate requirements, the new requirements of language learning in a Global World, three-dimensional changes have been introduced since 2019:

• Transversal harmonization of the curriculum in terms of themes, topics, assessment tools, and approaches to learning and teaching mirroring the IB Language program.

• The acquisition of Interactive learning platforms allows a dual approach allowing to differentiate instruction and, thus, reach all learning where they are in terms of learning environment, styles, and behaviors. 

• Community outreach through cultural celebrations,  target language immersion, and competitions with the community.

Languages Offered at IHSNO

Arabic

French

Mandarin

Spanish

Vietnamese

English as a Second Language(ESL)