Spanish at Vista
Welcome to Spanish at Vista! We are so excited about your interest in learning Spanish! Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world, and the second most spoken language in the United States.
The Vista Team believes that Spanish is an essential tool to have as we enter into the 21st century. We are committed to developing students’ real-world communication skills as well as an appreciation for the communities that speak Spanish, so that our students may be more competitive in the world as they leave our community and enter into the future.
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FAQs for Spanish at Vista
Q. Can my child take Spanish 1 & 2 in the same year at Vista?
A. Yes. This is recommended to minimize gaps in learning on our block schedule. Freshmen interested in doing this should have strong academic work habits, maturity and organizational skills. See the recommended pacing in the document above.
Q: My child took Spanish 1A and 1B at Folsom Middle. Can they take Spanish 2 at Vista?
A: Yes. If your child successfully completed Spanish 1A and 1B in middle school, they can take Spanish 2. A “B” average in the course is recommended, and a “C” or better score on the Final Exam.
Q: My child took Spanish 2 in middle school. What should they take next?
A: If your child successfully completed 2A in middle school, they can take Spanish 3 at Vista. A “B” average in the course is recommended, and a “C” or better score on the Final Exam. Spanish 3 is conducted primarily in Spanish at Vista.
Q: What if my child only completed Spanish 1A in middle school. Can they take Spanish 2 at Vista?
A: No. Your child must complete both Spanish 1A and 1B in middle school to take Spanish 2 at Vista.
Q: My child took Spanish 2A in middle school but earned a C grade and does not feel confident that they are ready for Spanish 3, can he start with Span 2 at Vista?
A: Yes. Your child is welcome to repeat Spanish 2 or even Spanish 1 if he feels like the review would benefit him. There is no disadvantage to taking the class again at the high school level.
Q: What will satisfy the UC requirement for my son to apply to the UC system if he has taken some Spanish in middle school?
A: The UC system requires 2 years of a Foreign Language, but prefers 3 to 4 years. If your child has successfully taken 2 years of middle school Spanish, (Spanish 1A, Spanish 1B and Spanish 2A), they have met the minimum UC requirement, but 3 years, especially one year at the high school level is recommended. Below is the UC policy for middle school language classes:
Proficiency in language other than English: Students who have met their language other than English requirement by completion of middle/junior high school courses (equivalent to the second level of language instruction) will be considered as having completed two courses of the 11-course minimum requirement necessary to apply for freshman admission.
Q: Can my child get high school credit for taking Spanish 1A and 1B and Spanish 2A in middle school?
A: No. The two years of middle school Spanish do not count for high school credit, but they count toward their A-G requirements towards University entrance. Their middle school courses will not appear on the high school transcript, so it is recommended that students seeking University entrance take at least one Spanish course at Vista, which communicates to universities that the student was successful in prior levels.
Q: What is the language requirement to graduate from Vista?
A: 1 year of either a language OR a fine art. Specific graduation requirements and which courses fulfill them can be found on the counseling website in the Curriculum Guide.
Q: What is the California State system requirement?
A: 2 years, but 3 are highly recommended.
Q: What is the UC system requirement?
A: 2 years but 3 or 4 are strongly encouraged.
Q: What is the minimum requirement for private schools?
A: The minimum requirement varies, but 3 to 4 years is competitive