How many years of a foreign language does a TJ student need?

The minimum graduation requirement is three years of a single language, but all students are encouraged to take at least four years to remain competitive with students from other high schools and to achieve fluency. Two years of two different languages does not meet the foreign language requirement for TJHSST. The majority of students at TJ go on to complete four or more years of study with many taking advanced placement exams in language or literature. These exams may give the students college credit or advanced standing when attending college. According to Dr. John Casteen, former Director of Admissions and present President of UVA, competitive colleges like to see four or five years of a foreign language on a student's transcript when deciding on admission offers.

Click here to see foreign language requirements for graduation from certain colleges.

Does a TJ student get a credit for taking a foreign language in the eighth grade?

Yes. As long as the student receives a passing grade from FCPS or other accredited program, that will satisfy part of this three year minimum requirement.

If a TJ student is taking a language in the eighth grade, does (s)he have to take the same language?

No, students may begin a new language at TJ if they wish, as long as they complete at least 3 years of a single language.

Can a TJ student receive foreign language credit for a summer program?

No, summer programs such as Concordia are not accepted for a foreign language credit.

What happens if a TJ student has lived abroad or speaks the language at home?

The Foreign Language Department policy is that students may take a placement exam, and will be placed in the appropriate level. Students will not receive credit for the levels or years not taken. The resulting acceleration of study must still include 3 years of study. In cases where students are accelerated immediately to level 4 or 5, it is suggested that the student begin the study of another language since we do not offer level 6.

If a TJ student needs a placement exam, when will that be given?

Please contact the Foreign Language Department in the spring to schedule a placement exam.

Which language should a TJ student take?

This depends on the interests and aspirations of the individual student. No one language is better, or easier, or preferable. We believe that all foreign languages are interesting and useful in their own way.

Can a TJ student take a foreign language class pass/fail?

The required 3 credits of foreign language may not be taken pass/fail. Once a student has earned 3 credits in one foreign language, it is possible to take higher levels (or any level of a new language) pass/fail.

Do upper level foreign language courses satisfy the Fine Arts/Practical Arts/Cultural Studies graduation requirement?

Yes, students may take the fourth or fifth year of a foreign language to complete the one credit graduation requirement in Fine Arts, Practical Arts, or Cultural Studies.

What is the difference between level 4 and AP Language?

Please refer to course descriptions for a detailed comparison.

If you have further questions, send them to: gjdelfosse@fcps.edu