Language instruction begins with an emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Students learn songs and poems and play games that reinforce communicative skills. Activities that focus on vocabulary, grammatical structures, and expressions help students develop dialogues about everyday topics. As language study progresses, greater emphasis is given to reading and writing. In addition, students are exposed to various aspects of French/ Francophone or Spanish/ Latin American culture including geography, weather, holidays, customs and traditions.

Language instruction begins with an emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Students learn songs and poems and play games that reinforce communicative skills. Activities that focus on vocabulary, grammatical structures, and expressions help students develop dialogues about everyday topics. As language study progresses, greater emphasis is given to reading and writing. In addition, students are exposed to various aspects of French/ Francophone or Spanish/ Latin American culture including geography, weather, holidays, customs and traditions.

The Grade 4 students participate in the American Association of Teachers of French National French Contest at the FLES level.

In the Upper School, the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness continue to be developed with an emphasis in all five areas. Grammar is presented formally for reference in practical and functional situations. Each lesson integrates comprehension, self-expression activities, vocabulary topics, grammatical accuracy, and cultural awareness. Culture is embedded in the curriculum and courses rely heavily on authentic sources. The curriculum is structured around thematic units, with each successive year introducing more sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students expand their learning and real-world knowledge through communication with native speakers.

Exchange programs with Spanish and French middle-schools extend the learning beyond the classroom. Each year Grade 8 Spanish students have the opportunity to travel to Toledo, Spain where they live with a host family, attend classes, and sightsee in the surrounding region. Every other year, Grade 7 & 8 French students, may participate in a trip to France that includes some tourism in Paris and a homestay in the village of Belfort. In turn, The Woods hosts the students from the Spanish and French partner schools.