World Language Department


“Language is the key, for words can ultimately make the difference between ignorance and understanding, between poverty and wealth, between war and peace.”

Dr. William Hopkins
The Report of the National Commission
on Excellence in Education
The World has many voices – will you understand them?
Click here for the World Languages Department flier.

Course Offerings
Mercy’s department of world languages offers two languages: French and Spanish (Levels I, II, III, IV and V). Latin on-line is also offered.

All students are expected to complete at least two years of language study. A third year is required by most colleges, and is a requirement for entrance into our honorary language societies (SHH and SHF – see below).

Curriculum
The curriculum for all our language courses is designed to incorporate the five content standards of foreign language learning as proposed by the State of Ohio: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities. Our curriculum is Proficiency based in the areas of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
International Penpals
Students have the opportunity to connect through letters to students their age from around the world. Penpal exchange programs not only help develop written language skills, but the exchange of information also fosters cultural understanding.



World Language Honorary Societies
Mercy is proud to host charters of the nationally recognized Société Honoraire de Français and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Membership in these organizations is based on high academic achievement in the target language as well as a commitment to a third year of language study.

Language Club Activities
Spanish and French Clubs are active and offer a variety of activities during class and after school. These clubs offer activities such as: movie nights, all-school activities during National French week and Spanish week, a Mother/Daughter Christmas Dinner at La Petite France, interesting local field trips to the Basilica in Covington and the Bonbonnerie in Oakley, as well as cooking competitions and craft-making.

Opportunities for International Travel
The World Language department offers yearly opportunities for travel abroad. Past itineraries have included England, Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco and Costa Rica. These trips are open to all students and their families.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Nelson Mandela
Mother of Mercy High School | 3036 Werk Road | Cincinnati, OH 45211-7042 | Ph: 513.661.2740