Beginning in 4th grade (or if your student is new in 5th Grade), Lower School students have a choice to continue their study of French or to change languages and begin to learn Spanish. The French language is near and dear to the Portledge community and a strong component of our school heritage and traditions; therefore, we certainly support and encourage the continuation of French. We also find that some families would like the opportunity to focus on Spanish and we seek to enhance the value of the Lower School program by offering this choice as well. The Lower School schedule only allows for students to take one language; therefore, children must choose either French or Spanish and continue with that language through fifth grade. Children will be able to choose a language again when they enter sixth grade.