Arabic, Chinese Language Classes Coming to Westlake High

will soon add some diversity and depth to its world language program by introducing Arabic and Chinese courses this winter. 

The new classes will start in the coming semester, are worth a half-credit apiece and will be held directly after school lets out, Project Link coordinator Mike Waters said. 

The curricula for the classes are still being developed, but like many intro classes, they will begin to teach students how to read and write the respective languages and will offer snapshots of their histories and cultures.

“Offering Middle Eastern and Far East languages is a growing trend in our nation’s schools, and as an Excellent-rated high school, it’s our job to keep up with the times,” said Westlake High School Principal Tim Freeman. “We hope our kids take advantage of these new opportunities in our language department.

Waters said he recognized a need and demand in the community for a wider variety of language classes, and that teachers and administrators were eager to get the new courses off the ground.

The courses will be fee-based and may be accessible to students from neighboring high schools.