Americans are living in an era of globalization that makes knowledge of other languages a necessity. Furthermore, the ability to speak more than one language marks the highly educated person all over the world. Therefore, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School makes language study a priority. Payton's policy requires a four-year sequence of one world language, starting in the freshman year. A four year sequence gives each student the opportunity to acquire extensive ability. Many students add a second world language after freshman year; a few have even gone on to a third.

The Payton World Language Department stresses five important goals:

Communication: Students will be able to communicate in languages other than English.

Culture: Through the study of other languages, students will come to appreciate the diversity of the worldÕs cultures and peoples.

Connections: Students will access new information and explore issues related to other subject areas, including history, art, music, popular culture, and literature.

Comparisons: Students will develop insight into the nature of language itself, comparing the new languages with the language(s) already learned and spoken. Students will develop insight into the nature of language itself, comparing the new languages with the language(s) already learned and spoken.

Communities: Students will participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world. Travel abroad is a crucial aspect of this participation.