Schenectady High School offers study in three modern languages—French, Spanish and Arabic. All students must successfully complete one year of World Language study to fulfill graduation requirements.  Qualifying students may continue with a course that provides the option of earning Advanced Regents, University credit and/or an International Baccalaureate Diploma. The programs at the International Baccalaureate and LOTE Checkpoint B exam level stress the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and cover material in depth.  Students wishing to enter an International Baccalaureate or certification in World Language certificate program should receive a grade of 85% or higher on the LOTE Checkpoint B exam.

The primary goal of World Language study is to achieve communication with a native speaker in the context of everyday situations appropriate to the level of study. Classroom instruction at all levels is primarily done in the target language and enhanced by modern technology available district-wide. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the values, attitudes, and customs of the cultures where the language they are studying is spoken.