Language

At Peddie, we value and celebrate the diverse talents, perspectives and experiences of our students. We believe that this diversity enriches our language program, fostering an environment where everyone’s unique contributions are appreciated and valued.

Our curriculum, designed to maximize your language acquisition potential, offers 25 courses in four foreign languages – Chinese, French, Latin and Spanish – and includes honors and advanced placement-level classes. By developing your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, you’ll not only expand your knowledge of other cultures but also gain a valuable asset for your future.

There are many opportunities to engage in authentic learning experiences that will help you appreciate and understand the connections between language and culture. You can participate in an exchange program at EFZ, our sister school in Shanghai, learn from international guests who come to our classrooms, visit the UN Headquarters in New York City or join us on our biannual trips to Montreal or Europe (France, Spain and Italy). For complete cultural immersion, we offer two Signature Experiences — one in Language and one in Asian Studies — that allow you to explore other cultures through research and travel.

chart your course

The possibilities are (almost) endless. Download the Language Curriculum Pathway to guide your academic journey from beginning to end.

download the pdf

Giving students insight into the life and people of another country creates a context for the practice of grammar and vocabulary and translates to a much stronger sense of purpose and connection.”

Jose Ruiz – Language Department Chair

OUR FACULTY

José Ruiz

José Ruiz

Language Department Chair
Head Coach, Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country
B.A., Universidad de Malaga, Spain
M.A., Universidad Complutense de Madrid
jruiz@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Margarida Bernardo

Margarida Bernardo

French Teacher
mbernardo@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Jennifer Castillo

Jennifer Castillo

Language Teacher
DEI Coordinator for Student Affinity Programs and Support
Student DEI Council Advisor
Student Cultural Collaborative Advisor
B.S., New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
jcastillo@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Michelle Dewey-Dawson

Michelle Dewey-Dawson

Language Teacher
B.A., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
mdeweydawson@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Jesse Facey

Jesse Facey

Language Teacher
Head Coach, Girls Varsity Cross Country
B.A., Williams College
jfacey@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Yiqun Jiang

Yiqun Jiang

Language Teacher
International Student Advisor
B.A., East China Normal University
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
yjiang@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Nathalie Letourneau

Nathalie Letourneau

Language Teacher
B.A., Université de Besançon
B.A., Thomas Edison State College
nletourneau@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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David Martin

David Martin

Director Emeritus of Peddie Summer School
B.A., University of Michigan
M.A., University of Michigan
Ph.D., Princeton University
dmartin@peddie.org
609-944-7520
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Marisa Parra

Marisa Parra

Language Teacher
B.A., Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
mparra@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Stephen Roca

Stephen Roca

Language Teacher
Assistant Coach, Boys Thirds Basketball and Outdoor Track
B.A., Rutgers University
sroca@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Andrew Slade

Andrew Slade

Language Teacher
aslade@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Madeleine Wood

Madeleine Wood

Language Teacher
mwood@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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Binbin Zhao

Binbin Zhao

Language Teacher
M.A., Seton Hall University
B.A., Beijing Foreign Studies University
bzhao@peddie.org
609-944-7519
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