The World Language Department at ESA is structured around the intensive study of French or Spanish. Instruction within the department includes not only the usual skills of reading, writing, and listening, but introduces an entirely new way of speaking. Proper use of intonation, appropriate facial expressions, and gestures inherent to native speakers are emphasized along with the obvious use of new sets of vocabulary and grammatical structures. 

Instruction is through the immersion method; no English is spoken in the class after the first few weeks. The ultimate goal of the study of world language at ESA is to demonstrate that a world language can become a natural means of communication and an integral part of life.
 
Beginning 2020-2021, ESA students take either the AAPPL in French or in Spanish (ACTFL Assessment of Performance towards Proficiency in Languages), which provides empirical data on their level of proficiency and the opportunity to work towards receiving a Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diplomas.  Student proficiency in speaking, listening, and reading are evaluated at the beginning and the end of each school year. In the state of Louisiana, a level of Intermediate High must be achieved in order to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy. The results of this exam will help determine and impact a student’s preparedness for future honors level courses in the world languages.