Sixty-seven New Trier seniors are recent recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy, an award granted by the Illinois State Board of Education and given by New Trier High School’s Modern and Classical Languages Department in recognition and celebration of students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English and one or more other languages.

Students demonstrate their language proficiency by earning an English score of 21 or higher on the ACT or a score of 4.8 on the ACCESS exam. Students can show proficiency in another language earning a 4 or a 5 on the AP (Advanced Placement) language exam or by taking a state approved test, such as the AAPPL (Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages) exam, and earning an Intermediate High or Advanced score.

Learning another language prepares students to be citizens of the global community by developing an awareness and appreciation of other cultures. The process of learning to comprehend and communicate in another language develops insight into the nature of language, as well as connections to other disciplines. The Seal of Biliteracy builds upon the rich linguistic and cultural assets of the district and community, providing students with the necessary skills to be successful in college, career and life.

The Modern and Classical Languages Department is honored to recognize the following qualified New Trier seniors who demonstrated proficiency in more than one language.

Students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy will have their achievement acknowledged on both their diploma and transcripts. Seniors who qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy based on their AP exam in May 2019 will be awarded this honor in the fall.