RHP is committed to preparing students to be successful in the world of the 21st century. To prepare students as global citizens who are entering a competitive multilingual and multicultural workforce, the World Languages Department teaches them to think and speak effectively in other languages and gain a deeper understanding of other cultures.

The World Languages department begins the study of languages and cultures in the sixth grade, when students take Introduction to Languages. This class allows them to explore the workings of other languages and gives them insight into other societies. In seventh and eighth grades, students study either Spanish or Chinese, with an emphasis on listening and speaking. This provides a solid foundation for further modern language study in the Upper School.

In the upper school, students may take Spanish from level 1 through Advanced Placement, including honors classes, or American Sign Language 1 and 2. Because of small class sizes, the curriculum reflects the needs and interests of the students. All of the classes are taught in the target language and focus on guiding students to communicate effectively in real life situations and to compare and contrast other communities with their own.

In Spanish or Chinese, students develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and learn about other societies through an imaginative and varied curriculum. They hone their critical thinking as they study literature and poetry, foster their creativity through projects, and improve their analytical and problem solving skills by studying the patterns of languages and expressing themselves in a variety of situations.

American Sign Language, which is UC/CSU approved as a foreign language, is a third language option. In ASL I, students perform extensive fingerspelling, amass an extensive vocabulary, and learn expressive and receptive language skills. In ASL II, they gradually work toward translating stories from English to ASL and using more complex grammar. In both these classes, students gain great insight into deaf culture and history.

The World Languages teachers are dedicated to teaching languages and cultures using a communicative and interactive approach and have spent extensive time abroad and within their target communities.

Department Chair Rachel Rubin sums up her department's attitude: "The RHP world language program helps students to attain a high level of proficiency in all language skills, to feel confident using the language in real life, and to gain an appreciation of other cultures."