Languages Taught in American High Schools?

A little lost here. Couldn’t find a concrete list online, so I'm turning to you guys. What are some of the most common languages taught in high schools across America? I'm curious as I'll have to choose a language to study soon.

Indeed, the range of foreign languages offered in high schools can vary greatly depending on the school and location. However, certain languages tend to be more commonly taught as they are seen as globally useful or have particular cultural significance.

English-speaking students typically learn a second language to facilitate cross-cultural communication and build global competency. Here are some of the most widely taught foreign languages in U.S. high schools:

1. Spanish: Given its widespread use in the United States and globally, Spanish is the most common foreign language taught in American high schools.

2. French: Historically, French was the dominant second language choice for English speakers. While it's not as widely spoken in America as Spanish, it's still commonly taught due to France's cultural and historical significance.

3. German: German is also popular, though not as common as Spanish and French. It's often chosen by students because of Germany's status as a leader in various economic and technological fields.

4. Italian: While not as widely spoken globally, Italian is popular due to Italy's cultural and historical significance, especially in music and arts.

5. Chinese (Mandarin): As China strengthens its position as a global economic powerhouse, more U.S. schools are offering Chinese as a second language option.

6. Japanese and Korean: These languages have also seen growing interest, arguably due to the burgeoning global popularity of Japanese and Korean media and culture.

7. Latin: Most commonly found in private and Catholic schools, Latin is often studied not for conversation, but for increasing English vocabulary and reading comprehension, and for reading classic literature.

8. American Sign Language (ASL): Although not a foreign language, it’s seen growing interest in recent years.

Remember, the best language for you to study will be determined not just by its popularity, but by your interests and possible future career or travel plans. So consider what most interests you, and how you could potentially use the language in the future!