Why Latin

Why Latin?

 As Christians, we understand the importance and blessing of a Christ-centered education for our children. We also recognize the value of giving our children a good foundation in reading and writing and in math and science. But why include the study of Latin? 

·        Over half our English words come from Latin. As students begin to build their Latin vocabulary, they will vastly expand their English vocabulary, which will help them in reading comprehension, writing, and even with standardized testing such as the SAT. Latin provides the root words for terms used in modern science, law, medicine, theology.

 ·        Besides vocabulary, Latin will also help students with English grammar and writing. Here’s an analogy: if you really want to know how a clock works, there’s nothing like taking it apart, examining it, and putting it back together. It’s the same with language study. One unique characteristic of Latin is its highly structured, orderly, and consistent grammar. Learning Latin grammar will help students have a better understand of how English grammar works and consequently, help them to become more skillful writers and speakers. 

·        Latin trains students to think carefully. The study of Latin requires careful attention to detail, providing a good model for approaching other subjects. Writer Dorothy Sayers suggests that “even a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains of learning almost any other subject by at least fifty percent.”

 ·        Latin makes learning other languages easier—particularly Romance languages such as Italian, Spanish, and French.

·        Latin helps students better understand and appreciate Western Civilization. Latin was the language of scholarship and learning for well over 1,000 years. Students can better engage in “the great conversation” when they have learned the primary language used in that conversation through the centuries.

 ·        Language study helps us become better students of the Word of God by training us to pay careful attention to words and their meaning. Jesus is the Word of God; He communicates to us by His word. Words should be important to us!

Schola uses the following Latin programs:

4th-6th grade: Latin for Children

7th-12th grade: Cambridge Latin Course