Why Latin?

The Importance of Latin in Classical Christian Education

Seattle Classical Christian School believes studying Latin is essential to a rich and meaningful education. While Latin is known to enhance vocabulary and improve performance on standardized tests like the ACT and SAT, its value extends far deeper.

Language Shapes Our Understanding

The study of Latin sharpens a student’s ability to think clearly and express ideas precisely. Mastering Latin grammar is more than identifying subjects and verbs—it is a discipline that trains students to understand how language shapes the way we perceive and interact with the world. Culture critic Ken Myers defines culture as "what we make of the world, in both senses"—both what we create and how we interpret it. Language is the tool through which we make sense of our experiences, and the discipline of studying Latin expands these interpretive abilities. As Jacques Barzun, a leading 20th-century educator, observed, "We write as well as we think," emphasizing the profound connection between thought and language.

The Bible itself highlights the power of words. In the Garden of Eden, Adam was given the authority to name the animals—a reflection of the divine gift of language. By studying Latin, students cultivate their ability to use words with greater precision and insight, enhancing their understanding of both themselves and the world God has made.

Engaging with the Foundations of Western Civilization

Language cannot be separated from culture. Latin was the language through which the ancient Romans understood their world, and their civilization laid the intellectual and cultural foundations for Western society. Learning Latin immerses students in the ideas that have shaped Christian thought and the broader Western tradition.

Through Latin, students encounter perspectives that both mirror and challenge their own, fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness. As Stratford Caldecott notes, "Language is at the root of freedom, and the more languages we know, the freer we are to speak and conceive the world in different ways." Furthermore, Latin serves as the basis for many Romance languages, making future language acquisition easier and expanding students' capacity for global understanding.

A Joyful and Rigorous Latin Program

Our students engage in a joyful study of Latin from 1st through 8th grade, preparing them to read foundational Latin texts fluently and providing a strong foundation for future language study.

In 1st and 2nd grade, young learners are introduced to Latin through an immersive approach that mirrors natural language acquisition. Using familiar nursery rhymes and stories, students absorb Latin vocabulary and structure effortlessly, fostering a love for language from the beginning.

In 3rd and 4th grade, students transition to Storybook Latin, a curriculum that connects Latin learning to core studies. 3rd graders explore Latin through fables tied to their history curriculum, while 4th graders study Old Testament stories, reinforcing both their Bible lessons and linguistic skills.

In 5th grade, students begin the Lingua Latina curriculum, which emphasizes reading comprehension directly in Latin. This immersive approach minimizes reliance on translation and allows students to internalize the language by interpreting meaning from context. Through this method, students not only develop proficiency in Latin but also gain the tools to read classical texts and confidently pursue further language study.

A Distinctive Academic Journey

While studying Latin undoubtedly enhances academic performance, its true value lies in shaping thoughtful, articulate, and discerning individuals. As Cheryl Lowe articulates in How Latin Develops the Mind, the mental discipline fostered by Latin strengthens a student’s ability to think logically, reason clearly, and communicate effectively—skills that serve them for a lifetime.

FAQ: What if my student has no prior Latin experience?
We provide supplemental resources to help students catch up and succeed.