Why is Latin such an important part of a classical Christian education?

Teaching Latin in a classical Christian school offers numerous benefits that go beyond learning a language; it enhances language development, cognitive skills, and cultural understanding. Latin, with its structured grammar and vocabulary, provides a solid foundation for understanding the mechanics of language, which can significantly aid in learning other languages, especially Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. By engaging with Latin, students learn critical language skills, such as syntax and vocabulary roots, that directly apply to their English proficiency and other language pursuits. An active method of teaching Latin—where students are encouraged to speak, read, and write in Latin—can make the learning process more engaging and effective, promoting a deeper and more practical comprehension of the language.

What curriculum will you be using to teach active immersive Latin?

We are moving away from Memoria Press which focuses on memorization of declensions, forms, and roots  with an eye towards decoding and translation. We will be shifting towards a more active and immersive approach beginning in 3rd grade. This means we are teaching students to learn this language as we most naturally learn other languages. We’ll begin with more nouns and verbs throughout Lower School (3rd-5th) and focus on speaking and using them in natural ways. Then we’ll begin reading, writing, and speaking Latin in 6th grade. The backbone of our program will be leaning heavily on Picta Dicta through these stages. This will develop further as we move into the 9th-12th grades. Students, through active immersive Latin, will begin Lingua Latina in 9th grade and finish in 10th grade. This text not only teaches the language through an active and engaging approach, but immerses students in the Greco-Roman world. This is important because the Greco-Roman world was the soil in which the seed of Western Christianity was planted and has matured through the centuries. Understanding the roots is foundational to tracing its development.

Why does teaching Latin in 9th-12th work so well with other subjects?

This move to continue teaching Latin in 9th grade dovetails perfectly with what we are studying in 9th and 10th grade history and literature. Students will be learning and speaking about Roman homes, families, lifestyle in Latin class through Familia Romana while reading stories and great books in their Ancient History class that assume this level of familiarity with Greco-Roman life. Latin is more than just a language; it is a gateway to the rich heritage of Greco-Roman culture and thought, which has profoundly influenced Western Christianity and civilization. Immersing students in classical texts and ideas helps them appreciate the roots of Western thought, philosophy, and literature. By understanding these foundations, students can better appreciate how historical and philosophical ideas influence the modern world, aligning with the educational mission of a classical Christian school to cultivate thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.

What if my student has taken just one year of Spanish,  how does this shift affect their language studies and transcript?

Great question! Familia Romana part one (Latin I) will be offered for 9th-12th grade students. This text is accessible to those who have never taken Latin or haven’t taken Latin in a few years. Students who have taken Spanish I in their freshman year will now take Latin I in their sophomore year and then Latin II their junior year. Their final transcript will have a bare minimum of three total language credits with one in Spanish and two in Latin which satisfies the general “two language credit” requirements for college acceptance to places like AU or even Clemson University. We’ve contacted these universities and our students' language requirements will be satisfied if they wish to apply.

What if my student has taken Spanish I & II but wishes to now take Latin?

That’s great and we are encouraging them to do so! Familia Romana part one will be offered for 9th-12th grade students. This text is accessible to those who have never taken Latin or haven’t taken Latin in a few years. Students who wish to continue language studies now in Latin could have up to four language credits on their final transcript! Two years of Spanish and two years of Latin.

Can the Senior class of 2025-2026 take Latin if they desire to experience this new approach?

Yes! Familia Romana part one will be offered for 9th-12th grade students. This text is accessible to those who have never taken Latin or haven’t taken Latin in a few years. Seniors could boost their transcript and have potentially three years of Spanish and one year of Latin or two years of Spanish and one year of Latin. Moreover, this will be an engaging and exciting course offering and help round out their classical Christian education their senior year.

Are you no longer offering Spanish at the Academy?

In pursuit of a robust and deep study of the Latin language we will no longer be offering Spanish here at New Covenant School in the Academy. Ms. Desanti, our Spanish teacher in 2024-2025 at the Academy, has done a terrific job over the years and she will be missed. We have been blessed by her love and dedication to our school and students throughout her 14 years here. We encourage you to send her a kind message and voice the impact she’s had on your child.

Will rising freshmen be required to take four years of Latin?

Great question, the answer is no. NCS graduation requirements state a minimum of two years. If students wish to continue in their Latin studies they will be able to take up to four years of Latin here at NCS in the Academy.

Can students receive college credit for higher level Latin courses at NCS?

As we continue to build out this program our hope is that by Latin IV seniors will be able to earn dual credit through Colorado Christian University. We hope to have the rising freshman class of 2025-2026 journey through Latin I and II, then many opt into Latin III and IV for their final two years here and receive college credit by their senior year 2028-2029.