Why We Teach Latin

Latin, a required course in Middle School, lays the foundational groundwork for the liberal arts–style education offered at Waterford. Through the pursuit of Latin, Waterford students develop a wide variety of transferable skills that serve them well across disciplines as they progress through their educational years and beyond. Students nurture critical thinking skills by applying their knowledge of syntax, morphology, and vocabulary in both the Latin and English languages. Through this process, they gain insight into how languages work differently. Understanding the influence that Roman civilization had on our modern languages and culture also provides a foundation upon which students deepen and expand their understanding of our modern world, as well as empathy toward others.

Many parents and students wonder why we require middle school students to learn Latin. After all, outside of the Vatican, Latin is not a language used on a daily basis. Our reasoning is twofold:

1. To create a foundation for language learning and vocabulary building. Latin’s direct language descendants include Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. English, whose roots are German, has adapted Latin to the extent that over 60% of its vocabulary comes from Latin roots.
   
2. To gain a better understanding and perspective of our modern world by learning about the culture, people, literature, and events that have both influenced and inspired mankind for millennia.

Our Latin program strives to teach the language alongside ancient history and culture. Stories of students identifying Latin word roots anywhere from science class to the streets of Paris are not uncommon. We offer a school-sponsored Italy trip in Upper School where, in addition to other excursions, students get to explore the ruins of Rome and Pompeii. Students not only put their Latin to the test as they read gravestones and other inscriptions but also develop a greater appreciation for the sites and art they encounter. This trip combines what students learned in their Middle School Latin course (Latin language, Roman history, mythology) with what they learn in Class IX and X history (Renaissance, Counter-Reformation, Baroque).

The Waterford Admissions Team is here to assist you and your family as you look for the right school. To learn more about our programs, including Middle School Latin, call 801.816.2275 or email us today.