The Latin Advantage
Latin’s beautifully structured grammar trains students to think clearly, express ideas in different ways, and develop greater confidence and precision in their English writing and speech.
NorthShore Classical Academy’s Latin program begins in ninth grade, where all students study Latin grammar and literature. From there, they may choose to pursue more advanced coursework through senior year, culminating in AP Latin. In this capstone course, students read and translate authors such as Vergil, Caesar, Ovid, Martial, Tibullus, and Catullus. Students who enroll at NCA in ninth or tenth grade will complete three years of Latin during high school.
Although Latin is not spoken conversationally today and is sometimes dismissed as a “dead language,” this label misses the point. As Jürgen Leonhardt notes in Latin: Story of a World Language, “Latin is a fixed literary language that was used as a universal language or lingua franca in the western Mediterranean and, later, around the world.” It is also often called an “eternal language” because its influence has shaped Western civilization for over two thousand years.
So why study Latin? Here are just a few of the lasting benefits students gain from learning this foundational language:
Latin opens the door to learning modern languages
Beyond serving as the foundational language of Western civilization, Latin is the parent of the Romance languages—Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. Approximately 90 percent of the vocabulary in these languages comes directly from Latin. In many ways, studying Latin is the first step toward learning six languages at once. Even more, Latin gives students a structural blueprint that supports learning any language they may choose to study later.
Latin enriches English vocabulary
Latin study immerses students in the roots, prefixes, and suffixes that make up more than 60 percent of English words. This knowledge offers powerful insight into the meaning and structure of English vocabulary, especially longer or more complex words. Because Latin grammar is so consistent and orderly, it also helps students gain a clearer understanding of English grammar—and the grammar of other languages as well.
Latin strengthens reading, writing, and speaking skills
Latin’s highly structured grammar requires students to organize their thoughts carefully and consider various ways to express an idea. This discipline naturally strengthens their ability to write and speak with precision and clarity in English (and other languages). A stronger vocabulary and a deeper grasp of grammar further enhance students’ ability to read and write with confidence.
Latin boosts mathematical competency
Because Latin’s grammatical structure parallels mathematical logic, learning Latin has been shown to support gains in math achievement. One study of sixth-grade students in Indianapolis, for example, found that those who studied Latin for just 30 minutes per day over five months advanced the equivalent of nine months in mathematical problem solving. Many mathematical terms themselves come from Latin—integer, for instance, means “whole.”
Latin introduces the language of science
The modern scientific disciplines took shape during the Renaissance, when educated people were trained in both Latin and Greek. As a result, the vocabulary of biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, anatomy, medicine, and other sciences is rooted heavily in Latin. Since learning the language behind scientific terminology is half the challenge, students with Latin experience approach these subjects with a meaningful advantage.
Latin develops strong problem-solving skills
Latin is a logical, systematic language—much like mathematics. Studying it sharpens the mind, heightens attention to detail, cultivates critical thinking, and improves problem-solving abilities. It’s no surprise that students who enjoy math or music often enjoy Latin; all three require similar intellectual skills and mental discipline.
Latin offers a direct window into ancient Rome
Reading original Latin texts gives students firsthand access to the history, culture, and stories of ancient Rome. Because Western civilization is deeply shaped by the ancient world, this study offers invaluable insight into two thousand years of cultural development. Encountering great thinkers, leaders, and authors in their own language enriches students’ understanding of the literature, art, theatre, and music that define our heritage.
Latin raises standardized test scores
Research consistently shows that students who study Latin perform exceptionally well on standardized tests, especially the SAT and ACT. According to the Educational Testing Service, Latin students reliably achieve the highest verbal scores on the SAT. The National Jurist (April 2014) also reports that law school applicants with the strongest GPAs and LSAT scores often have Latin in their academic background.