When a seventh grader reads a Latin sentence for the first time, they will realize that the meaning is not immediately apparent. It takes work to figure out what the words mean. That process helps students learn how to think more clearly and effectively.

At Maeser, we believe Latin plays a vital role in cultivating students’ minds and character. Latin sharpens the mind, builds character, and enhances a student’s ability to excel in other subjects.

Why Does Learning Latin Matter?

Many parents have a feeling that something is missing from our schools today. Our children may be turning in homework and taking tests, but we want them to know what they’ve learned. We want them to understand why it matters. Unfortunately, many students can only recite what was on a page and cannot explain why it is important.

This is often because there are no foundations. Schools focus more on covering material than helping students truly understand it. Many students struggle with following along in lectures, reading assignments, and discussions.

Latin helps us address these issues. It requires students to take things slow and be patient. We live in a world that values efficiency and speed; Latin requires students to understand that this is not always possible. In order to master a skill, you have to practice it, study it, and be persistent.

What Is Taught in Latin Class?

Latin requires students to read every word carefully, identify its meaning, determine how it relates to other words, and translate it into English. These steps help students to develop:

• Analytical skills: Students learn to break down complex sentences into smaller, more manageable pieces.
• Attention to detail: Students learn that small details matter. A tiny mistake can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
• Working memory: Students learn to hold all the different pieces in their head while they are working on a translation.
• Language awareness: Students learn about how Latin has influenced English and other languages.

Studies show that Latin students have higher scores on vocabulary tests, reading tests, and standardized exams. Latin has had a significant impact on the development of the English language. About 60% of English words come from Latin. Many of the words used in advanced texts also come from Latin. Latin gives students an understanding of how language works. When students learn Latin, they become better at reading, writing, and thinking.

What Is the Connection Between Latin and Character?

At Maeser, we teach that Truth, Honor, Virtue, and Wisdom should be the foundation of everything we do. Latin helps students to develop these qualities.

• Perseverance: Latin teaches students that they cannot achieve greatness in one day. It takes time, effort, and hard work.
• Humility: Latin teaches students that they must accept their mistakes. Students must be willing to ask questions and correct themselves.
• Intellectual Courage: Latin teaches students that they must be willing to make interpretations. Students must be willing to support their opinions with evidence, but also be willing to change their minds.

These virtues will help students succeed in all aspects of their lives. In Latin, students will learn the patience needed to participate in Socratic discussions, the attention to detail needed for history and literature, and the humility needed to appreciate the Great Books and primary sources.

Why Are We Teaching Latin at Maeser?

Latin is the language of many of the foundational documents of Western Civilization. In Latin, students can read the works of Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, Livy, and Seneca. Translations are often difficult because the translator must make choices about what the original author meant. By studying Latin, students can read what the author actually said instead of relying on a translation.

At Maeser, we believe that students should study primary sources whenever possible. Latin allows students to study these sources directly. It makes sense to expose students to the greatest ideas in the world in as direct a manner as possible, and Latin enables access to that language which has influenced countless generations of thinkers and writers. Our students begin with foundational vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, then move into authentic Latin texts. By the time they finish, they are able to read texts that have been studied in schools and universities across Europe for centuries. Our classes operate within the framework of the Socratic Method; students explain their thought processes, defend their translations, consider alternative meanings, and learn the material through dialogue, rather than rote memorization. Because class sizes are small, our teachers know the strengths and weaknesses of every student and are able to ask the right questions to draw out real understanding from each student, rather than just giving them an answer to copy. This is the kind of education Maeser envisioned: “not merely to pour in information and make memorizing easy, but to awaken the student’s capacity to think for himself and to do good.” The practical benefits of learning Latin are numerous. Colleges acknowledge Latin as a significant challenge that shows both intellectual rigor and the willingness to be academically courageous. Students who have studied Latin often do well on college entrance exams. But the deeper benefits will last long after graduation. Any college student who has wrestled with a complicated Latin sentence will approach a challenging college text with a degree of confidence. Any future physician, scientist, lawyer, or scholar will benefit from a grasp of Latin medical, scientific, legal, and scholarly terminology and from the habit of analyzing carefully and reading accurately. Our graduates do not just receive knowledge; they carry with them certain habits of mind that will continue to serve them through their college education, careers, and lives. Why has Latin endured for so many centuries? It creates a unique kind of mind. The discipline required to learn an inflected language cultivates intellectual and moral qualities that will continue to bear fruit throughout a student’s life. We offer Latin at Maeser because we believe it is a true liberal arts education: one that shapes character as much as it sharpens the intellect, and one that remains beneficial long after graduation. Students who have studied Latin understand that comprehension must be pursued with diligence, that mastery must be acquired with patience, and that the most enduring accomplishments must be achieved with diligence and restraint. Latin is one facet of a comprehensive liberal arts education that includes Socratic seminars, the study of Great Books, primary sources, the integration of all the humanities, and a search for Truth, Honor, Virtue, and Wisdom. In a world that is obsessed with the latest trends, we invite you to explore the enduring beauty of that which has stood the test of time. Latin is not a dead language. It lives today in the minds and hearts of students at Maeser. We welcome you to visit our campus, tour our school, see a Latin class in action, and meet our faculty members. Find out how a classical education can equip your child with the tools he or she needs to succeed now and in the years ahead.

Why does Maeser require Latin? Latin helps students develop a strong command of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. It teaches analytical skills that will help them in the study of any foreign language and even strengthen English grammar.

Is Latin a difficult language for students to learn? Latin is challenging, but it is also highly organized. Maeser students study Latin at varying levels and make steady progress thanks to one-on-one attention from teachers who guide them through the course material.

What benefit does Latin offer to students in their other classes? Latin enhances students’ understanding of history, literature, science, and humanities courses through the use of related terminology, primary source documents, and Socratic seminar techniques that improve analytical and critical reading skills.

Do colleges look favorably on Latin students? Yes, universities and colleges recognize that Latin students have undertaken a demanding program of study that indicates both intellectual capability and strong preparation for future study.

My child has never taken Latin before. Is he or she ready for a Latin course? Maeser’s Latin curriculum is designed to accommodate students beginning at different levels. While a background in Latin may provide some advantage, a student’s motivation and willingness to learn will be a greater determinant of success.