Latin

The Middle School Latin program is an exciting three-year course that introduces students to the Latin language and to the culture and history of ancient Rome.

In the language component of the course, students study Latin grammar and vocabulary. This provides students with a better understanding of the English language and of the origin of many English words. As they tackle derivatives and translations, they develop valuable problem-solving skills while also broadening their understanding of the structure and flow of both Latin and English. Students use The Oxford Latin Course, Part I as their language text.

Students also study the culture and history of ancient Rome. They read history texts and historical fiction to learn about the culture, politics, and key figures in Roman history. They also complete short- and long-term projects that enhance their understanding of the time period. Students have ample opportunities to put themselves in the sandals of a Roman, be it through dramatic interpretation, artistic endeavors, writing, or projects involving the use of technology. As students develop an understanding of the past, they are better able to understand and interpret current events; they are also able to make more informed decisions about choices they make in the future.

Each grade level’s Latin study is structured in a similar way, though the content changes:

Middle School Latin
1st Trimester Structure of Language
History of Language
Roman history
2nd Trimester Roman culture
Comparison of languages
Roman society/Drama
3rd Trimester Roman/Greek mythology
Government
Leadership

The study of Latin and Roman history and culture progresses as follows:

    6th grade: The Roman Monarchy
  • Texts and Novels:
    • The Roman Record by Paul Dowswell
    • Welcome to Ancient Rome! by Anne Millard
    • The Cartoon History of the Universe II by Larry Gonick
    7th grade: The Roman Republic
  • Texts and Novels:
    • The Roman Record by Paul Dowswell
    • The Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence
    • Adventures of the Greek Heroes by McLean and Wiseman
    • The Cartoon History of the Universe II by Larry Gonick
    8th grade: The Roman Empire
  • Texts and Novels:
    • The Roman Record by Paul Dowswell
    • The Pirates of Pompeii by Caroline Lawrence
    • The Cartoon History of the Universe II by Larry Gonick