Why study Latin?
St. Andrew Academy offers classical education. On top of reading, writing, math, science — students study logic, rhetoric, Latin, Greek, Great Books, and western civilization.
Latin is the language of the west, medicine, law, and philosophy. But there’s more than that.
- Master anything. Learning Latin forms the mind to be detail oriented. Students who master Latin are able to master any complex, logical system (such as science, math, music, art, or Liturgics)
- Spell better. 90% of English words with more than 2 syllables come from Latin. Sixth grade students who learn Latin get months ahead of their peers in spelling. This will help them with reading and writing for the rest of their lives!
- Understand English better. Dante, Milton, Jonathan Swift, Tolkein, CS Lewis, and many church fathers knew Latin well. When they write, they use “Latinate” words, sentences, and ideas.
- Speak better. Students who master Latin study some of the most beautiful rhetorical displays ever seen on earth: Cicero, Aeneid, Julius Caeser, Thomas Jefferson. They can use these to speak eloquently for the rest of their lives.
- Decrease effort in other subjects. After mastering Latin, the following subjects become 50% easier: biology, logic, law, Spanish
For these reasons, Latin is required for all students from grades 5-10.
Other languages
Why study Spanish?
- You can use it at work.
- You can master Spanish in 1 year if you already know Latin.
At the Academy, several of us speak Spanish — we love Spanish! That’s why we offer it starting in 11th grade. Not before! Spanish is not “easier” than Latin — it’s only easier if you already know Latin.
Why study Greek?