Considering the sheer number of years and number of quality schools wherein the teaching of Latin was an integral part of academic training, the instruction in Latin at Providence Christian School should need no explanation or defense. However, like many traditional components of good education lost in the name of “modern” or “progressive” education, Latin’s advantages have been neglected and forgotten by a couple of generations.
Latin was regularly taught in American high schools as late as the 1940’s. It was considered necessary to the fundamental understanding of English, the history and writings of Western Civilization, and the understanding of Romance languages. Providence Christian School teaches Latin, therefore, for two major reasons:
Latin is not a “dead language” but rather a language that lives in almost all major western languages, including English. Training in Latin not only gives the student a better understanding of the roots of English vocabulary, It also lays the foundation for learning other Latin-based languages.
Learning the grammar of Latin reinforces the student’s understanding of the reasons for, and the use of, the parts of speech being taught in our traditional English class work, e. g. plurals, nouns, verbs, prepositions, direct objects, tenses, etc.
Latin Program
The Latin program at Providence Christian School consists of the following basic objectives:
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Fifth Grade (1st Year): Beginning vocabulary and derivative acquisition; basic grammar skills (conjugation and declension), parts of speech, and sentence patterns.
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Sixth Grade (2nd Year): Continued vocabulary and derivative development and review; continued focus on grammar skills (parsing, labeling, parts of speech, word order), and establishing orderly method of translation.
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Seventh Grade (3rd Year): Continued vocabulary and derivative acquisition; Development of grammar skills; Translation and discussion of ancient historical passages.
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Eighth Grade (4th Year): Intensive review and acquisition of vocabulary and derivatives; Advanced use of grammar skills; Reading and construing passages both written and oral.