Latin instruction is offered at all grade levels at Parnassus Preparatory School. Scholars begin studying Greek in the School of Rhetoric. All students take Latin every year starting in Prima through First Level Rhetoric (1R). Two years of classical languages (for current students) in the School of Rhetoric are required for graduation. We believe there are at least four solid reasons for classical language study.

Greek and Latin Develop English and Provide a Solid Foundation for the Acquisition of Other Languages

One’s reading, writing, and speaking of English is improved through learning Latin and Greek. Vocabulary is enriched, grammar is sharpened, and a sense of organization is instilled in the student. Greek and Latin equip a person with the strongest single foundation for mastering Romance languages, modern-inflected ones such as Russian and German, and even non-related tongues like Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Working with Latin and Greek broadens a person’s notion of structures possible in languages other than one’s own. In addition, Latin gives an individual a grip on about 80% of the vocabulary of the Romance languages — French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish. About 800 million people in 57 countries speak these tongues, with Spanish being the official language of 20 nations; French of 27; and Italian, Romanian,and Portuguese of 10 other nations.

The Civilizations of Greece and Rome Link Us with the Cultures of 57 Nations on Four Continents

A background in the classical civilizations makes students aware of customs, values, and ideas that we have in common with Eastern and Western Europeans and with North and South Americans. Many concepts in government, religion, art, literature, and economics are shared.

Familiarity with Ancient Cultures Promotes Tolerance and Understanding of Other Nations and Ways of Life

When one is aware of the rich and varied culture of the Greeks and Romans, one is more likely to accept the differing customs and values of other people today. This holds true because through the study of ancient civilizations, one encounters exotic and extreme customs which were not static, but evolved over the centuries. When familiar with diversity, change, and longevity in one’s own culture, a person is more inclined to respect the views, ideologies, religions, and economic systems of others and to appreciate their rich, age-old traditions.

Latin Improves College Entrance Exam Scores

Students who study Latin in high school consistently score higher on the verbal portion of the SAT college entrance exam than both students who have not studied any foreign language and students who have studied other modern foreign languages.

Studies conducted by the Educational Testing Service show that Latin students consistently outperform all other students on the verbal portion of the SAT.

	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Latin	672	674	681	672	678	677	676	678
All Students	507	508	508	503	502	502	502	501
French	638	642	643	637	637	632	631	633
German	626	627	637	632	632	627	630	626
Spanish	575	575	573	577	574	565	557	561
Hebrew	628	630	620	623	622	611	619	612

Sources: Dorothy Sayers “The National Review,” Conrad Barrett “Keys to Language and Cultural Awareness” California State University, College Board.