The Classical Languages at Westminster Academy
Many of the courses offered at Westminster Academy are the same as the requirements of other rigorous college preparatory programs. There are three requirements that are distinct to Classical education. These are the study of Latin, Logic and Rhetoric. Students must complete Latin study through the 9th Grade with a Latin elective offered in the 10th Grade (see Latin Scope and Sequence).
Briefly, Classical languages are taught at Westminster Academy because they teach universal language skills, require attention to detail, insist on a disciplined approach, necessitate sound reasoning and exist within a significant historic context. Students who understand Latin are equipped to use that knowledge to learn other languages more easily, to understand the role language can play in history, to understand more readily and use the English language, and are seasoned through this demanding discipline of study.
The two foreign languages offered at Westminster Academy are Classical Greek and Latin. The benefits to offering these particular languages are numerous. First, students of Classical languages routinely outscore students of all other foreign languages on standardized tests. The connection of higher test scores to classical languages is related to a strong foundation in overall development of English grammar, vocabulary and, more importantly, thinking skills. Secondly, our goal is that a student reads the classics in the original languages with some lexical helps. The nuances of language are very difficult to transfer and, consequently, translate into another language requiring a disciplined approach to study. This discipline is a transferable skill and can benefit a student in other areas of study.
For 2000 years, the Latin language has stood the test of time. Even the fall of Rome did not slow the powerful language’s progress. It continued to thrive through the ecclesiastical, theological and scientific realms. The Renaissance tended to bring the romance languages more to the forefront, but Latin continued to flourish in theological institutions and academies. It has only been in the last 100 years that the study of Latin has gone through a decline with a surprising more recent resurgence. The study of Classical languages fits well into Westminster Academy’s liberal arts approach to education as preparing young men and women to live in the City of God and the City of Man. The Classical languages have been a strategic part of that education for some time.
It is to that end that Latin and Greek are taught here. First and foremost, Latin is the language of the Romans whom the Father used to create an environment to spread the Gospel. These languages are a beautiful expression of His character--logical, full and vibrant. When taught well, these languages capture a student’s imagination and deepen his or her understanding of God. A side benefit is that a proper study of Latin and Greek gives a student an analytical skill that produces benefits in all of life. Ultimately, Latin helps to educate the whole person.