At St. Jerome Academy, the decision to teach Latin is deeply rooted in our educational philosophy, which aims to provide a rich and comprehensive education that nurtures the whole person—mind, soul, and spirit. The inclusion of Latin within our curriculum is not merely a nod to tradition but a conscious choice to connect our students with the bedrock of Western civilization and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
The study of Latin at St. Jerome Academy is more than an academic subject; it is an integral part of a holistic education that seeks to form students who are not only knowledgeable but also wise, virtuous, and well-prepared to contribute thoughtfully to the world they inherit. By learning Latin, students are equipped with tools that will serve them for a lifetime, enabling them to explore the depths of human knowledge and to engage more fully with the community of learners that stretches back through the ages.
In teaching Latin, we aim not merely to instill linguistic competence but to cultivate an appreciation for the beauty and precision of language as a gateway to wisdom and truth. Latin instruction at St. Jerome Academy is characterized by a thoughtful integration into the broader curriculum, connecting students with the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of learning.
Students embark on their Latin journey by mastering the basics of the language, gradually advancing to the reading and analysis of original texts. Through this progression, they encounter the thoughts and expressions of great minds from Cicero and Virgil to Augustine and Aquinas, engaging directly with the sources that have influenced centuries of human thought.