[ Curriculum Statements ]

CLASSICAL LANGUAGE STATEMENT
CROSSROADS ACADEMY
January, 2002 

Philosophy: Latin education at Crossroads Academy introduces students to the Latin language, develops their skills in reading the language, and increases their awareness of Classical civilization.

Guiding Principles: Through the study of Latin at Crossroads, students gain understanding of Roman culture and Latin that gives them an enlarged perspective from which to view their own language and culture.   Students develop a greater understanding of the structure and vocabulary of English.  They also develop a fuller appreciation of classical influences in today’s world.  Reading is essential to communicating in Latin; reading what the Romans wrote is the key to communicating with their world.  Students in grades six through eight learn to read and understand Latin.  Students first learn basic grammar and vocabulary through prose readings and written exercises.  Older students work with more sophisticated literature and are exposed to the nuances in Latin grammar and vocabulary that are different from French and English.  Through their studies students recognize the interrelationship of Classical civilization and Latin with these subjects and others, including history, science, and art.  As the study of Latin and French complement each other, Crossroads encourages students to study both languages at the middle school level.  Students are required to take both languages in sixth grade and encouraged to continue in seventh and eighth.