Latin and Etymology
All students in grades Pre-K through Grade 4 study etymology one day per week throughout the entire school year. Etymology is the study of the origin of words, primarily focused on Latin and Greek root words. This unique course offering for our youngest learners helps them build vocabulary, decode complex words, and gain a better understanding of words and language in general.
“I am elated to hear that St. Brendan School is making the investment in teaching etymology at such an early age. The study of etymology is essential to building a strong working vocabulary, recognizing common root words, and making educated guesses at unfamiliar words, which is good not only for casual reading but standardized test taking at all levels.”
Mr. Patrick O’Rourke, Director of Admissions
St. Ignatius High School
All students in grades 6-8 study Latin five days per week for one quarter each year. After finishing their three years of study, students will have completed the equivalent of a high school level Latin I course. There are many benefits for students to study Latin as a foreign language in junior high school:
“Studying Latin, a highly organized and logical language, much like studying math, sharpens the mind, cultivates mental alertness, creates keener attention to detail, develops critical thinking, and enhances problem solving abilities.”
“Since about two thirds of English words are derived from Latin, studying Latin provides invaluable insights into English vocabulary, the structure and meaning of English words, especially of longer and more complicated ones.”
“Latin provides a key to the Romance languages, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, etc. Latin is the universal language of western civilization. Latin provides the blueprint for any language students may learn later in life.” (UK – College of Arts & Science – Why Study Latin?)