The Boston Latin Academy Classics Department offers a required 4-year sequence of Latin courses for students entering in grade 7 and a 3-year sequence for those entering in grade 9. It also offers all students the opportunity to follow an accelerated course of study (Honors) beginning in Grade 9 (Grade 10 for B students), culminating in Advanced Placement Vergil for Grade 11 (or 12 for B students) and Advanced Latin literature in Grade 12. Ancient Greek is also offered as a junior/senior elective, as are a mythology class and a Latin poetry honors class.
Although the study of Latin is primarily concerned with language, the course offerings include units on Classical mythology, history and politics, geography, and culture. Field trips to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Otis Museum are highlights of our Latin curricula. It is our belief that the study of Latin needs to be set in its context, and that the content of the assigned readings can best be appreciated through the development of an understanding of Roman society, history, and habits of thought. Classicists have been pioneers in developing the Internet as a resource for information, so that students are able to carry out both web-based and text-based research for their projects on topics ranging from the Roman army to the study of language and literature, including Greek culture and society as well.
The study of Latin is rigorous, demanding time and effort from the students. However, the rewards are worthwhile. All Grade 10 students are best prepared to take the SAT II Latin achievement test in June of that year. Students in the Advanced Placement Vergil class take rigorous examinations in May. The challenging nature of these courses and our high rate of success make our students stronger applicants to very selective colleges and universities.
We administer the National Latin Examination, the National Greek Examination, the National Mythology Examination, and the Medusa Mythology Examination each year. High scores on these tests may qualify students for scholarships, prizes, and make an impressive entry on a college application. Educators and college admissions personnel know that the study of Latin helps students achieve higher language scores on the SAT I and develops overall intellectual skills and discipline.
What do we do for fun? Many things! We run a series of intramural clubs such as the Classics club (BLACC) and Certamen club in which we prepare students for written and oral competitions. Our students have been successful both at the state and at national levels. The school has a very large and active chapter in the Massachusetts Junior Classical League and the National Junior Classical League. In recognition of the fact that our students can compete successfully with anyone anywhere, and that competition and socialization are an important part of learning, we participate every year in state and national events. We have had many national officers in the recent past including secretary, historian, editor of the Torch (JCL publication) and technical coordinator.