Latin: Discovering the Language That Shaped Our World
Latin is much more than an ancient language—it is the foundation of thousands of English words and continues to influence science, medicine, law, government, and many modern languages. Through the study of Latin, students strengthen their vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of history and culture.
At Odyssey Charter School, our goal is not for students to become fluent Latin speakers. Instead, we use Latin as a powerful tool to help students become stronger readers, writers, thinkers, and lifelong learners.
What Will My Child Learn?
🏛️ Vocabulary & Language Connections
Students discover how Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes appear in thousands of English words. Understanding these word parts helps students unlock the meanings of unfamiliar vocabulary across every subject area.
Students will learn to:
Identify common Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Build stronger academic vocabulary.
Use Latin word parts to understand unfamiliar words.
Make connections between Latin and English.
🗣️ Beginning Latin Communication
Students are introduced to common Latin words, phrases, and expressions. While conversational fluency is not the goal, students develop confidence recognizing, reading, and pronouncing beginning Latin.
Students will learn to:
Pronounce common Latin words correctly.
Read simple Latin words and phrases.
Understand common classroom vocabulary.
Recognize familiar Latin expressions.
📖 Grammar & Language Structure
Latin provides an excellent foundation for understanding how language works. Students compare Latin and English grammar while learning how words change meaning through endings and sentence structure.
Students will learn to:
Recognize basic parts of speech.
Compare Latin and English grammar.
Understand simple word endings.
Strengthen English language skills through comparison.
🏺 Ancient Rome & Classical Culture
Students explore the history, daily life, traditions, and accomplishments of Ancient Rome. By studying Roman civilization, students gain a greater appreciation for the people and ideas that continue to shape our world today.
Students will learn to:
Explore Roman history and daily life.
Learn about important historical figures.
Understand Roman contributions to society.
Compare ancient cultures with modern life.
🌍 Latin in Today's World
Students discover that Latin is still all around us. From scientific names and medical terminology to legal phrases and national mottos, Latin continues to influence many aspects of modern life.
Students will learn to:
Recognize Latin in science and medicine.
Discover Latin in government and law.
Identify familiar Latin words and phrases used today.
Understand why Latin remains important.
🤝 Appreciating Languages & Cultures
Learning Latin encourages students to appreciate the diversity of languages and cultures throughout the world. Students develop curiosity, respect, and an understanding of how languages connect people across time and place.
Students will learn to:
Appreciate different languages and cultures.
Recognize similarities between languages.
Develop curiosity about how languages evolve.
Respect cultural traditions and perspectives.
Our Goal
Latin provides students with a unique opportunity to strengthen their vocabulary, improve literacy skills, and develop a deeper understanding of history, language, and culture. Rather than focusing on conversational fluency, students build the academic tools that support success across all subject areas.
Through the study of Latin, students become stronger readers, more thoughtful communicators, and more curious learners who recognize how the past continues to shape the present. By exploring one of history's most influential languages, students gain knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.