Caldwell's Trinity Academy Introduces Latin Language Classes

At Trinity Academy this fall, Latin is a required part of the middle school curriculum, and feedback from students, parents and faculty is overwhelmingly positive.

Trinity Academy principal Mary Cassels explains why the school added Latin to its course load.
“Educational studies have shown the study of Latin not only improves a student’s understanding of the English language, but boosts performance in math and science as well,” Cassels said.

Students have Latin class three times a week. The curriculum includes a grammatical study of Latin, as well as a focus on its history and culture. Latin instructor Mrs. Linda Shea, formerly from Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy in West Orange, has been teaching Latin for over six years.

“I fell in love with Latin in High School and I received a Minor in Classic Studies from St. John’s College,” Shea said.
Mrs. Shea believes, “the beauty of Latin is in its construction.” With half of our English vocabulary made up of Latin words and roots, the study of Latin is known to foster precision in the use of vocabulary and grammar, and provide the root words for all the modern sciences.

“It’s also exciting to consider how influential Latin and Roman culture has been on our society throughout history,” Shea said. “If you make the study of Latin fun, students respond with great enthusiasm.”

Studying Latin is known to improve analytical and logical thinking, improve math performance, maximize SAT scores and serve as a strong grounding for education as a whole. Experts report that the study of Latin effectively develops and trains the mind.

Trinity Academy sixth grader Ryan Reynolds of Roseland is enjoying Latin class.

“I really like Magistra Shea because she is nice and teaches us well,” Reynolds said. “I hope that when I see a word in English that I don’t know, that I can recognize it from Latin class.”

For more information about Trinity Academy, click here, or visit an Open House on October 26 or November 5.

Information and photo courtesy of Jamie DiGiovanni, Trinity Academy