Latin School of Chicago

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT Latin was formed in 1888 when a group of parents in Chicago enlisted Mabel Slade Vickery, a teacher from the East Coast, to take charge of a new, parent-owned school. The school was designed to provide students with a rigorous college-preparatory education in the classical tradition, with a curriculum that was heavily influenced by Classical studies and the study of the Greek and Latin languages, hence the name "Latin School." Latin language is still taught in the middle and upper schools today. Latin's first class consisted of 10 boys approximately 10 years old. In 1907, Latin graduated its first class of girls, paving the way for the opening of a girls' school in 1913 that would eventually be incorporated as Girls Latin School of Chicago in 1929. In 1952, Girls Latin School of Chicago merged with the boys' school, graduating Latin's first co-educational class in 1953. Building on its traditions, Latin is focused on providing students with an exemplary liberal arts education that encourages them to pursue their passions, engage within their community, and lead lives of purpose and excellence. ACADEMICS Latin's vision for educational excellence is to reinforce the value of an exemplary liberal arts education that makes learning inquiry- based, personal, and inclusive. This educational approach expands each Latin Learner's capacity for purposeful learning - whether in the school, the city, or the world. Latin strives to create the best conditions for the growth, wellness, and achievement in every learner in the community. A research- and evidence-based approach to teaching and learning is evident at every level and in all areas of school life. With a 9:1 student- to-faculty ratio, students benefit from small classes led by talented faculty and an array of classes and opportunities. LOWER SCHOOL The lower school, spanning junior kindergarten through fourth grade, is a place where children discover their passion and are encouraged to take the next step, ask the next question, and discover the next truth. Students publish their own books, put on plays, host art shows, participate in interscholastic athletics, and work on community service projects, all while building the educational foundation that will prepare them for their futures. Lower school faculty are extensively trained in early childhood and elementary education and use a team approach, gathering input from parents and on-staff learning resource specialists—as well as their own close observations—to customize their teaching methods and content to address each child's strengths and interests. Lower school curriculum MIDDLE SCHOOL A Latin Learner's years from fifth grade through eighth grade are an important time for self- discovery. During this time, students develop their interests, learn new talents, and face challenges that are unique to their age group. Latin's middle school curriculum covers all the traditional core subject areas—math, science, English and language arts, social studies and language—but uses a range of innovative, creative ways to present the material. Middle school students learn best when they are engaged with the subject matter through concrete experiences like role playing, simulations, lab work or exploration outside the classroom. Dynamic discussions and interactive lectures are designed to relate to issues and ideas middle school-aged kids are thinking about. Middle school curriculum Latin School of Chicago 59 W. North Blvd. Chicago, IL 60610 latinschool.org

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