When deciding on the appropriate educational opportunity for your child, you have many things to consider. 25% of American schools are private schools and some of those private school options are Catholic. One of the benefits of Catholic schools is that students have exposure to learning Latin. Why is Latin such a vital part of Catholic school education? Read on to find out.
Language of Tradition
Part of going to a Catholic school is ongoing catechetical formation in the traditions of the Catholic Church. Latin is the language of the Catholic Church, as it has been for centuries. When students have an understanding of the Latin language, they also have an understanding of what's being said at Mass, the rituals of the Catholic Church, and the lives of the saints.
Preserve Culture
The Latin language is an ancient one going back centuries. While it's no longer used in everyday speech, that doesn't mean it's not worthy of preservation. Being able to preserve and understand Latin also helps conserve the history, ideas, and customs associated with the historical time periods in which Latin was openly used.
Easier Understanding of Other Languages
One of the benefits of having an early education in Latin better sets children up to learn other languages more easily. So if your child wants to learn Spanish, Italian, French, or Portuguese, having a basis in Latin will make fluency easier.
Prep for Certain Careers
Having a good foundation in Latin can also help one's career goals. If your child has dreams of becoming a lawyer or a doctor, having a good Latin foundation will help them understand the terminology often used in those fields. What if your child decides to become a historian or archivist? They'll be responsible for researching or preserving historical documents. They may work in museums, libraries, and academic institutions that have documents using the Latin language.
As you can see, Latin is a vital aspect of Catholic education for several reasons. In addition to being in an environment that focuses on your Catholic doctrine, your child will also have a head start in other languages and career goals. Visit our Catholic school for a tour and meet with our staff for more insight into how your child can benefit from being here.
