We aren't called Covington Latin School for nothing!  As a classical school, the study of Latin is at the core of what we do.  Latin has been shown to have several cognitive benefits that can affect the brain in various ways. 

Here are a few examples:

Vocabulary Expansion: Latin is the root of many modern English words and is often used in science and medicine, so studying Latin can greatly expand a person's vocabulary and understanding of words.

Improved Grammar: Latin is a highly inflected language, meaning that the endings of words change to reflect grammatical relationships. This can help students better understand the grammar of their own language, leading to improved writing and speaking skills.

Better Critical Thinking: Latin requires students to analyze texts, identify root words, and make connections between words. This helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are transferable to other subjects and areas of life.

Improved Memory: Latin requires memorization of vocabulary, conjugations, and declensions, which can help improve overall memory function.

It's important to note that the effects of studying Latin on the brain are not limited to these examples and can vary from person to person. However, in general, the study of Latin can provide many benefits to the brain and overall cognitive function.

Do you have an absent-minded professor for a child?  Do they lack organizational skills that prevent them from being successful academically?  Many students struggle with these executive functioning skills. Executive functioning is a set of cognitive skills that are important for success in daily life, including goal-directed behavior, problem-solving, working memory, attention, and self-regulation. While it can be frustrating at times, there are strategies that can help your child to build these skills.  At Covington Latin School, we develop these skills in our Prep and Form I grades through our history classes. CLS also offers classes after school that delve further into executive functioning skills for our students. 

If your child struggles with executive functioning, here are some strategies for your child:

Modeling: Demonstrate and explicitly explain the steps involved in goal-directed behavior, problem-solving, and self-regulation. This helps students understand what they should be doing and why.

Break tasks into smaller steps: For complex tasks, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps and provide support and guidance along the way.

Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as flowcharts or checklists, can help students stay on track and organize their thoughts.

Practice and repetition: Repetition and practice are key to developing executive functioning skills. Encourage students to practice what they have learned through games, activities, and real-life scenarios.

Self-reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their own behavior and thinking patterns. This helps them understand how they use their executive functioning skills and identify areas for improvement.

Provide feedback: Provide clear, specific, and constructive feedback on their use of executive functioning skills. This helps students understand how they are doing and what they need to work on.

Collaboration: Collaborative activities, such as group projects and discussions, can help students develop their executive functioning skills as they work together to achieve a common goal.

Incorporate technology: Technology can be a useful tool for developing executive functioning skills, such as apps that help with task management and organization.

Remember, the goal is to provide a supportive environment that encourages students to develop their executive functioning skills and to understand that it takes time and effort to see improvement.

Grade skipping, also known as academic acceleration, is the process of moving a student from one grade level to the next without completing the current one. While this may sound like a radical idea, research has shown that grade skipping can have a positive impact on a student's education and future success. Here are some of the key benefits of grade skipping:

Challenging Curriculum: Grade skipping allows students to move ahead to more challenging and stimulating coursework, which can help them develop their skills and knowledge at a faster pace. This can be especially beneficial for gifted and talented students who may be bored or unchallenged in their current grade level.

Social Development: Grade skipping can help students to develop stronger social skills by placing them in a more age-appropriate peer group. This can lead to better social integration and a more positive school experience.

Improved Self-Esteem: By successfully navigating more challenging coursework, students who have skipped a grade can develop a sense of confidence and competence. This can lead to improved self-esteem and a greater belief in their own abilities.

Preparation for College: By moving ahead academically, students who have skipped a grade are better prepared for the rigors of college. This can lead to more successful academic careers and improved prospects for the future.

Time Savings: By skipping a grade, students can complete their education more quickly, freeing up time for other pursuits, such as advanced study or internships.

It is important to note that grade skipping is not suitable for every student and should only be considered after careful evaluation. Factors such as a student's academic record, emotional and social maturity, and the opinions of teachers and parents should be taken into account when making this decision.

In conclusion, grade skipping can be a beneficial option for students who are academically advanced and seeking a more challenging educational experience. With the right support and guidance, students who have skipped a grade can achieve academic success and set themselves up for a bright future.  If you would like to learn more about Covington Latin School's approach to grade skipping, please contact us at admissions@covingtonlatin.org.

Classical education has been a fundamental part of Covington Latin School's philosophy for a century. It encompasses a comprehensive study of history, language, philosophy, mathematics, and the arts, providing individuals with a well-rounded understanding of the world and equipping them with critical thinking skills. In today's rapidly changing world, classical education is more important than ever as it provides a foundation for continued learning and personal growth. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of classical education and why it remains relevant in today's society.

Promotes Critical Thinking and Rationality

One of the most significant benefits of classical education is that it fosters critical thinking and rationality. By studying the classics, students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and worldviews, encouraging them to develop their own opinions and engage in meaningful discourse. This ability to think critically and logically is essential in today's complex and rapidly changing world, where individuals are faced with a plethora of information and must be able to analyze and evaluate it to make informed decisions.

Provides a Solid Foundation for Further Learning

Classical education provides a solid foundation for further learning and personal growth. By studying the classics, students gain a comprehensive understanding of history, language, and culture, which allows them to more deeply engage with the world around them. This foundation allows individuals to continue learning and exploring new topics with confidence, as they have a well-rounded understanding of the world and its history.

Encourages the Development of Virtues

Classical education is rooted in the idea that education is not just about gaining knowledge, but also about developing virtuous character. By studying the classics, students are exposed to the great thinkers and leaders of the past and learn about the virtues that they embodied, such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. This exposure helps to cultivate these virtues in students, making them well-rounded individuals who are capable of contributing to society in meaningful ways.

Prepares Students for Success in Today's Global Society

In today's global society, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of different cultures, languages, and historical events. Classical education provides students with this understanding, as it covers a wide range of subjects and perspectives, including Western and non-Western cultures. This knowledge is essential for success in today's interconnected world, where individuals must be able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and understand their perspectives.

In conclusion, classical education is a valuable and timeless form of education that provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the world and equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. Its focus on critical thinking, rationality and virtuous character development makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to invest in their personal growth and future success.  If you would like to learn more about how your child could benefit from a Covington Latin School classical education, please contact our admissions director. 

Citations:

"Classical Education: The Movement Sweeping America." The Heritage Foundation, 8 Mar. 2012, www.heritage.org/education/report/classical-education-the-movement-sweeping-america.

"The Benefits of a Classical Education." Great Hearts Academies, greatheartsamerica.org/the-benefits-of-a-classical-education/.

"The Importance of a Classical Education." The Claremont Institute, 14 Aug. 2015, www.claremont.org/crb/article/importance-classical-education/.