Boys’ Latin is a small, friendly, and intimate school, with 640 students in grades K-12. The faculty has an average of 13 years of teaching experience and 60% hold advanced degrees. With a student:faculty ratio of 8:1, class sizes are small—one of the most significant factors in student achievement—and our classes offer many opportunities for individual interaction with the teacher and for student-centered activities.
The Boys’ Latin educational experience is exclusively single-sex—because boys thrive in an environment where their visual/spatial senses are stimulated; where their need for movement and kinesthetic learning is addressed; and where they are exposed to ‘boy-friendly’ books and materials. Research shows that boys learn differently from girls, and Boys’ Latin has retained its single-sex philosophy for over a century and a half to address the learning styles of boys.
In addition to the care and instruction of classroom teachers, students in the Middle and Upper Schools are assigned to faculty advisors who attend to their academic, social, and moral development. In a safe and supportive environment, our students feel secure to take challenges and realize their potential in academics, athletics, and the arts. Skills are woven throughout the curriculum, and the use of technology is embedded in all content areas. Educational Support Services (ESS) provides learning and teaching support in all divisions. Learning support at Boys’ Latin is not exclusive. It exists for the betterment of the whole school community, students and teachers alike, and provides extra tools for success.
The Lower School begins with Kindergarten classes where students are first exposed to the Wilson Fundation system of language teaching. In addition to classes with their homeroom teacher in reading, the language arts, social sciences, and math, students have classes with specialized teachers for the beginning of their education in music, art, Spanish, music, technology, and physical education.
The Middle School offers traditional classes such as algebra, life sciences, and English, but there are also classes in life-skills such as decision making, desktop publishing, research, and independent reading. Students begin a formal, daily study of foreign language in the seventh grade with Latin. In the eighth grade students may elect to continue with the study of Latin or study Spanish or French. The eighth grade also presents an opportunity for students to develop public speaking skills: a formally prepared speech is part of their curriculum.
As a college preparatory school, the Upper School has a graduation requirement of several credits in English, math, history, science, and foreign languages to insure that our students are thoroughly prepared for the independent study required in college. Additionally, students are required to take courses in computer applications, physical education and health, and the fine arts. There are also a wide variety of electives, and Advanced Placement (AP)® courses are offered in nine subjects. The Williams Scholars Program provides incentives for academic achievement, including a stipend for summer educational programs.
There are a multitude of opportunities in the fine and performing arts from music composition classes, to the production of music videos, painting, and building works of art. Private instrumental music lessons are available K-12, and music and art shows throughout the year showcase student achievements. The Upper School presents drama productions in the winter and spring, and each year a senior is chosen to direct the spring production. After working through a multi-draft writing process and attending several coaching sessions on presenting skills, all seniors are required to deliver a senior speech to the entire upper school. Finally, there is a wealth of club and co-curricular activities from chess clubs to digital photography and student newspaper publications for all students to develop their interests.
