Going Old School: Why We Teach Latin and Cursive
“I will say at once, quite firmly, that the best grounding for education is the Latin grammar. … even a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains of learning almost any other subject by at least 50 percent.”
At Alexandria Classical Christian Academy, we embrace a classical approach to education—what Dorothy Sayers called the “Lost Tools of Learning.” This doesn’t mean dusty traditions for tradition’s sake, but rather time-tested practices that form sharp minds and cultivate wisdom. Two of these tools—Latin and cursive—often surprise parents. Why go “old school”? Because these disciplines unlock more than words on a page; they train the mind, shape the imagination, and connect students to the richness of Western thought.
Why Study Latin?
A dead language? Think again.
Ask most people about Latin, and they’ll tell you it’s a “dead” language. But the truth is, Latin is very much alive in the minds of students who study it—and in nearly every subject they encounter. From stronger vocabulary and writing to higher standardized test scores, Latin students consistently outperform their peers. In fact, students who study Latin often score significantly higher on the verbal and reading sections of college entrance exams, a testament to how powerful this training truly is.
Latin is also an incredible vocabulary builder. Over half of all English words—and roughly 90% of words over two syllables—come directly from Latin. Once students understand Latin roots, prefixes, and endings, they can decode unfamiliar English words with ease. And because Latin is the foundation of the Romance languages, it gives students a natural head start in learning Spanish, French, Italian, and others.
While classical education doesn’t choose a curriculum for practicality alone, the practical benefits of Latin—sharper minds, stronger skills, and an ease of learning other languages—follow almost automatically.
It’s historical—and it’s our heritage.
Latin was the language of learning, faith, and scholarship for nearly two thousand years. Philosophy, literature, medicine, and law were all written in Latin. It shaped the very foundations of Western thought and civilization. To study Latin is to engage with that rich intellectual and cultural heritage, and to see how ideas, faith, and language are connected.
A key to knowledge across cultures.
Latin was the language that united scholars across centuries and continents. Think of it like English today—a bridge between people of different languages and nations. C.S. Lewis once corresponded with an Italian priest, Father Calabria. They shared neither a native language nor denomination, yet they wrote to one another in Latin, forming a lasting friendship. Latin may not be “spoken” anymore, but it still gives students access to thousands of years of knowledge, from theology and philosophy to scientific texts and legal language.
Sharper grammar, clearer thinking.
There’s no better way to understand grammar than by studying another language. Latin’s structure is highly ordered, consistent, and logical. Students learn to think precisely about subjects, objects, clauses, and participles—not just memorizing rules, but understanding how language works. In classical education, the early years are called the grammar stage, because this is when children build the foundation for reading, writing, and thinking critically. Latin is the perfect tool to train the mind during this stage.
And—though it might surprise some—it’s fun. Students love decoding a new language, discovering how words connect, and unlocking the “secret code” behind English.
At the end of the day, the question may not be why study Latin, but rather why wouldn’t you?
Why study cursive?
Beautiful and historic
Cursive connects students to their own heritage—from the Declaration of Independence to their grandparents’ letters. In a digital age, this nearly lost art is both beautiful and functional, offering students a tangible link to history.
From forgotten to rediscovered
When the Common Core State Standards de-emphasized penmanship in 2010, many schools replaced handwriting with keyboarding. But as cursive instruction declined, research began to grow. Studies from leading institutions now confirm what classical educators have long known: handwriting is deeply connected to literacy, executive function, language development, and critical thinking. Cursive, far from outdated, is emerging again as a key to developing the whole learner—mind, body, and memory.
Sharper minds, stronger memory
Writing by hand engages more of the brain than typing. Students who take notes by hand retain information longer and understand it more deeply. Cursive adds fluidity and speed, helping students keep pace with their thoughts while maintaining neat, legible notes.
Fine motor skills, speed, and spelling
Cursive improves handwriting legibility, strengthens fine motor control, and supports better spelling through natural letter flow. It can reduce letter reversals for students with dyslexia and build writing stamina with less wrist strain than slow, cramped print.
Come see it in action
Curious to see these lost tools in action? Join us at an Open House to watch Latin and cursive come alive in the classroom and to ask questions about our classical curriculum:
Thursday, November 14
Thursday, December 5
Thursday, January 9
Register on our website: www.accacademy.org/admissions
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