The Latin program at Explorer West works with young adolescents to:
- Develop a lively interest in language
- Build an appreciation for the past as it sustains the present and makes possible the future
- Engage students so they are confident in studying unfamiliar, diverse, and challenging subjects
In depth Latin study in early adolescence creates a foundation for an awareness of the nature of language itself, and provides a solid, almost instinctual, basis for more advanced study of any language. 
The Latin program strives to produce students who are ready for the second year of high school Latin, or to begin study of another language confidently, enthusiastically, and with the habit of looking below the surface for meaning; who have a solid grounding in English grammar and the nature of language itself; who can use their knowledge of Latin to spell and use the English language with fluency and precision; who own and use a large and varied vocabulary; whose study of history, art, music, drama, science, math, and literature is informed by their knowledge of the roots of western civilization and their personal experience of travel in Europe; who have developed habits of analysis and rigor that they can apply to every aspect of their lives.
Latin resources for students are available at: https://sites.google.com/site/ewlatin/
Latin - Main program elements by grade:
| 6th Grade | 7th Grade | 8th Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to language concepts, Roman history, daily life, and culture, Latin roots of English. Introduction to language learning and study skills. First 350 Latin vocabulary words. | Further training in structures, grammar, syntax, and expanded vocabulary. Aspects of Roman history and ideas, Latin roots of English. | Increasingly complex sentence structures, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Preparation for Rome trip: topography of the cities of Rome and Ostia, political and architectural history of the city of Rome, Rome's legacy. |
