The Saint Ignatius Grade School Language Programs have welcomed middle-school aged students to campus since 1995, accounting for more than 28 years of linguistic instruction for students in the sixth through eighth grades.
The Grade School Language Programs are free introductory classes that expose students to various languages and cultures that are available at Saint Ignatius High School. Taking place during four consecutive Saturday afternoons during the designated fall and spring sessions, classes are scheduled to enable students to explore more than one language each day.
Through hands-on classroom instruction by Saint Ignatius faculty members, students are acquainted with the theoretical and practical skills to take their language knowledge and skills to the next level. The hour-long sessions are designed to improve vocabulary, grammar, reading and syntax, while engaging students through special activities to encourage participants’ learning in a comprehensible and interactive manner. Latin program activities include marshmallow catapults, large catapult and ballista demonstrations, Roman soldier armour displays, military formations and a scavenger hunt.
According to Mr. Joseph Zebrak '87, founder of the Grade School Language Programs, the best part about running these programs is “seeing students give up part of their Saturdays to learn new languages and have lots of fun doing so.'' Mr. Zebrak is thankful for the talents and enthusiasm of his colleagues in the Languages Department who continually give up their time to make the program a success.
The 2022-2023 Grade School Language Programs offer instruction in Latin, French and Chinese. The 2023 Spring Sessions will be held from
February 11 - March 4.
To participate in the Grade School Language Programs, no previous knowledge is required-- just a desire to learn more about the world!