Latin is one of the oldest independent schools in the city of Chicago. Latin School was formed in 1888 when a group of parents in Chicago enlisted Mabel Slade Vickery, a teacher from the East Coast to take charge of a new, parent-owned school. The first class consisted of 10 boys approximately 10 years old.
The school was designed to provide students with a rigorous college-preparatory education in the classical tradition, with a curriculum that was heavily influenced by Classical studies and the study of the Greek and Latin languages, hence the name “Latin School." Latin language is still taught in the middle and upper schools today.
Latin School of Chicago is committed to learning as an act of transformation. Rigorous and innovative, transformative learning also requires multiple and often competing points of view, reflected in the varied experiences and perspectives of the school’s many constituents. In keeping with the Principles of Best Practice for Equity and Justice set forth by NAIS, Latin respects, affirms, and protects the dignity and worth of each member of the school, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, socio-economic background or physical challenge.
