Six Legacy Academy students in grades three to eight received high honors May 17 on the Universal Latin Exam from the Institute for Classical Languages.
Students receiving these awards placed in the top percentiles nationally within their grade level.
“The ULE tests the rigor of students’ Latin coursework and their knowledge of the mechanics of the language,” said Susan Louden, Legacy Academy Latin teacher. “Legacy believes Latin is essential for mastery of the English language; more than 60 percent of English words have a Latin derivative. But Latin also prepares our students with the fundamentals of language to reason logically, think critically and communicate more effectively.”
The ICL awarded one Legacy Academy student, third-grader Nathan Gerrick, the gold Augustus Award for earning a perfect score on the ULE exam.
Five students received the silver Caesar Award for significant accomplishments: Finn Louden and Olivia Parks, fourth grade; Anna Louden, sixth grade; Paige Barbrow, seventh grade; and Jack Louden, eighth grade.
“It is a commendation of Legacy Academy’s Latin teacher and our engaging curriculum that two-thirds of Legacy’s students studying Latin received national awards on this exam. Legacy’s students have met the challenge of studying Latin and risen to the occasion with excellence,” said Karen Barbrow, Legacy Academy head of school. “As a classical Christian school, we teach our students to live coram deo, “before the face of God,” and we believe all our endeavors are infused with holy purpose. Therefore, even studying Latin can be done to God’s glory and build character in our students and the foundation for a strong future.”
The national awards were presented to Legacy Academy students during the school’s annual spring showcase at Calvary Baptist Church in Georgetown. Students from first to eighth grade performed selections from “The Sound of Music.” The school also exhibited a culmination of the year’s studies in fine arts, visual arts and classroom content.
“Legacy’s spring showcase represents a portrait of a graduate of Legacy,” said Barbrow. “Families and guests can see students’ rich academic and spiritual growth during their years with us. Their diligent work on display reminds us of the strides they have made in their studies.”
Legacy Academy is now enrolling in grades K-8 for the 2024-25 school year. For more information, go to legacyacademyde.org or call 302-217-3144.