When I meet someone at a social gathering and the inevitable question of “what do you do” comes up, my answer is often surprising. “You teach Latin!?” After the initial shock, the next question is usually, “so you studied classics in college, but why?”

It’s a fair question. In a world where the news is filled with exciting developments in science, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge technology, the value of studying ancient languages and ideas might not seem obvious. But at Seven Hills, we believe that Latin and Greek, ancient literature, mythology, and philosophy are more relevant than ever.

When students study Latin or Greek, they’re not just memorizing vocabulary – they are training their minds to recognize patterns, think analytically, and understand how language shapes meaning. Translating a Latin sentence isn't mechanical; it requires careful thought, a sensitivity to context, and the discipline to weigh options and make defensible choices. And by nature, studying Latin is interdisciplinary, with class discussions of ancient culture, history, mythology, etymology, and philosophy happening alongside grammar instruction and translation.

Ancient literature and philosophy classes further deepen these skills. When students read Homer or Plato, they aren't just learning about the past—they’re practicing how to form arguments, articulate ideas clearly, and engage in civil debate.

Above all, we seek to inspire our students with a love of learning, while honing the ability to think critically, reason persuasively, and become better readers and thinkers. We study the classics because the ancient world was fascinating in itself and can teach us much about the modern world. And we study the classics to learn to think.