Latin School of Chicago

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.

One thing we hear often from students is that Latin feels like home to them, and for years our alumni have reported the same. Fostering this sense of community is something our school has always valued. Since 1888, Latin students have been learning and growing in an environment where they feel comfortable, safe and supported.

This sense of belonging is a result of not only what we do at Latin, but how we do it. Our individualized approach to teaching and learning is evident at every level and in every area of school life. Truly knowing students for who they are and how they learn best allows teachers to create connections with kids that last long after graduation. And Latin’s unique learning experiences allow students to develop critical skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

For parents, the benefit is that you are not alone in this immensely rewarding, but sometimes scary process of raising children. Teachers here are aware of just how talented and interesting your children can be, and they are just as interested as you are in developing each aspect of their personalities. It is what Latin does best.

The Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence. Latin School achieves its mission by:

• Encouraging excellence in all academic and personal pursuits
• Creating an educational environment in which the pursuit of academic excellence and intellectual growth is complemented by a concern for the moral, physical, psychological and aesthetic development of each student
• Developing and retaining excellent faculty and staff
• Recognizing the fundamental importance of honesty, civility, public service and respect for others and the environment
• Cultivating resilience, independence, leadership and moral courage
• Sustaining a diverse, inclusive and multicultural community that affirms and values each individual
• Attracting dedicated families committed to the mission of the school
• Promoting programs in all divisions that integrate our students with the community
• Developing the financial and physical resources to support the school's needs.

Latin School intentionally seeks to admit students and families of various identities and backgrounds, working to integrate them into the vibrant culture of the school. Our rigorous, inclusive core curriculum and extra-curricular programs prepare the school's diverse students for a highly competitive, global education. Students also regularly participate in community service, which nurtures leadership and character growth.

Latin creates a highly talented, heterogeneous team of faculty, administrators, and staff by working to remove barriers to the recruitment, retention and promotion of these individuals. Latin also is dedicated to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of school life. Currently, across all three divisions, 30 percent of Latin employees and 30 percent of students self-identify as being people of color.

Latin recognizes its social responsibility as a premier educational institution in the city of Chicago. Desiring a mutually supportive relationship with the larger community, the school endeavors to be a good neighbor and to partner with people outside the school in the fulfillment of its mission.

Latin School of Chicago is resolved to strengthening its identity as an institution that shapes leaders who are prepared for a diverse world. A climate of inclusion, empowerment, equity and justice are the bedrock of the school’s academic and service endeavors in the 21st century and beyond.

Selecting the best possible school is an important process, and the Office of Enrollment Management is committed to making every family’s experience as personal, informative and stress-free as possible. It is our goal to provide you with everything you need to determine whether Latin is the right school for your family. Our comprehensive admissions process allows us to get to know your student and ensure that he or she can feel successful and happy at Latin.