LGA Soars on NLE

Lumen Gentium Academy is thrilled to announce our students’ results on the National Latin Exam: one Summa Cum Laude, five Maxima Cum Laude, one Magna Cum Laude, and six Cum Laude. In addition, LGA has earned a Blue Certificate of Merit for the school’s overall performance on the exam.

The mission of the NLE is to promote and support the teaching and learning of the Latin language, its literature and culture, and its lasting influence in the modern world. The exam is not a competitive event in which test takers vie for “top spot;” on the contrary, it exists to provide every Latin student an opportunity to experience a sense of personal accomplishment and success through the mastery of Latin language and culture, and students are evaluated solely on their own performance. 

“Our students’ excellent scores on the NLE demonstrate the seriousness with which they have undertaken the study of Latin, and I could not be prouder,” said Mr. Craig Davis, LGA Interim Headmaster and Latin teacher. “It’s a demanding subject that requires a lot of intellectual stamina and acuity, and our students embrace the challenge on a daily basis."

LGA relishes the opportunity to provide our students a robust study of Latin. Much like studying Math, Latin cultivates mental alertness and keen attention to detail, while also sharpening problem solving skills and independent thinking. Because of its highly organized grammar and sophisticated structure, Latin also prepares students to speak eloquently and write concisely. And of course it provides the key to better understanding of legal discourse, medical terminology, liturgical life, sacred music, and the study of Romance languages, not to mention a great part of our English vocabulary. Just as (if not most) importantly, the serious study of Latin allows one to read many of the greatest works of literature, philosophy, science, and theology ever written in their original language.

“Latin class is a true joy, and one of the best parts of my day!” reflected Mr. Davis. “These scores are gratifying, but the real reward lies in the potential our students have unlocked for themselves by their dedication to the study of Latin. Wherever life leads them, academically, professionally or otherwise, we can be sure our students are building themselves an excellent foundation for their futures as life-long learners.”