In the Beginning Was the Word
Language carries the very essence of divine communication, and through His Word, we glimpse the beauty and complexity that forges our connection with the Creator. Common Latin invites your family into this sacred tradition by using the Latin Vulgate as your primary source of content for discovering the richness of classical language study.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
—John 1:1
What Is Common Latin?
Common Latin is a complete family-centered curriculum that makes Latin accessible to students of all ages and proficiency levels. This approach allows parents and children to study together, building vocabulary and grammatical understanding through shared exploration of Scripture and a guided introduction to Latin forms and syntax.
The curriculum centers on translating passages from the Latin Vulgate, comparing them with English translations to develop deep comprehension of both languages.
Students will engage with the curriculum in the following ways:
- Master fundamental Latin grammar through memorization and comparison
- Build vocabulary systematically using words drawn from Scripture
- Develop translation skills that reveal new layers of biblical meaning
- Practice the classical skills of attending, comparison, and elocution to grow in proficiency with grammar and Latin
- Strengthen family bonds through collaborative learning experiences
Why Families Choose Common Latin
In our age of diminished language and weakened words, families hunger for educational approaches that restore meaning, depth, and Christian conviction. Traditional Latin curricula often separate children by artificial grade levels, leaving parents feeling inadequate and siblings isolated in their learning.
Common Latin addresses this fragmentation by honoring the natural desire of families to grow in wisdom together. This approach offers transformative benefits:
For Students:
- Discover how Latin unlocks a myriad of English words and the capacity to learn even more
- Gain fresh insights into familiar Scripture and develop profound appreciation for the architecture of language itself
- Foster competency in linguistic analysis that transfers to all future learning
For Parents:
- Build confidence as an instructor and fellow learner alongside your children
- Receive clear curriculum guidance designed for families without extensive Latin background
- Strengthen family bonds through the shared pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness
For Families:
- Study together, creating multigenerational learning opportunities
- Master classical linguistics through the sacred text of the Vulgate
- Connect language learning directly to your faith and worldview
Our Vision and Approach: Understanding the Beauty and Complexity of Language
We want to develop an understanding of the beauty and complexity of language through the study of Latin. This vision unfolds progressively as families move through the Common Latin resources, each component building upon previous learning while preparing students for the next level of linguistic mastery.
Scripture-Based Translation: Latin skills aren’t developed through abstract exercises. Instead, families work directly with passages from the Latin Vulgate, comparing them with English translations to deepen both linguistic understanding and biblical insight. This approach helps students see Latin as a living language that carried God’s Word through centuries of Christian scholarship.
Progressive Skill Development: Students master foundational vocabulary and grammar rules before advancing to complex translation, with every lesson connecting directly to Scripture. The curriculum accommodates different proficiency levels within families while maintaining a unified learning experience that strengthens both individual competence and family bonds.
Product Components:
- Common Latin Curriculum: Core lessons and weekly student content
- Common Latin Grammar: Comprehensive reference guide to further explain and explore forms and syntax introduced in the curriculum
- Trivium Tables Latin: Essential charts for quick review
- Latin Flashcards: Vocabulary and fundamental rules practice for Foundations families
- Common Latin Parallel Readings: Latin and English translations of Genesis and the works of St. John
- Common Latin Parallel Readings Audio
- Common Latin Workspace, Tours 1–3: Structured, consumable resource for students to stay organized and on track
- Common Latin Notebook, Tours 4–5
Begin Your Family’s Latin Journey
Common Latin transforms the challenging prospect of family Latin education into an achievable and enriching experience. With Scripture as your foundation, the classical model as your guide, and community support surrounding you, your family can discover the profound connections between language, meaning, and truth. The beauty of God’s Word awaits your discovery through the classical language that shaped centuries of Christian scholarship and thought.
+ Classical
Common Latin follows the proven classical method demonstrated by scholars like Nathaniel Bowditch, who mastered Latin by studying grammar alongside comparative translation work. Students develop the fundamental skills of memorizing, attending, and comparison that have formed the backbone of classical education for centuries. This approach focuses on creating true linguistic competency rather than superficial familiarity.
+ Christian
By using the Latin Vulgate as the primary source text, Common Latin helps students gain new insights into Scripture while developing language skills. Students encounter God’s Word in a different linguistic framework, often discovering nuances and connections that deepen their understanding of familiar passages. This integration of faith and learning ensures that language study serves the higher purpose of knowing God more fully through His revealed Word.
+ Community-Based
The act of reading the same Scripture passages as other students, memorizing a common vocabulary of Latin words, and collectively building mastery of grammatical concepts builds genuine community connection. In the Classical Conversations community setting, students engage in discussions about their translation discoveries, sharing insights and helping one another work through challenging passages.
FAQ
The complete curriculum launches in phases beginning 2027–2028, with flashcards available April 2026.
The curriculum equips parents without previous Latin experience, providing clear instruction alongside community support that builds confidence naturally.
Challenge A through III students (typically ages twelve through eighteen) work with the core curriculum, while Foundations students (ages four through eleven) participate through preparatory flashcards and listen to the readings from the Vulgate, creating multigenerational learning opportunities.
Common Latin serves as the Grammar strand for Challenge A through IV and is designed for both home study and enriching community discussions.