What do Valentine’s Day, friendship, weaving, and monsters have in common? They are all part of the dynamic curriculum in Oak Knoll’s Latin program. Students in grades seven to 12 not only learn to read Latin and prepare for the AP Exam or the National Latin Exam (NLE), but they also delve into aspects of ancient Roman culture and draw connections between lives lived 2,000 years ago and what we can learn about our own culture and self in the process.

“ It’s not just the language; you’re trying to bring the ancient world alive,” explained Upper School World Language Teacher Rebecca Mull. “Because the Roman Empire conquered such a large area, it has had a huge impact on history and culture down to the present day, even in the English language.”

Among many interesting projects that take her students beyond the books, Mull has formed a connection between her classes and Latin students at an all-girls Catholic school in Germany, in a town founded by the Romans, one of Germany’s oldest. On special occasions, like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, the students exchange cards written in both English and Latin, sharing greetings and information about their holiday traditions.

In another one of Mull’s classes, students read a passage from the Roman philosopher Cicero on cultivating friendships. They researched the passage and then compared its thesis to modern friendship and how modern technology has changed how we form them.

Mull’s grade seven Latin class discusses the role of textiles in Roman times. To make a physical connection to ancient weavers, her students have acquired a small loom and are weaving small tapestries.

World Language Teacher Dr. Jessica Kapteyn recently guided her students through a unit of study involving mythology and monsters. Her students studied Roman myths and then created children’s books from a mythical monster’s perspective. 

“ It was about researching mythology and then trying to think outside of the box in terms of how we portray stories, whose perspectives are actually told, and how that impacts the story’s point and its moral coloring,” Kapteyn explained.

Oak Knoll also has a special club entitled “Latin Roundtable.” The club splits its time between serious tutelage for the NLE exam and entertaining conversations and presentations on topics such as ancient Roman geography and gladiators.

Madeline Sherry ’26 is the president of the Latin Roundtable. She is such a fan of ancient Rome that she crafts her invitations to get-togethers from the perspective of Julius Caesar. Her epistles have become collectors’ items for students and teachers alike.

“ I mean, everyone has different interests,” Sherry related. “Mine just happened to be aligned with Latin. I wish more people would look into the daily life of Romans because what we learn from them is so fascinating.”

In her role with the roundtable, Sherry has also had the chance to work more personally with the World Languages faculty. She has the highest praise for their dedication and commitment.

“ The faculty at Oak Knoll is outstanding at fostering students’ interests,” Sherry explained. “I have to give it up for Dr. Kapteyn and Miss Mull, who are exceptional. They listen to every student’s needs and are just so supportive. They are so talented and passionate that everyone is interested and always wants to learn more.”

Due to the enjoyment both students and faculty express when learning about ancient Rome and interpreting the written language, the Latin program at Oak Knoll connects students in deep and meaningful ways to an ancient civilization that has had such a mammoth impact on the evolution of the Western world.