Our Model
We believe in the uplifting and liberating power of our classical education for all learners.
We aim for our students to be at once disciplined and flexible in thought and action, to fully embrace the humanity of others as well as their own, and to recognize and experience all that is good, true and beautiful in the world around them. Our program focuses on developing each student’s ability to be thoughtful, to consider the views and needs of others, and to act with integrity.
Our curriculum is designed to inform, provoke, challenge, and inspire our students so that they have a deeper knowledge both of themselves and of the world they enter as adults. Our educational model is ambitious and depends on personal attention from excellent teachers committed to our classical approach and particularly the use of Socratic seminars. Our faculty share a commitment to creating a culture of learning in which each of our students can be successful.
Teaching in the Latin Way
We believe that education is a training of character, and character is the intersection of intellectual development and moral integrity. By this definition, education must be grounded in our values, as outlined below.
- We all possess inherent dignity, which is the foundation for trust. (The Individual)
- We can all progress, with humility and support, on our paths towards a fuller humanity. (The Individual)
- We form our character by learning to live harmoniously in a community. (The Good)
- We pursue enduring truths by inviting and questioning a diversity of views. (The True)
- We live in a world of beauty and mystery; there is so much to know and love. (The Beautiful)
- We are not born for ourselves alone. (The Collective)
Essential Characteristics of a Latin Education
Classical approach to teaching
Our teachers focus on developing students’ ability to learn, to see connections across time and topic, and to test and strengthen their understanding through reading original texts, writing, and discussion.
Teachers incorporate a variety of texts, often pairing modern and ancient texts that address the same fundamental questions. Writing is central in all classes to develop students’ ability to analyze, synthesize and then share their understanding with concision. Teachers use discussion as a central aspect of teaching, developing students’ ability to engage in civil debate on complex concepts.
Liberal Arts Curriculum
Rigorous graduation requirements include both traditional subjects (English, Math, Science, History) and other subjects (Latin, global languages, etc.) Latin approaches cultivating virtue in the lives of students and faculty through creating opportunities for enrichment and reflection upon both
classical and modern texts by diverse authors.
- At 2nd Street, there are 194 courses offered in both divisions, including 23 electives, 24 different science courses, and 11 arts and music classes. The Cooper Campus likewise offers a broad array of courses.
An Experienced, Stable Faculty
Washington Latin has more experienced teachers than the average charter school, resulting in higher quality instruction from deep expertise and lasting connections with students and their families.
Stability promotes relationships with students over time, essential for trust that develops learning.
- Annual retention rate over 90%
- Tenure of 10+ years for over 30% of faculty
- 10% are our alumni of Washington Latin
Small classes and school size
Washington Latin aims to be small in order to have a big impact on our students. This allows teachers to provide individualized attention to students, supporting their growth and development. Students are known as individuals and scholars, both to teachers and to each other, allowing for a diverse but integrated community
- Total enrollment for 2025-26 is 1,227 across all grades and at both campuses.
- Each grade generally has 95 students.
- The average class size is 17 across all grades, and classes do not exceed 25.
