“You get to take Latin!”: On the Benefits of Classical Studies

The Heights requires its students to study Latin. Why? Is it from a love of the old? Are we simply fascinated by antiquity? To the contrary, there are excellent practical and existential reasons for classical studies. The benefits we seek in language study generally are found to be more powerful within the particular study of Latin. Moreover, speaking the language of the ancients allows us to communicate with them.  This bears fruit in our capacity to know the truth, and our ability to serve the polity through well-informed and practical citizenship. Listen in to hear Mr. Myers and Dr. Yaceczko discuss why your sons will spend at least three of their years here learning a language that can help us be fully alive.

Lionel Yaceczko

About the guest:

Lionel Yaceczko


Lionel Yaceczko is assistant professor of classics at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. He has taught regular and online courses to all ages at the primary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. He is the author of Jerome’s Introduction to Latin (2021) and Ausonius Grammaticus (2021), and his articles have been published in Studies in Late Antiquity, The Medieval Review, Crisis Magazine, HeightsForum.org, and Cavalcade. You can reach him at lyaceczko@benedictine.edu.

Justin Myers

About the guest:

Justin Myers


Teaching at The Heights since 2002, Justin Myers has lived in the Washington area nearly all his life. He attended Holy Redeemer School in Kensington, Maryland, and Georgetown Prep. He earned a B.A. in classics and psychology from Boston College and an M.A. in Latin at the University of Maryland. Prior to coming to The Heights, Justin taught at St. Hugh’s School and DeMatha High School. In addition to his classics responsibilities this year, he continues as the head coach of the cross-country and track team. He currently lives in Olney with his wife, Meredith, and his three children.

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