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Nearly Three Dozen Local Students are Recognized and Awarded for Top Scores Nationwide
Classical Charter Schools is one of the only NYC schools teaching Latin to students starting in 3rd grade
(THE BRONX) – Classical Charter Schools, a nationally-recognized network of Bronx-based public charter schools, today released its results for the National Latin Exam. Classical Charter Schools is one of the only public schools in New York State to offer all children Latin starting in third grade, and the national Latin exam consequently is one that, comparatively, few city students take. All of Classical’s middle school students – 120 Bronx students in in grades six, seven, and eight – took this national exam. This year’s results showed that over a quarter of Classical’s middle school students – 34 in all – received recognition for having received a top score.
“When we were founded nearly 15 years ago, we set out to offer children in the South Bronx something they never had before. We wanted to offer Latin, giving them a world-class education rooted in the classics. As these exceptional national scores show, we are accomplishing that goal,” said Lester Long, Executive Director of Classical Charter Schools. “Because of the drive of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the cohesiveness of our school community, we’re succeeding in Latin – and beyond. We’re so proud of the students we serve, and so thankful to the educators and parents who helped make these fantastic results possible.”
No other school in the Bronx – public or private – makes Latin a central focus the way Classical does, and it’s bolstered with a civics-focused program, including “debate” class for each and every student starting in fourth grade. Classical Charter Schools have achieved astounding results:
- Classical Charters winning two National Blue Ribbon Awards in 2014 and 2019 from the U.S. Department of Education.
- As a whole, Classical Charter Schools outperform 97 percent of public schools in New York City, and over 90 percent of schools in New York State.
- Ninety-seven percent of our students pass state math exams, and 91 percent pass the ELA test, outperforming affluent suburbs like Rye and Scarsdale.
This year, Classical Students took two national Latin exams: The Intro to Latin Exam and the Latin 1 Exam. The highest scores among Classical students on each test breaks down as follows:
Intro to Latin Exam
Ribbon and Certificate of Outstanding Achievement (Score of 36-40 out of 40)
- 11 Students in the 6th and 7th Grade
Award of a Certificate of Achievement (Score of 32-35)
- 17 Students in the 6th and 7th Grade
Latin I Exam
Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude Certificate (Score of 37-40)
- One Student in the 8th Grade
Magna Cum Laude Certificate (Score of 32-33)
- Three Students in the 8th Grade
Cum Laude Certificate (Score of 30-31)
- Two Students in the 8th Grade
For more information on Classical, visit classicalcharterschools.org.