Q: Is acceleration, or the advancing of one or two grades, required?
A: Acceleration is required and is one of Latin School's many distinctive characteristics. Educational institutions have the responsibility to place students in courses that meet their individual needs. Research confirms that the notion that age equals grade overlooks individual differences and that academic ability and inclination are much more accurate determinants of placement. For nearly 90 years, Covington Latin School has existed for students looking for, and often needing, a challenge on the next level.
Q: Where do Covington Latin School students come from?
A: Latin School draws extensively throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati and students come from an array of educational backgrounds: 50% previously attended Catholic schools, 44% attended public schools, 4% were home-educated and 2% attended non-Catholic private schools. Students of color constitute nearly 11% of enrollment. We maintain a deep and abiding commitment to our Catholic identity, while welcoming students of other faiths (31% of our students are non-Catholic).
Q: What exactly is the Prep year?
A: The Prep year is the optional 8th grade year available to admitted students following their 5th or 6th grade year (thereby accelerating two years or one year, respectively). The Prep year eases the transition into Latin School by acclimating students to our expectations and culture, prior to the more rigorous Form I (Freshman) year. Of new students entering Covington Latin School in the Fall of 2012, 78% entered as preps.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
A: We believe that no deserving student should be denied a Covington Latin education due to demonstrable financial need. The Academic Advancement Fund, funded through alumni generosity, enables us to offer tuition assistance to nearly one-third of CLS students, across a broad spectrum of financial circumstances. Work-study grants are also available to nearly all students in addition to awards offered to continuing students demonstrating academic excellence. The priority deadline for tuition assistance applications is April 30, 2013.
Q: In a time when many private schools experience declining enrollment, how is Covington Latin's institutional health?
Q: How demanding is the first year?
A: Coursework for the first year, though demanding, is reasonable. Students can typically expect to spend one to two hours a night on homework. The Prep and Freshman Study Skills course, Mentor Center, Peer Counseling, Tutorial and close personal attention on the part of the faculty, are all geared to smoothing the transition and fostering satisfaction for the first year student.
Q: What steps are taken to acclimate incoming students?
A: During the first two weeks of the new school year, an extensive and comprehensive orientation program is offered that helps each student meet new friends, adjust to the routine and get involved in class and student body activities. Peer Counseling, a program in which upper-class students volunteer to help new students in their transition, is offered to Prep and Form I (Freshman) students. Incoming students are assigned Peer Counselors with whom they can talk about challenges that develop as they adapt to high school.
Q: What opportunities does Latin School offer outside the classroom?
A: Covington Latin has over 20 cocurricular groups, including Student Council, Junior Classical League, Strings, Band, Choir, Pontifical Servers, Literary Guild and JETS, as well as the Ski and Snowboard, Pro-Life, Art, Photography, Bowling and Drama Clubs. In addition to over 15 KHSAA athletic teams (nearly 60% of students belong to at least one team), there are also numerous events and activities such as medieval day, school dances, picnics, humanitarian service opportunities, walk-a-thons, drama performances and olympic day.
Q: How many students take the Advanced Placement (AP®) exams?
A: In 2011-2012, 73 AP® examinations were taken by Latin School students in 6 subject areas. The 2012 graduating class averaged a 3.97 on the examinations overall and includes 8 AP® Scholars (achieving a “3” or better in three or more subject areas).
Q: Does the transition to college come easily?
A: In alumni surveys, the vast majority report exceptional academic success and normal social adjustment. In all levels of schooling, readiness, responsibility and emotional maturity are much stronger predictors of success than age. Indeed, 98% of our graduates hold bachelor’s degrees and 48% hold master's or terminal degrees (MD, JD, PhD, etc.).
Q: What are the school hours?
A: The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The campus is open from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. every day (the vestibules are open to students needing to stay later).
Q: Is transportation easily available?
A: Given the extensive geodiversity of our student body, many families choose to create or join existing car pools by utilizing a CLS family contact list prepared by zip code, which is mailed to all parents mid-summer. Latin School is located at 11th and Madison in Covington, next to Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, five minutes from downtown Cincinnati and easily accessible by public transportation.
Q: How do I learn more about Covington Latin School?
A: Visiting Latin School typically provides the most accurate sense of our culture. Many people choose to have prospective students be Trojans for a day, in which they are paired with a Prep or Form I (Freshman) student with similar interests and experience a day in the life of a CLS student. We are available meet with families individually to provide counsel on the admissions process and offer an in-person overview and tour of the School. Additionally, we offer a Parent Preview Reception in December and our annual Open House and Welcome Week in February.
Whether your interest in Latin School is pursued through an individual visit, a group event, or requesting information, the Admissions Office is here to serve you. Please contact our Director of Institutional Advancement, Carl Goodmonson, at advancement@covingtonlatin.org or 859.291.7044 to make arrangements.