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 85 years, Latin School has existed for students looking for, and often needing, a challenge on the next level.
Q: What advantage does a small school offer?
A: The biggest advantage is closer, more personal attention to each student's needs, especially critical at this stage in her or his development. With 220 students and twenty full-time and five part-time faculty, CLS boasts a 10:1 student/teacher ratio with the average class size of 19.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
A: CLS has never turned a student away with demonstrable financial need. With a tuition assistance budget exceeding $200,000, we ensure that no deserving student will be denied the CLS experience. Nearly 30% of Latin School students receive some form of tuition assistance. Work-study grants are available to nearly all student and honors scholarships are available to students with outstanding entrance exam scores plus additional tuition assistance is possible in many cases.
Q: What steps are taken to acclimate incoming students?
A: Peer Counseling, a program in which upper-class students volunteer to help new students in their transition, is offered to Prep and Form I students. Incoming students are assigned Peer Counselors with whom they can talk about any problems that develop as they adapt to high school. During the first two weeks of the new school year, an orientation program is offered that helps each student meet new friends, adjust to the routine and get involved in class and student body activities.
Q: How demanding is the first year?
A: Coursework for the first year, though demanding, is reasonable. Students can typically expect to spend about two hours a night on homework. The Prep and Freshman Study Skills course, Mentor Center, Peer Counseling 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 opportunities does Latin School offer outside the classroom?
A: CLS has over twenty cocurricular groups, such as Ski Club, Junior Classical League, Strings and Drama Club, in addition to over twenty athletic teams, which offer students an array of events and activities outside the classroom. Dances and service opportunities are also extremely popular.
Q: How many students take the Advanced Placement (AP®) exams?
A: In 2008, 65 students took 122 AP® tests in 9 different subject areas. Seventeen students in the 2008 graduating class were awarded AP® Scholar status (excelling in three or more AP® exams).
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 degrees, 48% hold master's degrees and 30% hold doctorate degrees.
Q: Is transportation easily available?
A: Latin School is conveniently located at 11th and Madison in Covington (five minutes from downtown Cincinnati), next to the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Given the geodiversity of our student body, many families choose to create or join existing car pools – a CLS family list prepared by zip code is mailed to all parents in early August. Latin School is also is easily accessible by Metro and Tank bus services.
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 vestibule is open to students needing to stay later).
Q: How do I learn more about Covington Latin School?
A: Visiting Latin School typically provides the most accurate sense of our culture. Each February, we host the annual Open House and Welcome Week but we also welcome individualized campus visits year-round. 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. Whether your interest in CLS is pursued through an individual visit, Open House or requesting additional materials, the Admissions Office is here to serve you. Contact the Director of Admissions, Carl Goodmonson, by phone or email to make arrangements.