Reading Latin & Discovering Ancient History in Rome: June 25-July 5, 2025

A unique summer learning experience in Rome, Italy designed for high school students to advance their expertise in reading Latin. Here, in the urbs aeterna, we make the Classics come alive through the interplay of literature, ancient history and travel.

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Reading Latin in Rome

Calder Classics invites students entering 10th through 12th grades to join us in Rome in the summer of 2025. Over the course of a ten day program, the Classics come alive through the study of Latin, exploration of ancient sites, and immersion in daily Italian life.

We spend our time together in a beautiful apartment in the San Saba neighborhood. Language, art, and scholarship merge fluently in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary exchange. Our days consist of reviewing Latin grammar, reading the great authors of Latin literature, and exploring the historical and cultural treasures of Rome. The evenings feature Italy’s many leisure and culinary offerings.

Master the Language

Each day, students and their mentors read, translate, and discuss Latin literature in an interactive “salon” style environment. Our Latin readings will include such influential Roman authors as Cicero, Livy, Vergil, Ovid and Tacitus. Given that participants join us from a variety of schools, we begin with a brief review of Latin grammar. We then analyze the texts from both a grammatical and literary perspective, engaging in such topics as the significance of rhetorical devices, meter, and intertextuality. At least 1 school year of reading original Latin texts is required.

Dive into Italy’s Ancient History, Art, and Culture

Throughout the course, we engage with ancient art that is related thematically to, or directly inspired by, the literature we have read. Guided by our resident classical archeologist specialized in Roman wall painting, sculpture, and architecture, we explore the historical and cultural treasures of Rome, including the Forum Romanum, Palatine and Capitoline Hills, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, Colosseum, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Our discussions focus on the historical context and broader themes of these sites as well as their connection to the core curriculum.

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Staff

Accommodations

We have exclusive use of a beautiful apartment in Rome located in the residential neighborhood of San Saba. San Saba is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets, its spacious apartments, and its proximity to the ancient sites. On one side is the elegant residential area of San Saba with its villas from the beginning of the 20th century, antique churches and gardens. On the other is the folkloric Testaccio quarter, noted for its many trattorias. Conveniently located near Porta San Paolo and the Piramide metro stop, the apartment is close to restaurants, alimentari, and many of the ancient sites we will visit, such as the Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Palatine and Aventine Hills, and the Colosseum.The apartment has a large balcony where students can read Latin or relax during their free time. Rooms are shared but all beds are singles. The accommodations feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a full modern kitchen, and washer/dryer.

Dates & Fees

June 25 to July 5, 2025

The $6,800 tuition includes accommodations, transportation within Italy, museum entries, instruction and course materials. Breakfast, plus either lunch or dinner, are also included. Depending on our daily schedules, students will be on their own for either a midday lunch break or an evening dinner break. Students are responsible for the cost of their own activities outside of the group. Airfare is not included.

Dates are set so you can stay for “Reading Greek or Latin: The Power of Rhetoric” 1/2 hour outside Rome from July 5-15.

Application Deadline

Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Please submit your application by the deadline of December 31 to receive priority consideration for this program. Applications received before December 31 will be reviewed as they are received, and acceptances will be granted upon evaluation by our staff. Applications received after December 31 will be reviewed if spots are still available.

Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date provided that we have received your teacher reference.

Transportation

Students may choose to travel on the same flight as our staff on either or both legs of the journey between New York City and Rome. Calder Classics will arrange transportation between the Rome airport and the residence ONLY for those students who choose to travel on a flight with our staff, or who coordinate with our flight at arrival or departure. The details of the flight will be specified in advance. Students traveling by themselves must make their own connections to the residence.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for organizing an amazing trip to Italy! Our son returned on Monday and told us that he really loved everything about it. He enjoyed everything he saw and thought that Crispin was awesome. The trip definitely solidified his interest in Classics!” Caroline S., parent

“I want to thank you for all you do for Calder Classics and kids who love language and history! We’re so happy we discovered you.
This was absolutely a highlight of the year for our daughter. She was fascinated daily, made friends for life, practiced independence abroad, ate new foods, learned a ton, and adored her wonderful teachers.” AG, parent

“The trip was absolutely amazing. We went all around Rome visiting everything from the Pantheon to Nero’s mansion to the Forum to the Circus Maximus... We also went to visit Ostia and Pompeii and Pompeii was absolutely amazing. I definitely would say that was the highlight of my trip. I’m so grateful (…) to the program for such an opportunity because it definitely changed my life and perspective of languages. I’m( ..) now really interested in studying Italian as well as continuing my Latin. Araba A., student

"Calder Classics gave me a unique opportunity to see the amazing ruins of ancient Rome guided by real experts and combined with excellent Latin instruction. Seeing the Roman Forum, Temple of Victory, triumphal arches, and more made ancient Rome come alive for me and the other students. I highly recommend this program." Thomas W., student

"The Calder Classics Rome Program was the highlight of my summer vacation. I deepened my understanding of fundamental Latin concepts as well as more complex aspects of the language, gained an abundance of knowledge about Ancient Roman culture, and formed friendships and made memories that I will cherish forever. I cannot thank the Calder Classics Rome Program enough for my truly singular and incredibly memorable experience." -Frances D.

"I had a truly amazing experience in Rome, Italy. Calder Classics improved not only my Latin but also my knowledge and curiosity of the classics. I'll never forget the two weeks in Rome." -Julia S., student

Photos from Previous Trips

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