Inspiring Lives of Purpose and Excellence

For more than 135 years, Latin School of Chicago has provided an educational experience that empowers students to tinker, make mistakes, ask questions, and change how they see the world around them. We put our students at the heart of everything we do, embrace their uniqueness, and encourage their curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and empathy. We also ensure that every Latin Learner has what they need to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.

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News

Latest from Latin

JK-12 Math Curriculum Chat Explores Learning at Each Age and Stage

Latin's Academic Affairs department recently hosted a JK–12 Math Curriculum Chat in collaboration with the Parent Association. The event provided parents/guardians with an overview of the math journey students experience across all three divisions.

The conversation centered on deep thinking and mathematical practices, with academic excellence and rigor defined not simply as solution-finding, but as conceptual understanding, abstraction, flexible thinking, and the ability to solve problems using multiple strategies. It also emphasized the joy and beauty of mathematics through rich problem-solving tasks and meaningful real-world applications, alongside the importance of a supportive, inclusive environment grounded in strong relationships, personalized instruction, and robust student supports.

Following a big-picture overview, Division Directors led developmental “deep dives” into what math learning looks like at each age and stage. Parents/guardians learned about the developmental progression of math learning across divisions, from young learners building strong conceptual foundations, to Middle School students developing identities as confident “math people,” to Upper School students sharing their thinking publicly, collaborating at the board, and learning to navigate uncertainty when solutions are not immediately clear. Across all three divisions, teachers consistently reinforced that productive struggle, perseverance, and confidence in the problem-solving process are central to mathematical growth.

The morning session concluded with hands-on "action stations," where small groups of parents/guardians met with facilitators from JK, LS, MS, and US, engaged directly with classroom resources, explored technology-based problem sets, and, at the US station, heard directly from students about their learning experiences and mathematical thinking.

Thank you to our parents/guardians, math teachers and specialists, Parent Association, and Academic Affairs team for creating such a collaborative and insightful conversation regarding the academic journey through mathematics here at Latin.

Capitol News Illinois and image of cellphone

Latin Leads the Way on Cellphone Access in Schools

Capitol News Illinois recently recognized Latin's initiative limiting cellphone access at school: "The Latin School of Chicago first restricted cellphone use for the 2024-25 school year, and a year later, revised it to a total ban during school hours. Since then, students recognize increased engagement, both during instructional time and breaks." (Reported by Sam Freeman and Medill Illinois News Bureau.)

While Illinois is one of only eight states that have not passed legislation to ban cellphones in schools, Latin is seeing the benefits of being proactive. After successfully prohibiting phones in academic and community spaces for one school year, the decision was made to expand to a full phone-free policy. This was done not only to "find the best balance for our students' education and well-being" but to "benefit everyone in our community" notes Nick Baer, Upper School Director.

Student Scarlet G., award winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The Forum, Latin's student newspaper, recognized these benefits early on. In her op-ed article on the subject she states that "Latin is always aiming to build community" and by ensuring students are connected to their environment and not on their devices they are further reinforcing that.

In a new world of digital natives, removing devices does require some adaptation for students, but the additional interaction and connectivity they are feeling is quite clearly potent. When they are more engaged with their peers and their immediate surroundings, it benefits not only their learning ability, but everyone around them. This is borne out anecdotally and by research.

As the Illinois House considers a bill that would restrict cellphone use in schools, Latin School of Chicago is grateful to already be seeing the rewards of such a policy.

Explore the full Capitol News Illinois article
Read Scarlet G.'s article Why I’m Grateful for the Phone Ban (And You Should Be Too)

Seven Student-Athletes Commit to Compete at the Next Level

The Latin community is proud to recognize seven student-athletes who have committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. These athletes have shown dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to their teams throughout their time at Latin, and we are excited to celebrate this accomplishment with them. We congratulate the following students on their commitments and look forward to following their success in this next chapter.

Will H. – Princeton University, Rowing

Will will continue his rowing career at Princeton University, where he plans to study Operations Research and Financial Engineering. Princeton stood out to him for its team culture, strong academics and coaching staff, all of which made the decision feel like the right fit. He is looking forward to stepping into a more competitive environment and taking on a new level of challenge. His time during the 2024 spring season and competing with the national team this past summer stand out as defining experiences in his high school career. Will credits his coach, Matt, for shaping his approach to training and racing with a simple, focused mindset. His advice to younger athletes is to "stay disciplined, every day you are either getting better or getting worse, never the same."

Grayson H. – Wesleyan University, Baseball

Grayson is headed to Wesleyan University to play baseball and study Economics. The connection started early through family, but it stuck because it felt like the right place academically and socially, and because the staff made it clear they wanted him there. He is looking forward to the level of competition and the chance to keep getting better while being part of a tight group. His favorite high school moment was winning a regional title his junior year. He points to his parents as the biggest reason he got to this point. His message to younger athletes is simple. "Set your goals, go after them, and don’t forget to enjoy playing."

Abby K. – Williams College, Field Hockey

Abby will continue her field hockey career at Williams College, where she plans to study Economics. Williams checked every box for her: strong academics, high-level play, and a team culture that felt right right away. She is looking forward to being pushed every day and seeing what she can handle at the next level. Her favorite memory at Latin was being part of the field hockey team that made the program’s first State Final Four run. She credits her parents for being steady through everything, and she keeps her advice short. "Put in the work, even when no one is paying attention."

Olivia L. – Princeton University, Rowing

Olivia is taking her rowing career to Princeton University, where she will study Economics. She was looking for a place that would challenge her in the classroom and on the water, and Princeton gave her that. She is excited to be part of a team that expects a lot and to see how far she can push herself. Racing at the World Rowing Championships stands out as a defining experience during her high school years. She credits her coaches and teammates for raising her standard every day. Her advice is to "raise your own bar, and bring others with you."

Andrew L. – Swarthmore College, Baseball

Andrew will play baseball at Swarthmore College, where the mix of strong academics and a program that felt like a fit made the decision clear. He is looking forward to being part of a team environment and continuing to compete at a high level. A few moments stand out from his time at Latin: his first varsity game as a freshman against Timothy Christian, karaoke on the bus ride back from the Westminster game, and last season’s regional championship. He credits his parents for everything they have put into his journey. His advice is "trust yourself and stick with it."

Lauren R. – Williams College, Soccer

Lauren is headed to Williams College to continue her soccer career and study Economics. She was drawn to the overall experience, high expectations in the classroom, a demanding soccer environment, and a campus community that felt like a fit. She is excited to compete at a higher level and be part of a team that stays connected on and off the field. Many of her best memories come from time spent with her club team at showcases and playoff runs. She points to her early coach, Johnny Ioannou, as someone who pushed her game forward and gave her the confidence to chase bigger opportunities. Her advice to younger athletes is to "go after what you want, stay consistent, and be someone your teammates can rely on."

Jack Z. – Kenyon College, Golf

Jack will continue his golf career at Kenyon College, where he plans to explore his academic interests while competing for a strong program. Kenyon stood out to him for its academics and a golf team that plays a competitive schedule. He is looking forward to the day-to-day work with his team, practicing, competing, and training together throughout the year. His favorite high school moment came when Latin won ISLs and he shot 8 under, a performance that reflects the level he can play at. Jack credits his coach, David Maslen, for his guidance, instruction, and steady support over the years. His advice to younger athletes is easy, "practice is one of the few things you can control, so take it seriously."

Students Win Scholastic Press Association of Chicago Awards

Latin's student newspaper, The Forum, won big at the 2026 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago (SPAC) Awards.

Each year, SPAC hosts the McCormick Foundation High School Media Competition through the Medill Teach For Chicago Journalism program at Northwestern University. The program supports journalism in Chicago through teacher training, outreach and mentoring.

The Forum’s outstanding writers, editors and photographers earned a total of 13 awards for their work this year.

Scarlet G. took home one of SPAC's biggest prizes, Chicago High School Journalist of the Year. She also won awards for Superior General Feature Story and Excellent Special Coverage.

Other Latin award winners included:

Edie P. - Excellent News Story
Sloane S. - Superior Personality Profile and Superior Sports Feature Story
Teddy L. - Superior Computer Graphics
Lyla G. - Excellent Sports News Story
Jeremiah W. - Excellent Sports Photo
Cherish C. - Excellent Non-sports Photo
Rohin S. - Excellent Community Story
The Forum Staff - Excellent Overall Website
Genevieve R. - Excellent Opinion Piece or Column

We congratulate all of our exemplary student journalists on their accolades. We also thank the Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, Northwestern Medill and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for providing this wonderful opportunity.

Learn more about Teach For Chicago Journalism and these awards.