If you are a high school student studying Latin at David Douglas High School or Lincoln High School, or you're studying college-level Latin at the University of Portland or Reed College, or you just have a fascination with learning Latin, Varsity Tutors can help you out with a Portland Latin course. Whether you are brand new to the language or you have some skills that need refreshing, a course that provides the building blocks of the language, as well as access to an experienced Latin teacher, could be just the thing you're looking for.
If you feel like you don't learn enough in a traditional classroom, you are looking for a way to avoid a long commute, or you just want to try something new, then enrolling in this class could go a long way towards helping you build up your ability to use Latin, whether you are speaking it or writing it down.
If you are a native English speaker, you'll find a lot of similar words in Latin, as English is one of the Germanic languages most heavily influenced by the language. Latin can also provide you with the foundation to learn the Romance languages, as many evolved from it, including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and French.
Though it is still the official language of Vatican City and the Roman Catholic Church, Latin is now considered a dead language. It was a living language all throughout the Middle Ages and into the beginning of the modern era. By the seventeenth century, many people had tried to make classical Latin a popular and much-used language again, but these attempts were unsuccessful as the vernacular languages such as French, Italian, and English rose in usage. By the time the nineteenth century had arrived, the vernacular languages had become more widespread and had taken over.
However, the Roman alphabet is still used today and is the alphabet that English and several other languages throughout the world use. In classical times, the Latin alphabet only had 23 letters, instead of the 26 used by native English speakers. It lacked the j, w, and v.
By enrolling in a Portland Latin class, you will learn that Latin not only provides a foundation for learning other languages, but also is still used in many professions, such as scientific research, law, medicine, and theology.
What types of material will I learn in a Portland Latin course?
When speaking Latin, the endings of words, or inflections, are key to comprehending how the words will interact with each other in the sentence. It is important to understand these inflections if you want to make sense out of a sentence. This can be somewhat hard for those who are native English speakers because English does not make much use out of inflected word forms. Instead, English relies more strictly on word order.
For example, if a sentence reads "the bear eats a trout", an English speaker would know which animal was consuming the other based purely off the order the words are written in. In Latin, it is not so clear cut and relies more on the way the verb ends. When learning Latin, vocabulary is important, but the way a word ends is just as important. Latin is a language that has concise expressions that are highly inflected.
Another thing you will learn is about the types of nouns there are in Latin. Latin has three forms for nouns, including the neuter form, the feminine form, and the masculine form. It is important to know which form a noun takes as the adjective will relate to it, in both gender and number. It can take some practice and memorization on your part to remember which form a noun comes in. Some are more obvious, such as "regina" for "queen" which is feminine, or "vir" for "man" which is masculine. Neuter nouns can be somewhat more difficult and can include words like "consilium" for "plan" or "nomen" for "name".
If you are a native English speaker, you will learn that a lot of English words actually come from Latin, which can make picking up the vocabulary somewhat easier. Some examples of familiar words can include "finis" for "finish or end" and "adulescen" for "a youth or adolescent".
Don't worry if this sounds like a lot of memorization for nouns and complex rules for verbs and grammar. Your Latin instructor will be there through all of the stages of your learning and there will be plenty of opportunities to discuss the different intricacies of Latin.
How can a Portland Latin course teach me Latin skills?
A Portland Latin class combines the convenience of a virtual classroom with the interaction you'd get from studying with other people. This is because you will have access not only to an experienced Latin teacher but your classmates as well. When you start having problems, you can talk to your instructor or you can ask another student for help. If you talk with another student, it gives both of you the chance to learn more about the Latin language. Additionally, if you find that learning Latin is difficult in some areas, a Portland Latin course will offer the opportunity for you to request some one-on-one time with your instructor.
The classes start on a rolling monthly basis, so getting started can be quick and efficient. Being fully online provides a few advantages, including the fact that you do not have to go anywhere to learn. You can talk to your instructor and classmates as if they were there with you. Night classes, weekend classes, and daytime classes can be chosen depending on your individual needs.
How can I get started?
If you are ready to start learning Latin, you simply need to contact Varsity Tutors to get started with the enrollment process. We can give you some extra information on what you may learn in a Portland Latin class, as well as provide you with details on when and how you can begin. We will also let you know what classes are currently being offered. Soon, with the aid of your professional Latin expert, the support of your classmates, and the various activities designed to encourage learning, you can either begin learning Latin from the basics or brush up on what you already know.

Joy: Portland Latin course instructor
...thought of algebra was so frightening and intimidating that any reasoning disintegrated. So, we followed the mantra Algebra is not magic, reminding the student in times when she faltered that she can think through a math problem. As long as she felt grounded enough to access her innate understanding of the world around us, she progressed. Later on, my extensive experience in the classroom as a Jumpstart Corps Member taught me to adapt my teaching...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Current Undergrad, Physiology and Neurobiology
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Russian
- Spanish
- College Algebra
- +99 subjects

James: Portland Latin course instructor
...a freshman at Yale University, hailing originally from Seattle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I believe that education is one of the most fundamental aspects of a society's wellbeing, and that it is the duty of those of us who have been graced with the advantages of a good education to give back in some way; one of my motivations for tutoring is to do my part in that way. In my free time, I...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Humanities (focus on paleography); Math
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Spanish
- French
- French 3
- +27 subjects

David: Portland Latin course instructor
...and continental philosophy. While this area is fascinating in itself, I am very thankful for my philosophical education because it has also sowed within me a deep commitment to teaching, teaching that aims not only for understanding, but also for creating and encouraging interest in specific topics and in learning itself. While I agree that the goal of teaching is to help someone learn a certain topic, the greatest achievement in teaching I have experienced...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- German
- Spanish
- Languages
- +55 subjects

Frank: Portland Latin course instructor
My entire professional life has been devoted to enlightening students to be active learners in reading, writing and appreciating the English language I have been an educator for over four decades because the more I teach my students ,the more I learn from them! Let's enjoy this adventure together!
Education & Certification
- University of Bridgeport - Bachelor in Arts, English
- University of Michigan-Flint - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Reading
- Admissions
- Social Studies
- +54 subjects

Sarah: Portland Latin course instructor
I thrive in tutoring humanities - English literature, Latin, art history, music (keyboard, music theory and music history), philosophy and history. I am liberal arts trained and excel at connecting concepts across academic disciplines.
Education & Certification
- Vassar College - Bachelor in Arts, Music
- Yale University - Master of Arts, Sacred Music
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- French
- UK A Level History
- PSAT
- +68 subjects

Stephen: Portland Latin course instructor
Hello! My name is Stephen and I am a Junior at Yale University studying Psychology and Education Studies. I am very passionate about working with kids and pursuing a career in teaching, and my main goal is to help students achieve their full potential!
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- German
- Entertainment
- SAT Verbal
- +124 subjects

Nancy: Portland Latin course instructor
...why learning a particular skill is important. I was a classroom teacher for many years. I spent most of those years teaching grades 3, 4 and 7, but I have actually taught all grades! While in the classroom, I taught core subjects to heterogeneously grouped students. For the last ten years, I have been an online tutor. My online students varied in abilities and geographical locations. I was even tasked with planning for and teaching...
Education & Certification
- Southern Connecticut State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education K-8
- Southern Connecticut State University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Hebrew
- Mandarin Chinese
- French
- +82 subjects

Shannon: Portland Latin course instructor
...2021, a year early. After that, I jumped into the world of marketing for Broadway National Tours, but my heart has always been in teaching and tutoring. I've been working with kids and teens since I was sixteen - tutoring, counseling at camps, and teaching a variety of subjects like English, History, and Theatre Arts. I've also helped students with AP courses like Language, Literature, Government, and US History. In college, I was known as...
Education & Certification
- State University of New York at New Paltz - Bachelor in Arts, Theater Arts
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- College and University Admissions
- Visual Arts
- Phonics
- +48 subjects

Nana: Portland Latin course instructor
...a strong foundation in International Baccalaureate (IB) subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Computer Science, while my professional and research experiences have sharpened my skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and collaboration. Teaching has been a constant passion throughout my journey, as I enjoy helping students unlock their potential, particularly in reading comprehension, writing, and algebra. I believe education is the key to personal growth and societal progress, a lesson reinforced by my academic and extracurricular...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Grade 10 Math
- Other
- IB Language A: Language and Literature
- +54 subjects

Tamu: Portland Latin course instructor
...in helping them improve their communication needs. This includes social language as well as verbal and written language. I have also tutored students in basic math such as arithmetic and algebra. I have a love for languages. I am an American Sign Lanuage interpreter and I speak conversational French. My philosophy for learning is learning should be fun. This happens when the teacher knows what teaching style works best for the student. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelors, Speech, Language & Hearing
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- French
- Other
- Study Skills
- +33 subjects

John: Portland Latin course instructor
...Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and New York Broker Dealer Certifications (Series 7 and Series 63), I bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. My journey in the corporate sector has equipped me with invaluable insights into the intricacies of finance and business management. However, it's my passion for education and mentorship that truly drives me. With four years of dedicated teaching experience, I have honed my...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Master of Science, Finance
- CFA Institute - Associate in Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- French
- German
- AP Japanese Language and Culture
- +620 subjects

Mary-Barrett: Portland Latin course instructor
...in Europe and Asia and have had the opportunity to visit many countries throughout the world. I had many wonderful experiences tutoring English as a second language in varying cultural contexts. I graduated from Smith College with a degree in French and studied at L'Universite de Paris, Sorbonne et Clignancourt through the Smith junior year abroad program. I also hold a Masters degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum & Instruction. I am a...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelor in Arts, French
- University of Phoenix - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- French
- 10th Grade Reading
- 7th Grade Reading
- +49 subjects

Cody: Portland Latin course instructor
...as a classroom teacher, substitute teacher, a special education paraprofessional and as a theatre teaching artist. I'm also a playwright and work for a nonprofit arts center in downtown Hartford. I'm passionate about education, and I love the experience of one-on-one teaching. It's my way of giving back to the incredible teachers that shaped my childhood and offered me the doors to the professional experiences I've been fortunate enough to have. Let's learn!... I believe that great learning happens when a student feels supported and empowered. Creating a safe space to learn and creating a space that's supportive of a student's learning style and strengths make great learning a reality. Good teaching begins with the student -- knowing where they are, and teaching to that place.
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- ACT English
- 7th Grade Math
- Reading
- +86 subjects

Zach: Portland Latin course instructor
...opportunities, I welcome any of you who wishes to undergo SAT/PSAT or ACT Test Preparation that will get you the scores you need for admission to the college of your choice. As for my experience, I have tutoring experience in both one-to-one settings, going as far back as high school, and group/classroom settings, especially from my 4 years of tutoring with Yale MATHCOUNTS. As a likely future graduate student myself, it is my general goal...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Elementary School Writing
- Phonics
- CogAT
- +54 subjects

Marty: Portland Latin course instructor
...life of retirement wasn't for me. Fortunately I was rehired as a math interventionist and I've been working at that job ever since, and loving it. I'm active in my local Lutheran church and served as its financial secretary. I'm currently an elder in my church. I've taught in summer school and in after school programs too. I do love teaching... that's why I can't seem to leave it. These days I'm employed as a...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Mathematics Education
- Wesleyan University - Masters, Mathematics
- State of Connecticut - Certificate, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Mandarin Chinese
- Geography
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- +131 subjects

Georgina: Portland Latin course instructor
...from the University of Connecticut with my Masters Degree in 2018 and have been teaching in behavioral settings using a therapeutic approach since then. I also have experience providing in home behavioral support as well as tele-health. I have experience working with children with disabilities and have a wide range of learning tools and strategies to help all children grow. Patience is key when working with children and so is celebrating all growth. I enjoy...
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Pre-Algebra
- Languages
- Elementary School
- +22 subjects

Charles: Portland Latin course instructor
Hello everyone! I love to learn and I love to help others learn. I'm a BS in Physics and I'm confident I can help with any math or physics.... When solving math and physics problems the best place to start is with the fundamentals. Sometimes I have to start with, "So what happens when you let go of your pencil?" Or, "When I divide by ten on this side what do I have to do to the other side?" Oftentimes, students just need someone to help them think about a problem in a methodical way.
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Boulder - Bachelors, Physics
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Foreign Language
- History
- Algebra 2
- +112 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Rhode Island - Bachelor of Science, Clothing and Textiles Studies
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Italian
- Latin 1
- English
- +8 subjects

Sirjan: Portland Latin course instructor
...& science. I also really enjoy teaching others what I know related to science, mathematics, and physics. Science is an exact way to describe how the world works and a way to explore opportunities to make it better. The reason I enjoy sharing what I know is that I also refresh myself, and in the process I get to meet new people and create new connections with people who share similar interests, which is most...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering
- Yale University - Master of Science, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- HSPT Quantitative
- TOEFL
- C++
- +88 subjects

Christopher: Portland Latin course instructor
I believe everybody can learn something new. The key is to find the right teacher, which is the student. Teach someone how to ask the right questions, and watch them unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Or, at least, crack the nut of an A paper.
Education & Certification
- Southern New Hampshire University - Bachelor in Arts, English Composition
- Southern New Hampshire University - Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Middle School Writing
- Creative Writing
- Middle School Reading
- +35 subjects