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
...taught me to adapt my teaching style to each childs needs. While some learned better through mnemonics and letter-to-word associations, others preferred to process information and teach content back to me themselves. The greatest lesson I've learned as a tutor is to first step back and let a student tell me their goals, show me how they take in information, and point me in the direction of the challenging areas. With this information, I can...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Current Undergrad, Physiology and Neurobiology
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Piano
- 10th Grade
- Algebra 2
- +99 subjects

Mary-Barrett: Portland Latin course instructor
...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 lifelong learner believing that it is critical to impart an ongoing passion for learning to my students. I have had great success in my...
Education & Certification
- Smith College - Bachelor in Arts, French
- University of Phoenix - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Test Prep
- Latin 2
- 9th Grade Writing
- +49 subjects

Tamu: Portland Latin course instructor
...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 to working with you and...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelors, Speech, Language & Hearing
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- College English
- Languages
- Public Speaking
- +33 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
- Geography
- C++
- Special Relativity
- +112 subjects

Cody: Portland Latin course instructor
Hello! I've spent the majority of my professional life teaching -- 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Bachelors, Theatre - Arts Administration
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Elementary School Math
- Special Education
- 7th Grade Writing
- +86 subjects

Doug: Portland Latin course instructor
...Spanish languages are asking you to do, too! I think learning is a really fun process, and my hope is to be able to help you share that same sense of satisfaction and joy in your work. I know perfectly well, however, that it can feel difficult and I motivating at times. But I'm here to help you get through any difficulties you might have, as well as to help you keep your skills polished!...
Education & Certification
- Boston College - Current Undergrad Student, History
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- ISEE
- Spanish
- High School English
- +33 subjects

James: Portland Latin course instructor
I am 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Humanities (focus on paleography); Math
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- French 2
- SAT Subject Test in French with Listening
- French 3
- +27 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
- Middle School Writing
- Adult ESL/ELL
- A Level English Literature
- +68 subjects

Zach: Portland Latin course instructor
...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 in life to continue the tradition of passing forth knowledge. Not surprisingly, I have always considered tutoring and education among the most noble of...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Essay Editing
- English
- Latin 2
- +36 subjects

Georgina: Portland Latin course instructor
I graduated 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....
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Middle School Reading
- Other
- Middle School
- +22 subjects

Marty: Portland Latin course instructor
...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 paraprofessional at Middletown High School. I spend a lot of my spare time with my grandson, Joshua, who is 13 years old and a...
Education & Certification
- University of Connecticut - Bachelors, Mathematics Education
- Wesleyan University - Masters, Mathematics
- State of Connecticut - Certificate, Mathematics Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- 6th Grade Math
- SAT Subject Test in Literature
- Public Speaking
- +131 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
- SAT Essay
- ESL/ELL
- Study Skills and Organization
- +124 subjects

David: Portland Latin course instructor
...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 is giving someone the ability to reason, and the drive and ability to begin teaching themselves. I enjoy teaching certain topics because of their...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- German 1
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Mathematics
- +55 subjects

Jerry: Portland Latin course instructor
...as I have almost every year since: 5 years at college, 6 years middle school, and 7 years high school, here in Connecticut. At the middle school, I served as the head of the math department, IT, and SSAT testing, including English, verbal, and more. Along the way, I taught every math course from 5th Grade to Calculus. Algebra remains my favorite, but I enjoy them all! In 2012, I earned a Master's degree at...
Education & Certification
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh - Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
- Central Connecticut State University - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Study Skills and Organization
- ACT
- College Economics
- +90 subjects

Joana: Portland Latin course instructor
...Hampshire. Although living in a rigorous academic and social environment, I found solace through various forms of mentoring. I served as a teaching assistant to a local preschool and a peer tutor in Latin, math, and the sciences. For my undergraduate education I attended Yale University. Majoring in Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics and Classical Civilization, I still reserved the time to serve others. For four years, I was the coordinator of the Alpha Achievement Program...
Education & Certification
- Yale College - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Yale School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Molecular Medicine
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- ACT English
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- ACT
- +15 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
- Java
- Adult Literacy
- PC Basic Computer Skills
- +35 subjects

Whitney: Portland Latin course instructor
My objective is to assist students into becoming successful participants in society by giving them the educational confidence needed. I started tutoring, mentoring and teaching dance at the age of fourteen. I have worked in corporate America, and the non profit sector but my passion has always remained with children. I have a daughter and I give my students as much as I would give my own child.... I believe any student can learn anything if it can be made interesting.
Education & Certification
- Virginia Commonwealth University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Test Prep
- COMPASS Reading
- High School Level American History
- +48 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Rhode Island - Bachelor of Science, Clothing and Textiles Studies
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Other
- Conversational Italian
- English
- +8 subjects

Jonathan: Portland Latin course instructor
...have served as a math tutor during high school and engineering tutor for two college courses. Some of the most fundamental mathematics to understand are algebra and calculus, so I always seek to tutor these subjects as well as any others in which I am proficient. I enjoy playing musical instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, and clarinet. I also like to powerlift and am always open for a long adventure in the woods!
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Trigonometry
- A Level
- AP Calculus BC
- +75 subjects
Education & Certification
- Skidmore College - Current Undergrad Student, Classics
Subject Expertise
- Latin
- Latin 1
- Social Studies
- Latin 2
- +6 subjects