Classical Greek |

About The CLRC Classical Greek Program

CLRC Greek classes are offered at the elementary, middle school, and high school level. Introductory classes, which build a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary, are available at all levels. The program culminates in college level classes reading the works of Homer, Plato, Herodotus, Demosthenes, Euripides, Sophocles, Thucydides and others. We emphasize vocabulary acquisition through online flashcards with audio recordings, friendly class vocabulary competitions complete with year-end prizes, and derivative work to help students find English words that are based on the new Greek vocabulary they have learned that week. CLRC Greek classes also focus on depth of grammatical understanding, and extensive reading to introduce students to the beautiful patterns, cadence, and literature of the Greek language. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to take the National Greek Exam.

“Hardly any lawful price would seem to me too high for what I have gained by being made to learn Latin and Greek.”C.S. Lewis

"My son ended up getting a perfect score on the National Greek Exam, and I know a part of that is a result of him enjoying the CLRC classes so much. Thank you for the great classes & instructors you provide."
- Kathleen O, Nevada

In the CLRC Greek Program:

THREE DISTINCT ENTRY POINTS TO ACCOMMODATE STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT AGES, ABILITIES, AND MOTIVATIONS

CLRC offers a comprehensive series of 8 Greek courses from Upper Elementary to College Level reading classes.

Our Upper Elementary Greek program flows directly into the Intermediate or High School level classes with no need to re-start in a different program.

At the middle and high school level we use a standard textbook, Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek, commonly used in both high schools and colleges.

STUDENTS LEARN GRAMMAR

Learning grammar is an essential part and an important benefit of learning Greek.

We explain grammar lessons clearly in English, with plenty of examples, and then apply that understanding to Greek.

We have developed an extensive system of clear, eye appealing charts to outline key grammatical concepts.

STUDENTS LEARN VOCABULARY... ENGLISH TOO!

As the student's Greek vocabulary grows, so does their English vocabulary.

Every homework assignment includes derivative work finding English words that are based on the new Greek vocabulary they are learning that week.

Students broaden their English vocabulary while solidifying their understanding of the new Greek words they are learning.

Etymology is fascinating! Do you know the Greek roots of calligraphy, pheromone, and synchronize?

We provide complete sets of online flashcards that can be printed or used via computer, tablet, or iPhone. Friendly class vocabulary competitions, complete with year-end prizes, help to encourage vocabulary development.

WE INCORPORATE REGULAR REVIEW

Every class includes review of previous vocabulary and grammar lessons.

Daily homework assignments include both oral and written practice of all the verb conjugations and noun declensions learned.

At the middle school and high school level we provide cumulative exams after every 7 or 8 lessons. These test vocabulary retention, understanding of grammatical concepts, and sight-reading ability. These exams provide us with a helpful diagnostic tool and an objective-grading standard for parents who want grade reports for their home school file.

WE ANSWER STUDENTS QUESTIONS

WE PROVIDE A COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL GREEK PROGRAM

CLRC offers a comprehensive 4-Year Greek program to take students with no previous knowledge of Classical Greek up to a second year college reading level.

We use a standard textbook, Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek, commonly used in both high schools and colleges in the United States and Britain. Athenaze provides a good mixture of both inductive and deductive learning. Grammar is presented systematically in the context of a reading-based approach. Students read short passages from both Classical and New Testament Greek in virtually every chapter. The text is supplemented with a variety of charts and activities to aid in understanding and memorization.

We are currently working in partnership with several universities and colleges to invite ‘visiting professors’ to work with our Greek 4 students in six to eight week units for advanced study with specific classical authors and texts.

STUDENTS LEARN TO READ GREEK

There are many side-benefits to learning Greek — vocabulary, discipline, training in systematic and precise thought, logic, ease of learning subsequent languages, raising SAT scores.

But, the ultimate goal of Greek study is to be able to read the world’s great literature that was written in Greek — Homer, Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, Plutarch ….

Graduates of the CLRC Greek program are able to read both the Greek New Testament and Classical Literature

We begin reading with our youngest students so they get used to the pattern and cadence of the language as early as possible.

This early familiarity eases the eventual transition to reading authentic Greek authors.

WE HAVE FUN!

CLRC Greek students have friendly competitions with the online flash cards — complete with prizes mailed to the top scorers.

Classical Greek is hard, and the joy of mastering it is great. We frequently see our chat box filled with comments like — “I GET this!” “Light bulb!” or “NOW it makes sense!”

We have fun mastering difficult grammatical concepts together, sharing news about the events of the week, and figuring out what on earth that infinitive is doing in the fourth line!