The study of Latin or Greek helps our students become better attuned to language and literature throughout their lives. Building on a solid foundation of Latin and Greek grammar and vocabulary (and English derivatives), classics students read and discuss the poetry and ideas of the Greeks and Romans and explore ancient literature, art, history and society. Students also write interpretive essays analyzing the characters, language, themes and techniques of this critically-important literature, which has been a wellspring for western culture for over 2000 years. Field trips include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the University of Pennsylvania Museum, and classical plays in translation. Students participate each year in the National Latin Exam, the National Greek Exam, and the Philadelphia Classical Society's art competition.