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Published on 08/19/1996 All articles from this issue

'The Keepers of Alexandria' brings Latin touch to Children's International School

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By Kristina Allen / Town Crier Staff Writer

Los Altos students are learning Latin in a pilot multicultural and multidisciplinary program called "The Keepers of Alexandria" at the Children's International School (CIS) in Palo Alto.

The program, for third, fourth and fifth grade students, centers on the city of Alexandria that was at the crossroads of the ancient world.

"This program teaches the students the grammar, translation and history of the Latin language," said Margaret Hicks, director of CIS. "Also, the students learn about art, geography, literature and much more from this time."

By focusing on Alexandria, instructors use the information to branch out and teach ancient history, science, geometry, poetry, physics, philosophy and critical thinking skills.

"The students will build models of the city with aqueducts, a library, and the lighthouse, which was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world," Hicks said.

"The Keepers of Alexandria" program was initiated by John Wyatt, a professor of classics at the University of Chicago and Beloit College. Hicks, who leads the CIS program, was the director of the Kingsley Montessori Elementary School in Boston before CIS. Integration of the program begins this September.

The CIS is a 12-month academic program for children run out of Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto.

"We currently have several students from Los Altos in our schools and many other families from the Los Altos and Mountain View areas have requested information about the school for next year," said Sue Low, vice president of the board of trustees.

According to staff, the size of the student body has doubled in the past 11 months. In addition to the Alexandria project, all students participate in Spanish and Japanese language instruction as well as numerous intercultural and global activities that integrate with the curriculum.

The school has a rolling admission that allows students into the programs throughout the year.

For more information about CIS or "The Keepers of Alexandria," call 813-9132.