Welcome Letter From the Director, Summer 2026
Salve!
You have been selected as one of the forty-five participants in the thirty-ninth Governor’s Latin Academy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The Academy faculty extends congratulations and greetings to you. We all look forward to meeting you on Sunday, June 28.
This is the link to the student packet with information specific to the Latin Academy for you and your parents to read and discuss together. I have included a list of this year’s classes as well as a general daily schedule. Be confident that every day is filled beginning with ientaculum (breakfast) at 8:00 a.m., classes until lunch, lectures, rehearsals, and recreation post meridiem (after noon); dinner and evening activities that do not end until epistulæ (mail call). You will want to make the most of the otium (free time) you do have.
Additionally, when you complete the Participant Survey (see your email), you help the staff plan a Latin Academy that will be challenging and enjoyable for you. The password for the survey is in the email you received from me. There is also a checklist of items that must be completed/postmarked by May 26.
Finally, there is an invitation to the performance on July 11. Each summer Academy students participate in an entirely Latin production to demonstrate their growth over the two weeks of our program. Parents, friends, and Latin teachers are encouraged to attend. Please also hand-deliver the enclosed invitation to your Latin teacher before the school year is finished.
Plan to arrive at Gladding Residence Center at VCU between 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28 in order to register and move into your room before the Opening Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. Parents and students should attend this ceremony which will take place in the T. Edward Temple building. Immediately afterwards you will have time to eat and say farewell.
Parents should also plan on attending the Closing Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 12. On closing day, parents should arrive no later than 9 a.m. to pack up before the closing activities.
On behalf of the Latin Academy faculty, let me again say how eager we are to meet you and to get started. Do not hesitate to contact me with questions about any of the enclosed materials. Best wishes as the end of your school year approaches.
Dr. Nikki Carroll
Director, Governor’s Latin Academy
valatinacademy@gmail.com