Opinion

Opinion Roundup: Should taking two years of a classical language be a THHS Honors certificate requirement?

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Editor • January 28, 2026

The Townsend Harris honors certificate requires that students take 2 years of either Latin or Greek. Students debate whether or not the requirement should remain.

At Townsend Harris High School, all students are required to take either Latin or ancient Greek starting in their sophomore year. Doing so is part of fulfilling the requirements to earn the THHS Honors certificate upon graduation, which is not required for the regular or advanced Regents diploma. The unique requirement dates back all the way to 1984 in the school’s refounding on the Queens College campus. Additionally, all students either sit for the National Latin Exam or the National Greek Exam in March of their sophomore and junior year. There is an opportunity for students to earn a ribbon if they meet the scoring requirements on these exams. The requirement at THHS has long sparked conversation over the importance of learning a classical language and whether or not it should be required for the Honors certificate.

The Classic interviewed students and staff on the classical language requirement, and whether they think it should be a requirement for the THHS Honors Certificate.

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“I’ve heard [taking a classical language} can be [rigorous]. From what I’ve heard, [the students] say they get a lot of work. I knew having to take a classical language was a requirement when applying to Townsend Harris. I was kind of scared about it. Seeing as it is a required course, I’m up for it. But, if it was optional I wouldn’t choose to take [a classical language.] I think it should be optional [for everyone] as we’re [already] taking a [modern] language. Still, I feel like taking a classical language benefits us [as students] because you could [apply it to real-life situations]. I think [being required to take one year] of a classical language would be better than having to take it for multiple years. I don’t believe that having to take a classical language adds to Townsend Harris’ identity as a school, either.”

— Freshman Safoana Fatiha

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“I take Latin as a current sophomore. Honestly, I feel it’s an easy course. The workload is easy and there is rarely homework. It’s more-so practice problems during class time. As a freshman, I heard from upperclassmen that Greek was really hard and that Latin was the [less difficult] course. [Hearing that] influenced my decision when choosing which [course to take]. [Also], I did know about the [classical language requirement] before applying to Townsend Harris. Honestly, I think taking two years of a classical language should be a requirement. It’s kind of unique, and most schools don’t do it. I think it helps separate our school from other schools and it adds to our identity as a school. Still, I feel like the requirement should be one year. Especially having to take [a second year of latin or greek] during junior year with the stress of SAT’s and AP classes as well, it’s unnecessary additional stress.”

— Sophomore Matthew Raia

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“I take Greek as a current junior. I think classical Greek is an easy class, and we don’t get too much work. My favorite thing about taking greek is learning about the different greek myths, and my least favorite thing is learning tricky grammatical rules. I did know about the classical language requirement before I applied to Townsend Harris, but it wasn’t a deciding factor. I think it’s important to learn classical languages because it helps you understand the English language better. I think having to take either Latin or Greek should be a requirement because the THHS Honors certificate is meant to [reflect higher standards than the Regents diploma]. Taking one of these courses proves a level of higher education. I feel that this requirement does add to the school’s identity, and it’s one of the major things we are known for. Though, I think one year should be required and taking two years should be optional [if students feel they excel].”

— Junior Mila Lyssikatos

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“I took Latin in sophomore and junior year. Latin was really hard for me, and very confusing. I didn’t find myself being able to apply it anywhere else throughout my life. My least favorite part about Latin was learning about nouns, but my favorite thing was finding connections between Latin roots and English words. The workload wasn’t that bad, so in a way it made up for the challenging material. I didn’t know that taking a classical language was a requirement for the THHS Honors certificate before I applied. Though, when I found out, I wasn’t mad about it because I have many family members who have a history with learning Latin. I understand why taking a classical language is a requirement, but I still don’t think it should be. Passing a classical language isn’t indicative of how good a student you are. It’s good to have as a course, but not as a required one.”

— Senior Amden Zahir

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About the Contributors

Brailyn Almonte, Opinion Editor

Brailyn is a junior at Townsend Harris High School. She plans to study law in college and become an attorney one day. She also enjoys reading books, especially fantasy, romance and dystopian texts. Her favorite Classic piece that she has worked on thus far is her opinion piece on the THHS guidance department and their ability to provide various wellness opportunities to students. Her favorite Classic piece written by others is a news article that features a Townsend Harris custodian. She thinks it is sweet for the people who keep our school clean to be recognized for their hard work.

Bella Chen, Sports Photography Editor

Bella is a senior at Townsend Harris High School who hopes to pursue a career that gives her the opportunity to help people. Outside of journalism, she enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Her favorite Classic piece she worked on is Scenes from Prom 2024, where she remembers the seniors’ happy faces and the delicious ice cream. Her favorite Classic piece made by others is an article titled “Mr. Wang Retires After Ten Years Serving as a THHS Guidance Counselor,” by Intishar Chinho. Mr. Wang was her guidance counselor and she agreed with all the kind things said about him.