What Reviewers Say

Getting Started with Latin (GSWL) is widely regarded in the homeschool community as the gold standard for a 'soft entry' into classical languages. Reviewers consistently praise its incremental methodology, where each lesson introduces exactly one new concept or word. Authoritative sources like Cathy Duffy emphasize that the program's simplicity is its greatest strength, making it nearly impossible for students to feel overwhelmed. The inclusion of free audio files is frequently cited as a vital resource for parents who lack confidence in their own pronunciation. The primary trade-off noted by users on the Well-Trained Mind forums is that the book is an introductory 'bridge' rather than a comprehensive multi-year program; while it builds a solid foundation, students will eventually need to transition to a more robust curriculum like Henle or First Form Latin. It is highly recommended for its affordability and high success rate with 'Latin-shy' families.

How It Works

A typical session takes only 15 to 20 minutes and requires only the single textbook and a device to play the free audio recordings. The parent and child read a very short explanation of one new word or grammar concept and then immediately work through ten translation exercises that reinforce that specific point. Because the lessons are so incremental, the child can often complete the translations orally while the parent uses the back of the book or the audio files to check for accuracy. This routine is usually done daily or three times a week, providing a low-stress way to build a Latin vocabulary without the need for heavy writing or complex charts.

Switching to This?

The publisher does not offer a formal placement test because the curriculum is designed as the absolute beginning point for any student, regardless of age or grade. The community rule of thumb is to start at Lesson 1, as the program’s success relies on the cumulative 'one-word-at-a-time' building process. Families can easily start this curriculum at any point in the school year because the lessons are self-contained and do not require a major schedule overhaul. If you are switching from a more intense program that caused frustration, expect this transition to feel significantly lighter and more focused on confidence-building than rote memorization.

Curriculum Details

Price

$9 - $21

The softcover textbook usually retails for around $21.95, while the Kindle/ebook version is approximately $9.99. All audio lectures and answer keys are provided for free on the publisher's website.

Grades

3 - 12

Available As

Print Digital Audio

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Foreign Language

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

5-20 min/day

Parent Involvement

None

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Prima Latina, which uses a traditional classroom approach with prayers and formal vocabulary lists, Getting Started with Latin is secular and focuses on the immediate practical application of translating sentences. When weighed against Minimus, which uses an immersion-based comic strip style, this program provides much clearer explanations of grammar so students never have to guess at meanings. Parents choosing between this and Latin for Children often find that while Latin for Children is high-energy with videos and chants, Getting Started with Latin is better for 'Latin-shy' families who want a quiet, 1-on-1 experience at the kitchen table. Compared to Henle Latin, which is a rigorous high-school level text, this curriculum acts as a vital bridge or 'on-ramp' to prepare younger students for that steep increase in difficulty. Finally, unlike Big Book of Lively Latin, which includes history and art activities, this book is a 'just the facts' resource that is much more affordable and takes significantly less time to complete each day.