Most online Latin programs come in two formats: live classes that meet at set times each week, and self-paced courses you work through on your own schedule. Both can teach you to read Latin well. The right one depends on your calendar, how you learn, and how much help you want along the way.
The two formats side by side
| Live online class | Self-paced course | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Fixed weekly meeting times | Any time, day or night |
| Pace | Set by the class | Set by you; slow down or speed up |
| Missed a week? | You catch up on your own | Nothing is missed |
| Interaction | Speaking with classmates in real time | Varies by course; ask before you enroll |
| Review | Depends on whether sessions are recorded | Rewatch any lesson |
| Term | Usually a semester | Often months or a year of access |
Choose a live class if
- You need a fixed appointment to keep yourself studying
- You want lots of real-time speaking practice with a group
- Your weekly schedule is predictable for the whole term
Choose a self-paced course if
- You work, teach, homeschool, or travel, and your week changes
- You want to replay explanations until they click
- You’re studying alongside a job or a full course load
The question most people forget to ask
With self-paced study, the risk is getting stuck with no one to ask. Before you buy any self-paced course, check who answers your questions, how fast, and for how long.
How LatinPerDiem does it
Our LLPSI courses are self-paced with a live element. You get two or more video lessons per chapter of Lingua Latina per se Illustrata, homework and quizzes, a graded exam, and a weekly one-hour Zoom office hour with Dr. David Noe. For a full year, you can also reach Dr. Noe by email, text, or phone. Dr. Noe holds a PhD and has taught Greek and Latin for more than 34 years.
Most of our LLPSI students are teachers at classical, Christian, Catholic, and charter schools, along with middle and high school students and retirees.
Common questions
Is self-paced study as rigorous as a live class? It can be, if it includes graded work and a real instructor. Our LLPSI courses include chapter quizzes and an exam graded by Dr. Noe.
I already know some Latin. Where do I start? Email info@latinperdiem.com or take our free quizzes to find your level.
Can I try the teaching style first? Yes. Watch any of our free lessons on YouTube.
