“Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age, by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, of inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity and universal philanthropy, and, in subordination to these great principles, the love of their country; of instructing them in the art of self-government, without which they never can act a wise part in the government of societies, great or small…”

—Samuel Adams, Boston, Massachusetts, 4 October 1790

Whereas the love of Truth, Beauty and Goodness—which are eternal and immutable—is the foundation of learning and wisdom, and

Whereas, knowing this, all who are wise and good seek to lay such a foundation for their children, and

Whereas, both history and experience conspire to teach us that no people can be happy or prosperous after even one generation neglects this duty, and

Whereas it is especially true that no city or state which depends for its governance on the knowledge and virtue of its citizens can survive without a humble, learned and moral population, and

Whereas, in these United States, the decay of that system of general education which long prepared such citizens is now plain for all to see and a matter of almost universal concern, and

Whereas we yet have it in our power to learn from our errors and reform our practices, and even to make a worthy model for others to imitate,

Be it therefore resolved that there be established in the District of Columbia a Latin School that will instruct youth in Modern Languages of English, French, Spanish & Chinese—Science, Mathematics, & Technology—Latin, Classics & Global Literature—Rhetoric & Public Elocution—Visual & Performing Arts—History & Civic Responsibility—Wellness & Sport, and such other Arts, Letters, and Sciences as may hereafter seem appropriate, and

Be it further resolved that The Washington Latin School be organized as a coeducational academy offering fifth and sixth grade preparatory years with intense work in English language skills and basic mathematical competencies followed by a traditional First through Sixth Form college preparatory program designed to encourage serious scholarship, independence of thought and clarity of expression, and

Be it further resolved that, along with its academic mission, the School will seek to convey to its students the spirit, discipline and moral compass that will render them useful citizens, ready to discharge their duties to God, country and family, and that while preparing its graduates for college and university, the School’s chief aim will be to equip each one for the real business of living and to challenge them to serve the world through their character and leadership, and

Be it further enacted that to establish and maintain such a school, The Rev’d. T. Robinson Ahlstrom, B.A., M.A., Th.M., shall be appointed Head Master in which capacity he shall design a comprehensive program of arts, letters and sciences, gather and maintain a distinguished faculty, lay prudential plans for the school’s growth and well-being, seek support from every quarter, superintend the nurture and instruction of each young scholar, and discharge such other duties as from time to time may seen appropriate, and

Be it further resolved that for the accomplishment of these ends, the School will seek young women and men of good character who are eager to learn and willing to work.  It will seek parents who are willing to be full partners in its task.  It will seek instructors who are lifelong learners, called and gifted to teach—and prepared to match precept with example.  It will seek the support of any and all who believe in the power of ideas and the infinite promise of youth, and

Be it further resolved that the School’s motto shall be virtus sola nobilitat—which rendered in English is “virtue alone ennobles” and,

Be it further resolved that the Public Virtues to be prized and that shall effectively become the School’s Standards & Etiquette shall be:

          I.        Pietas.. Reverence

          II.       Integritas...Integrity

          III.      Veritas...Truth

          IV.     Assiduitas...Industry

          V.      Simplicitas...Simplicity

          VI.     Aequitas...Equity (Justice or Fairness)

          VII.    Fidelitas...Loyalty

          VIII.   Civitas...Citizenship

          IX.     Audacia...Courage

          X.      Perseverantia...Perseverance

          XI.     Clementia...Mercy

          XII.    Humilitas...Humility

          XIII.   Liberalitas...Liberality

          XIV.   Temperantia...Moderation (Self-Control)

And, be it further resolved that to ensure that these ideals are forever honored within the life of the School, no Head Master or instructor shall ever be appointed who is not a humble soul, an able scholar, and an exemplar of these things, and

Be it further resolved that, holding all of these things dear, The Corporation of The Washington Latin School shall appeal to the D.C. Public Charter School Board for a public charter so that the richness of the Academy’s culture and programs will be available to a diverse student population, including young women and men whose personal promise far exceeds their family’s ability to pay, and

Be it further resolved that the Corporation shall never abridge its mission or forget its stated intention merely to receive public funds, but shall ever remain open to young scholars without consideration of their social station or economic status, and 

For the accomplishments of this single and great object, we, the undersigned, on this 22nd day of February in the year of our LORD two thousand and five, do set our hands to the task.