The Arch & Altar
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are these classes for?
Catholic high school students (grades 9–12), primarily homeschooled — though students in conventional schools looking for serious Catholic formation are welcome. Classes assume no prior coursework, only a willingness to think.
Are the classes really live?
Yes. Religion tracks meet Monday/Wednesday/Friday; Art History meets Tuesday/Thursday, following the posted course calendar (August 10 – May 21, with breaks). Classes are taught over Zoom in lecture-plus-Socratic-discussion format — students are expected to participate, not just watch.
What if we miss a class?
Every session is recorded and posted to the course page, usually the same day. Downloadable study notes accompany every lecture, so a missed class never becomes a lost week.
How is my student graded?
Each course includes regular tests (taken online), a final exam, and participation expectations. Tests are written-answer, graded personally by Mr. Latham — not multiple-choice guesswork. Parents receive their student’s grades for homeschool transcript records.
Is The Arch & Altar an accredited school?
No — and by design. We are a course provider, like a co-op: you remain the school of record, and these courses slot into your transcript as religion and fine-arts credits. (One religion track = 1 credit/year; Art History I = 1 fine-arts credit/year.)
Is the teaching traditional?
Yes. Mr. Latham is a lifelong attendee of the Traditional Latin Mass, and the curricula were developed with the guidance of traditional priests — built on Aquinas, Bellarmine, Leo XIII, and the perennial magisterium. The Liturgy course centers on the Traditional Mass, and treats the New Mass honestly and directly.
My student is taking Art History — what about nudity in art?
Asked by every thoughtful parent, and taken seriously. Mr. Latham personally curates every image shown in class. Where a work containing nudity has an alternative of equal artistic value, the alternative is always chosen; incidental background nudity in a larger scene may appear but is never a focal point. Year one (prehistory through the Renaissance’s doorstep) rarely raises the issue at all.
What does my student need?
A computer with a stable internet connection, Zoom (free), a notebook, and a printer if you prefer paper study notes. No textbooks to buy — all materials are provided as downloads. (CSP students may optionally acquire How Christ Changed the World by Msgr. Luigi Civardi, TAN Books, as a home reference.)
How does payment work?
Enrollment is per semester, per course, paid at registration by card or PayPal. Parents create the account and enroll their student. Spring enrollment opens in December, with returning families getting first seats.
What’s your refund policy?
Full refund through the second week of classes, prorated through week four, none after – contact Andrew for further info or extreme circumstances and we’ll work with you as best we can!
Can my 8th grader enroll?
The courses are written for high schoolers, but a strong, motivated 8th grader can succeed — particularly in Art History. Email us and we’ll talk it through.
Who do I contact with questions?
info@thearchandaltar.com — or use the contact form. You’ll hear back from Mr. Latham himself, usually within a day.