Covington Latin School is a co-educational, Catholic, accelerated, college preparatory high school offering a classical education. Since its inception in 1923, Latin School has operated under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky. CLS is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (S.A.C.S.) and has been certified by the US Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School since 2003. Covington Latin has been profiled in US News and World Report, featured as a "Cool School" by Fox 19 Cincinnati and ranked the #1 private school in Northern Kentucky by Cincinnati Magazine. Covington Latin School offers a unique program for academically talented students in the tri-state area. As its central purpose, CLS aims to form Christian leaders by challenging its students to attain their academic, intellectual, social and moral potential. The School's commitment to acceleration allows advanced fifth, sixth and seventh grade students the opportunity to learn in a safe environment with like-minded peers. For many of these students, acceleration offers a more challenging and rewarding educational experience than a regular grade process. Admitted fifth grade students are eligible to enter either the Prep 7 year or Prep 8 year. Admitted sixth grade students completing are eligible to enter either the Prep 8 or Freshman year. The decision to accelerate one versus two years is based on a joint determination between Latin School and each prospective student family. Admitted seventh grade students are eligible to enter into the Freshman year. Covington Latin School admits academically qualified young men and women without regard to race, color, creed, ethnic or national origin.