The article focuses on teaching Classical languages in Russia in the first half of the 19th century and contains a case study of the Tobolsk Province grammar school. The article provides a historical background for the secondary education reforms and analyses two basic coursebooks in Latin. The author analyzes some thematical blocks contained in the coursebooks and describes the methodological specifics of material presentation. The author also provides some examples of the texts from the coursebooks. The author concludes that the practical implementation of the reforms in the first half of the 19th century in Siberia was far from perfect. However, it has to be acknowledged that these reforms laid a necessary foundation for systematic grammar education which would have a connection and succession with universities.