A Hopeful Note: Teaching Greek to Students of the Diaspora and Beyond

In the third of our trilogy of events devoted to Greek language we highlight two case studies of teaching Greek language and culture in the United States, both in the Charter School space. The first case is Odyssey School in Wilmington Delaware, an experiential community grounded in the classical Greek ideals of paideia (cultural formation of the young), koinonia (fellowship) and philanthropy. The school brings together language and culture to cultivate modern citizens through immersive learning, dialogue, and emphasis on shared inquiry. The second case is the Greek Immersion Program at Socrates Academy in Matthews North Carolina, featuring practices that promote linguistic proficiency, cultural engagement, and community connection through classroom instruction, enrichment activities, and school-wide cultural events. Although similar, the two schools also have differences and the panel focused on motives behind the matriculation of their predominantly non-Greek studentship as well as reception of linguistic and cultural experiences by the young students and their families. Dimitri Dandolos is a Founding Board Member of the Odyssey School. Among other things, he launched and developed the school's Greek language programs in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Education and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His work has fostered partnerships with Harvard's Center for Hellenic Studies, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange programs, and international educational collaborations. Matthaios Stamoulis is the Head of Greek Studies at the Socrates Academy. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Ioannina and Master's degrees in Education and Cultural Studies. He is a professional educator who designs student-centered learning experiences and oversees curriculum development, cultural programming, and immersive educational trips to Greece. Co-hosted with the Embassy of Greece and Georgetown University Modern Greek Studies Program.