ABOUT OUR SITE AND AEQUORA
Mott Hall II is a middle school located in Manhattan, NY. At Mott Hall II, we are proud to partner with The Paideia Institute and offer Aequora as an after-school program.
Aequora is a K-8 curriculum focusing on literacy education via Latin. Led by independent site-coordinators, Aequora has expanded to over 30 sites in 12 states throughout the continental U.S.
At Mott Hall II, we have chosen Aequora because we believe in the benefits of a classical education. Through The Paideia Institute’s Aequora curriculum, our volunteers harness the classical languages’ power to improve literacy, cultural understanding, and equity in education — all while making the ancient Mediterranean world fun and accessible to students of all backgrounds.
Aequora is shaped by a belief that everyone should have access to Latin and by a vision of Classics as an inclusive, diverse, and socially engaged field. Our textbook, Aequora: Teaching Literacy with Latin, introduces the basics of Latin vocabulary and grammar, Roman culture and mythology, and connections between Latin, English, and Spanish, all through games and activities designed to show students that learning Latin is fun!
To learn more about The Paideia Institute’s Aequora program, its groundbreaking curriculum, or how we can work together, click Partner with Us.
HOW WE TEACH AEQUORA
The Aequora site at Mott Hall II is unique in that it is an essential part of the regular school day. The school administration has committed to literacy education via Latin. Every day sixth, seventh, and eighth graders meet in Room 501, our very own space dedicated to Latin and the Aequora curriculum.
You will find Mott Hall II virtues rendered in Latin along the walls, pop culture references (such as Harry Potter banners and movie posters), vines encircling the bulletin boards and hanging from the light fixtures, among maps and other intellectually stimulating decorations that make for a lively environment.
Through the sheer immensity of our student body (over 400 students), we strive to develop a school wide culture around Latin that extends beyond the classroom and across all disciplines. To lend your support for the Classics and public literacy by donating to the Paideia Institute, click Support Aequora.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
The Aequora program is sustained by enthusiastic volunteers all over the country who care about making a difference and want to fight educational inequality through sharing their love of Latin. We are always looking for new volunteers!
To learn more about volunteering at Mott Hall II, or if you have questions about how you can get involved, use the button below.
SITE COORDINATORS
Our site coordinator, Dominick Vandenberge, is a student at CUNY’s Hunter College, where he is completing a Master's degree in Latin Education. Click below to learn more about Dominick!
