The Brooklyn School Virtual Open House

Mission

The Brooklyn Latin school provides a classically focused, with an emphasis on public speaking. Our aim is to provide the groundwork for an understanding of the foundation of our society, while developing the leadership capacity of our discipuli so that they may serve as leaders in our communities.

Brooklyn Latin was founded upon five essential features, which serve as guiding principles that reinforce not only the mission of the school, but also the strong culture and community we strive to cultivate:

1. Declamation 2. Seminar 3. Uniform 4. Nomenclature 5. Latin Nomenclature A distinctive feature of our school, all members of our community utilize a set of terms and phrases daily. Many of the phrases are Latin, reinforcing our commitment to classical education. Moreover, these phrases help to distinguish our school identity, promote a sense of tradition, and connect our current discipuli not only to alumni, but also to the classical past. Here are a few examples:

Phrase Meaning(s)

salvē (to a one person), salvēte (to more than “Hello,” “Good Morning,” “Dear,” (for emails) one) SAL·way, sal·WAY·teh

valē (to one person), valēte (to more than one) “Goodbye,” “Farewell,” WA·lay, wa·LAY·teh

discipula (f.), discipulus (m.), Student diss·KIP·u·la, diss·KIP·u·lus

discipulae (f.), discipulī (m. or mixed) Students diss·KIP·u·leye, diss·KIP·u·lee Seminar An important component of the classical tradition is the belief that through debate and discourse with peers, thoughtful citizens and principled leaders are created. During Socratic Seminar, discipuli lead discussions in which they converse about thought-provoking questions related to the unit of study. Through these verbal, evidence-based discussions, discipuli learn the value of working together to create knowledge and deepen their understanding. Uniform The uniform of the Brooklyn Latin School is one of the most conspicuous aspects of the school, fosters our sense of community, and highlights the diverse backgrounds and innate character of our discipuli. When they wear our uniform, our discipuli signal to themselves, to each other, and to magistri that they are dedicated to developing their minds, growing as leaders, and striving to become the best version of themselves. Declamation The Brooklyn Latin School subscribes to the belief that to be a true leader in any field, one needs to be well spoken and that mastering the art of speech involves mastering all of the arts. All discipuli take part in declamation, where they memorize a passage of literary or historical significance and deliver it before their peers. As a result, discipuli learn to speak clearly and with confidence, following ’s advice that one crucial ingredient to becoming an eloquent speaker is practice.

We have continued the tradition of Public Declamation during the pandemic. Here is the most recent performance from 12/17/2021 Latin The study of Latin forms the core of The Brooklyn Latin School’s mission to offer a rigorous, classically focused, liberal arts education. All discipuli take Latin for all four years at TBLS and have the option to take Classical Greek. As the mother of all Romance languages, studying Latin provides discipuli with a unique introduction to several modern languages. Furthermore, because of its unique relationship to English, studying Latin also expands vocabulary and helps discipuli understand complex rules and patterns in English and syntax. International Baccalaureate Program TBLS is the only specialized high school to offer the International Baccalaureate program and is one of the few schools in the world to be IB for All. During their junior and senior year, discipuli only take college-level, IB courses. Discipuli interested in pursuing the optional IB diploma have additional rigorous responsibilities: successful completion of an extra course titled “Theory of Knowledge,” a 4,000 word academic research paper for their Extended Essay, and a CAS Portfolio, which is a compilation of non-academic experiences and reflections on those experiences that provide a fuller look of the diploma candidate.

The IB is a holistic program that believes that students should grow both academically and personally to be a well rounded learner through experiences, reflection, and international-mindedness. International Baccalaureate Program During their sophomore year at the school, discipuli will receive more detailed information about the IB program, course offerings, and choose one of the following electives to fill out their schedule for Junior/Senior year:

All Discipuli take the following IB Discipuli choose ONE of the following courses to

courses take as their IB Elective ● Biology (HL or SL) *Offerings contingent on budget and staffing ● English (HL or SL) ● Chemistry (HL Only) ● Math (HL or SL) ● World Religions (SL Only) ● History (HL Only) ● Classical Greek (SL Only) ● Latin (SL Only) ● Computer Science (SL Only) ● Spanish (HL or SL) ● Theatre Arts (HL or SL) ● Visual Arts (HL or SL) TBLS Curriculum IB Electives in blue Extracurriculars at TBLS Below is the list of clubs, activities, and sports teams offered in person during the 2019-2020 academic year. However, during this remote/blended period, all sports teams are on pause. To support discipuli interests and endeavors, we have expanded our club offerings this year, maximizing the flexibility of our current virtual environment. This document has the full list and descriptions of clubs offered during this remote/blended time.

Asian Student Alliance Hip Hop Club PSAL Wrestling (Winter) Badminton History for Action Public Declamation Black Student Alliance Investment Club Queer- Straight Alliance Boys Basketball (Varsity) Key Club Saltare Boys Basketball (Junior Varsity) Latineer Science Bowl Cheerleading Literary Magazine (Libellus) sine finibus (Christian Club) Chess Math Club Singing Coding League Mock Trial/Moot Court Soccer (Fall/Spring) Cross Country (PSAL Fall/NYRR Spring) Model UN Speech & Debate Club Cross Country Assistant Music Production STOKEd Drama Muslim Student Association Student Senate Environmental Club National Honor Society Studio Art Feminist Student Union Overclock Study Club (After School Study Hall) TBLS Ensemble Girls Basketball (PSAL) PSAL Baseball (Spring) Yearbook Girls Volleyball (PSAL) maximās gratiās et bonam fortūnam!

Thank you for considering our school. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Palma-Cheng at [email protected]. We wish you all luck and good fortune in your future academic pursuits.

Here is a brief summary regarding the SHSAT and admissions processed as released by the NYC DOE: ● The registration period for the SHSAT closes on January 28. Interested students and families must contact their middle school counselor for more information. ● For eighth grade public school students, the exam will be administered at your middle school beginning January 27. ● Here is the 2021 NYC High School Admissions Guide (including the specialized high schools)