Founded 25 years ago by the Greek diaspora, Odyssey Charter School in Wilmington, Delaware, has grown into a distinctive public institution serving 2,500 students, 98 percent of whom are not of Greek origin. Yet more than 700 study in its Greek-language program, some earning B1 and B2 certification. That commitment was evident when 10 students visiting Athens asked Greece’s education minister to speak in Greek.
“The knowledge of Greek helps in understanding many other languages and subjects,” said 13-year-old Evan Nicholson, citing its influence on mathematics and biology. Fourteen-year-old Mandika added that she chose Greek partly through her parents’ encouragement and now values its history and culture.
The students recently visited landmarks including the Acropolis (photo), Sounio and Mycenae as part of an exchange with Pierce College.
The school offers two tracks: daily Greek instruction or an immersion program, where half the curriculum – including math and science – is taught in Greek. The approach, educators say, strengthens bilingualism, critical thinking and focus, while attracting strong support and funding.