Siblings Amber and Darrell Vanterpool at the Brooklyn Latin School on Bushwick Avenue. — Photo by Molly Hamilton. Click to see full version.

If you live or work off the Montrose L stop, you’ve seen the throngs of tan skirts, white shirts, and purple striped ties pouring out of the subways at 7:45am, and trickling back on after 2pm. Located at at 325 Bushwick Avenue, the Brooklyn Latin School is a small public high school, opened in 2006 and modeled after the renowned Boston Latin School; students get a live dose of the dead language, as well as study Greek and the Classics in Socratic seminars. Employing a strict uniform code, as well as an internal nomenclature (students are called Discipuli, teachers are Magistri), it’s definitely a unique and focused program. As incredible as the school sounds, I always marveled at the kids in their uniforms, looking as classic as the Latin language but also putting their own subtle spins on the look.

Amber Vanterpool, 14, and Darrell Vanterpool, 15, Students

I found super-friendly brother-sister duo Amber and Darrell on their way to class, partially covered en route due to cold weather, but nevertheless great examples of the refined look of the students. I also loved the accessories Amber had going, with bright pink earrings and elastic on her braces, and a turquoise bow in her highlighted hair that matched her backpack. Darrell’s purple watch similarly matched the school’s tie. These are little details, but give the uniform a little individual flair. In terms of the uniforms themselves, pressed white shirts tucked in to tidy khakis with navy accents is one of the most aesthetically pleasing dress codes possible. No glaring colors, no hideous plaids. The students look poised and ready to learn, which (as I’m sure is the goal) must do wonders for the classroom.

How do you guys like having to wear school uniforms?
A: It’s easy to just wake up in the morning and throw on clothes. I’ve worn uniforms since sixth grade, so I’m used to it.
D: I don’t think it’s too bad, it makes us all look a little nicer.

Is there anything people do to dress it up, make it look more individualistic?
D: I think certain people might have certain hairstyles, or might dress it up a little. Or come to school in other clothes, and change into their uniform.

How would you describe your personal style, when you’re not dressed for school?
A: I’m more of a jeans and t-shirt person. I love my skinny jeans, Converse…
D: Half punk, half crunk.

Do you like going to school here?
A: I love it. It’s a small school, so you know almost everyone. I’ve only been here two weeks so far, but I love it.

So do you guys like, speak fluent Latin? Is that the goal?
D: It’s not really the main objective. They want us to know Latin and study it, so we’ll know English better, and it looks good on a resume… The goal is to know it, not be fluent in it.