Greece has a wide array of quality international schools for ex-pats (and locals) to choose from, and many of these schools have effective language immersion programs for those who need them. An international education in Greece is not inexpensive (annual tuition typically ranges from 6,000 euros to 14,000 euros), but families who can afford it will definitely be giving their children a unique opportunity and perspective.
Diversity and global outlooks can be found in international classrooms all over Greece, and making friends from different cultures is a profound experience that your children will cherish for life. Let’s take a look at some international schools in Greece which have earned a favorable reputation over the years. Note: The following is a list of reputable international schools in Greece at which English is the primary language of instruction.
International Schools in Greece
This article was originally published by Dispatches Europe, an integrated platform dedicated to everything expat.
International schools in the northern suburbs of Athens
Byron College: The British International School
With a student body representing 50-plus countries, Byron is truly an international gem which actively promotes cultural awareness, equality and respect. The details:
• Students from ages 3 to 18 can attend Byron and, in the early years, the curriculum is based on the UK Key Stages national curriculum.
• In Years 10 and 11, International General Certificate of Secondary Education subjects and exams are the focus, and Years 12 and 13 are centered around AS and A-Level GCE subjects.
• Tuition ranges from 6,450 euros per year for pre-schoolers to 11,550 euros for the sixth form.
International School of Athens (ISA)
Diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness are hallmarks of an education at this school which encourages students to look at each other’s common humanity for the greater good of peace.
The details:
• The child-centered Primary and Middle Years Programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organisation take students through grades 1 through 10.
• High School students (grades 11 and 12) can choose one of two paths: that of the IB Diploma or that of the College Preparatory/ISA High School Diploma (with the option of acquiring IB certificates for certain subjects).
• The most recent tuition schedule available online is for the 2017-2018 school year. Fees ranged from 7,220 euros per year for kindergarten to 14,074 for high school.
The three separate and stunning campuses of ISA (one for nursery, one for kindergarten and one for Grades 1-12) are all located in the quiet leafy suburb of Kifissia, and students can enjoy use of up-to-date computer and science labs, libraries, art studios, a theatre and a music room.
International Schools in Greece: Campion School
Academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, a unique pastoral care system and outstanding teaching staff are all to be found at Campion School, which houses both the Junior and Senior Schools on one lovely site in the countryside on the outskirts of Athens.
In the early years, the school follows an adapted version of the English National Curriculum and, in Years 10 and 11, pupils work towards the IGCSE exams. In Years 12 and 13, the International Baccalaureate Programme is offered to students.
Many students go on to prestigious British universities with their qualifications. A university counselor is available to help young people who wish to apply to colleges and universities in North America.
American Community School Athens
From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, students at ACS are encouraged to think critically and creatively and to broaden their minds through diverse academic experiences. This student-centered academic institution was founded in 1945 and today represents 63 nationalities. Widely known for its academic success, ACS also encourages students to become well-rounded and responsible global citizens.
The details:
• The school strongly emphasizes intellectual, social and ethical development in addition to academics. American educational philosophy, principles and ideas shape most of the learning, while the International Baccalaureate/Advanced Placement Program is offered in Grades 11 and 12.
• ACS incorporates a significant amount of technology into its instruction, and it also offers a wide variety of cultural, athletic and service opportunities. Its facilities include a professional theater, two libraries and media centers, music and dance studios, a swimming pool and science laboratories, among others.
• The school has about 1,060 students.
St. Catherine’s British School
St. Catherine’s has a school motto: “Excellence and Happiness,” and the institution has a reputation for achieving a good amount of each. The school also has a brand-new eco-friendly building and school-wide “Go Green” campaign as of this school year (2020-2021).
The details:
• The Lower School (ages 3-11) follows the National Curriculum for England and additionally includes Greek History and Greek Geography as well as Modern Languages. Youngsters enjoy the nurturing and lively environment and theme/topic-based learning which helps them connect their studies to the world around them.
• The 12- to 14-year-olds of St. Catherine’s continue embracing the National Curriculum of England while also exploring Greece through field work and museum visits with the aim of learning all about Greek Classical Civilization.
• The Year 10 students begin to study for their IGCSEs or General Certificates of Secondary Education, which are wrapped up at the end of Year 11, and many students enjoy the school’s debating tradition alongside other extra-curricular activities, which are popular with this age group.
• In their final two years at St. Catherine’s, students join the International Baccalaureate Programme. The vast majority of students gain the full diploma and most enjoy acceptance at their top-choice university.
• The school has about 1,100 students.
International schools in the southern suburbs of Athens
St. Lawrence College
Set in South Athens (specifically, Koropi) in the Greek countryside, but situated within easy reach of both downtown Athens and Piraeus, this school exudes an uncommon air of tranquility. The south of Athens has an ever-growing expat scene, and St. Lawrence College is a hub for a good amount of that activity.
The details:
• The school is a 15-minute drive from the ever-popular coastal suburb of Glyfada and sits on 20 acres of beautiful land.
• Based upon the Key Stages of the National Curriculum for England, a St. Lawrence education school guides students from preschool through Year 13.
• IGCSEs are completed at the end of Year 11 and AS & A-Levels are completed in Years 12 and 13.
• In addition to great educational experiences, students enjoy a full-size football pitch, heated swimming pool and open-air amphitheater, among other amazing facilities.
• The school has about 800 students
In Thessaloniki
Pinewood American International School
This day and boarding school offers an American college preparatory program alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for students of all ages from both the local and international communities.
• The school and its educators aim to bolster students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills as well as their creativity and curiosity, and they provide youngsters with many academic, athletic and cultural opportunities to those ends.
• Tuition ranges from 5,950 euros for pre-K1 to 11,600 euros for grades 6 through 12.
• At the end of high school, Pinewood students can choose one of several tracks: IB, the American High School Honors Diploma, the American High School Diploma or the Greek Diploma Equivalency.
The writer of this article, Christina Hudson, is also an avid photographer. You can purchase high-quality Canvas Wraps, Framed Prints or Giclee Art Prints featuring Christina’s work here: christinahudson.picfair.com. You can see more of Christina’s photography at apixelforyourthoughts.com
New in Athens
Verita International School
Moving to Greece
If you are planning to relocate to Athens or elsewhere in Greece with your family, there are lots of things to consider. Where will you live? What educational system will you choose? How do you relocate your precious family belongings to your new home? For an extensive guide about visa requirements, important regulations, documents and more, please read:
