Navigating International Education: English-Speaking Schools in Greece for Expat Families

Reading time: 12 minutes

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Expat Educational Landscape in Greece
• Types of English-Speaking Educational Options
• Top English-Speaking Schools Across Greece
  • Athens Region
  • Thessaloniki Options
  • Island-Based International Schools
• Curriculum Considerations for Global Families
• Navigating the Admission Process
• Understanding the Financial Landscape
• Housing Considerations Near Top Schools
• Cultural Integration and Support Systems
• Your Educational Roadmap: Making the Right Choice
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction: The Expat Educational Landscape in Greece

Relocating your family to Greece brings the promise of Mediterranean sunshine, rich cultural experiences, and a laid-back lifestyle. Yet for expat parents, few decisions carry more weight than choosing the right educational environment for their children. Greece’s international education landscape offers a surprising variety of options, yet navigating this terrain requires insider knowledge and strategic thinking.

With approximately 14,000 expat children currently enrolled in English-speaking schools across Greece, understanding your options isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for ensuring your child’s academic development continues seamlessly during your Greek adventure. The current expat educational landscape has evolved significantly, with a 23% increase in international school enrollment over the past five years as Greece becomes an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads, business professionals, and families seeking an enhanced quality of life.

As Maria Kontomichalou, Education Specialist at the Athens Expat Network, explains: “Families relocating to Greece are often pleasantly surprised by the caliber of international education available. The key is looking beyond the surface statistics to understand each school’s unique approach to balancing academic rigor with cultural integration.”

Let’s cut through the complexity and provide you with a practical roadmap for finding the perfect educational fit for your family’s Greek chapter.

Types of English-Speaking Educational Options

Understanding the distinct categories of English-language education in Greece will help you narrow your search:

International Schools

True international schools in Greece follow globally recognized curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, or British educational frameworks. These institutions typically maintain accreditation with bodies like the Council of International Schools (CIS) or the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

These schools often feature diverse student bodies (typically 40-60% non-Greek), native English-speaking teachers with international certification, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. They’re designed specifically for highly mobile families who may relocate globally throughout their children’s education.

Case Study: The Robertson family moved from Toronto to Athens for a three-year business assignment. Their two children, ages 10 and 14, enrolled in an IB curriculum school that allowed them to maintain educational continuity despite the geographic change. “The transition was remarkably smooth,” notes Jennifer Robertson. “The IB framework meant our children could pick up almost exactly where they left off academically, which removed a major source of potential stress.”

Bilingual Greek Schools

These institutions offer a bridge between Greek and international education, typically following the Greek national curriculum while providing enhanced English-language instruction. Some operate separate English and Greek sections, while others integrate both languages throughout the curriculum.

Bilingual schools often appeal to mixed Greek-international families planning longer stays or permanent relocation, as they provide children with strong foundations in both cultures. The student body typically includes a higher percentage of Greek nationals (60-80%).

Foreign Language Schools

Several countries maintain educational institutions in Greece to serve their national communities while welcoming international students. These include the American Community Schools, German School of Athens, French School, and others. Each follows its national curriculum while offering varying degrees of Greek language and cultural integration.

Top English-Speaking Schools Across Greece

Athens Region

The capital region hosts the highest concentration of international educational options, with 12 established English-speaking schools serving the substantial expat community. Here are standout options:

American Community Schools (ACS Athens)
Located in Halandri, ACS offers an American curriculum from pre-K through grade 12, culminating in an American high school diploma with options for Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the IB Diploma. With approximately 1,050 students representing over 60 nationalities, the school maintains a robust 1:8 teacher-student ratio. ACS features extensive athletic facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool and specialized technology programs.

Campion School
Following the British curriculum (GCSE and A-Levels), Campion serves around 600 students in Pallini, eastern Athens. The school maintains strong academic results, with 94% of students achieving A*-C grades in GCSE examinations in 2022. Its 12-acre campus includes science laboratories, art studios, and extensive outdoor sports facilities.

St. Catherine’s British School
Located in Lykovrysi, this school offers both the British National Curriculum and IB program to approximately 800 students. Founded in 1956, it maintains strong ties to British educational traditions while embracing its diverse community representing 60+ nationalities.

International School of Athens (ISA)
Situated in Kifissia, ISA offers the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) to around 400 students. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning and maintains a student-centered approach with a 1:10 teacher-student ratio.

Thessaloniki Options

Greece’s second-largest city offers fewer but still quality options for English-speaking education:

Pinewood American International School
Located in Thermi, Pinewood follows an American curriculum with AP offerings and serves approximately 350 students from pre-K through grade 12. The school maintains accreditation with the Middle States Association and offers a comprehensive athletic program including competitive teams in the European Sports Conference.

American Farm School
This unique institution offers both Greek and American curricula with strong emphasis on environmental education and sustainability. While primarily serving Greek students, its international sections provide viable options for expat families looking for distinctive educational approaches.

Island-Based International Schools

For families choosing Greece’s islands, educational options become more limited but not non-existent:

Byron College Crete Branch
This extension of the Athens-based British curriculum school serves the growing expat community in Heraklion with a comprehensive K-12 program.

European School of Rhodes
Offering a modified British curriculum with additional European languages, this smaller school (approximately 120 students) serves the international community on Rhodes island.

Curriculum Considerations for Global Families

Selecting the right curriculum framework represents perhaps the most consequential decision for internationally mobile families.

Comparative Curriculum Overview

Matching Curriculum to Future Plans

Dr. Elena Papadopoulou, Educational Consultant specializing in expatriate transitions, emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking: “I advise families to consider not just their current country of residence, but their likely next destination and ultimate university targets. A child thriving in the British system may face adjustment challenges if suddenly placed in an American curriculum school three years later.”

For families uncertain about future relocations, the IB program often provides the most transferable framework, with its consistent global structure and emphasis on international mindedness. However, specialized interests like performing arts or specific sports might be better served by schools with distinctive strengths in those areas, regardless of curriculum.

Navigating the Admission Process

Most international schools in Greece maintain competitive admissions processes, especially for entry points with limited spaces. Being strategic about applications can significantly improve your chances of securing a place at your preferred institution.

Typical application requirements include:

• Previous school records (2-3 years)
• Standardized test results (where available)
• English language proficiency assessment (for non-native speakers)
• Teacher recommendations (typically Math and English/Language Arts)
• Student interview and assessment (format varies by school and age)
• Parent interview (particularly common at premium institutions)

Application Timeline Strategy: Most schools begin accepting applications for the following academic year between October and January, with priority deadlines typically falling in February-March. However, rolling admissions mean applications remain open until all spots are filled. For the most sought-after schools and key entry points (e.g., Kindergarten, Grade 6, Grade 9), applying at least 9-12 months in advance is advisable.

Case Study: The Nakamura family relocated from Tokyo to Athens with minimal lead time due to an unexpected corporate transfer. “We had just six weeks to secure school placements for our three children,” explains Keiko Nakamura. “While our first-choice school had no immediate openings, they recommended an interim solution at a partner institution for one semester. Their admissions team helped expedite testing and provided remarkable support during a chaotic transition. By second semester, spaces opened at our target school.”

Understanding the Financial Landscape

International education in Greece represents a significant investment. Understanding the full financial picture beyond headline tuition rates is essential for family planning.

Cost Structure Analysis

Beyond tuition, families should budget for:

• Application and Registration Fees: €300-900 per child
• Annual Capital Fee/Building Fund: €500-2,000
• Transportation: €1,500-3,000 annually if using school bus services
• Lunches: €700-1,200 if using cafeteria services
• Technology Fee: €200-500 (increasingly common)
• Uniforms: €300-600 initial outlay (where required)
• Field Trips/Activities: Highly variable (€300-1,500+ annually)
• Examination Fees: For older students in British (GCSE/A-Level) or IB programs, additional examination fees typically range €300-1,000 depending on the number of subjects

Financial Planning Tip: Many international schools offer sibling discounts (typically 5-15% for second child, 10-25% for third), and some maintain limited scholarship programs based on academic merit, athletic ability, or financial need. Additionally, some employers provide education allowances as part of expatriate packages—but these often cover only a portion of the total costs.

Housing Considerations Near Top Schools

The relationship between school location and housing decisions represents a critical consideration for newly arriving families. Prime residential areas near top international schools often command premium prices, creating a strategic balancing act between commuting time and housing costs.

In Athens, the northern suburbs (particularly Kifissia, Psychiko, Filothei, Halandri, and Glyfada) host many international schools and consequently attract substantial expat communities. These areas offer excellent amenities but come with housing costs 30-40% above Athens averages.

Michael Chen, relocation specialist with 15 years of experience supporting international families, notes: “Many families initially prioritize proximity to school above all else, only to discover they’ve sacrificed other quality-of-life factors. The ideal approach balances reasonable commute times with housing that meets the family’s broader lifestyle needs.”

For those considering property acquisition rather than rental, the Athens real estate market offers interesting investment potential alongside practical housing solutions. Investigating real estate athens options near top international schools can provide both convenient educational access and potential appreciation in property value.

Strategic Housing Approach: Consider temporary accommodation for your first 2-3 months, allowing time to visit schools in person and understand neighborhood dynamics before making longer-term housing commitments. This approach prevents costly relocations if your initial housing choice proves impractical for daily school logistics.

Cultural Integration and Support Systems

Beyond academics, the social and cultural dimensions of your child’s educational experience play crucial roles in successful expatriate transitions.

School Community Factors

Schools vary significantly in their approach to supporting new international families:

• Orientation Programs: Comprehensive schools offer structured orientation for both students and parents, including buddy systems pairing new arrivals with established students
• Parent Organizations: Active parent associations provide vital networking and integration opportunities
• Language Support: Different levels of English and Greek language acquisition assistance are available depending on the institution
• Cultural Transition Support: Some schools maintain counseling resources specifically trained in third-culture kid psychology and transition challenges

Dr. Sophia Xenakis, child psychologist specializing in expatriate adjustment, emphasizes that cultural integration extends beyond school walls: “Schools providing connections to the broader Greek community—through service learning, cultural exchanges, or local partnerships—generally produce more well-adjusted expatriate children who develop genuine connection to their host country.”

When evaluating potential schools, ask specific questions about:

• The percentage of staff turnover (lower rates typically indicate more stable community)
• Average length of student enrollment (longer tenures suggest satisfied families)
• Specific programs supporting emotional well-being during transition periods
• Structured opportunities for parent involvement and community building

Your Educational Roadmap: Making the Right Choice

Finding the ideal educational environment for your child in Greece isn’t about identifying a universally “best” school—it’s about matching specific institutional strengths with your family’s unique needs and circumstances. Here’s your action plan for making this critical decision with confidence:

1. Define Your Educational Priorities
   Create a family discussion framework addressing curriculum continuity, language development goals, extracurricular priorities, university pathways, and anticipated length of stay in Greece.
2. Conduct Preliminary Research
   Beyond school websites, access parent forums, expatriate networks, and educational consultants for unfiltered perspectives on each institution’s true strengths and challenges.
3. Initiate Early Communication
   Contact admissions departments 9-12 months before anticipated enrollment when possible, requesting detailed information about spaces in appropriate grade levels.
4. Schedule Comprehensive Visits
   When visiting potential schools, observe actual classes in session, speak with current parents, meet with subject-specific teachers relevant to your child’s interests, and evaluate facilities firsthand.
5. Assessment Preparation
   Most schools require entrance assessments—understand specific expectations and provide appropriate preparation without creating undue pressure on your child.

Remember that the ideal school creates a genuine partnership between educators and families. The school that demonstrates the most responsive communication during your search process often provides the strongest ongoing support through your expatriate journey.

As your family embarks on this Greek educational adventure, maintain flexibility and open communication. The right school environment transforms an international assignment from a challenging transition to a profound growth opportunity for the entire family.

Looking beyond the classroom, how might your child’s Greek educational experience shape their global perspective and future opportunities in our increasingly interconnected world?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Greek international school standards compare globally?

The top-tier international schools in Greece maintain comparable standards to premium international institutions worldwide, with similar IB exam results, university placement records, and teaching qualifications. Schools like ACS Athens, St. Catherine’s, and Campion regularly send graduates to prestigious universities across Europe, North America, and beyond. However, there is greater variability among mid-tier institutions, making thorough research essential. Request specific data on standardized test performance, university admissions results, and accreditation status when comparing options.

Are there viable public school options for English-speaking expat children?

While Greek public education is not conducted in English, it does represent a viable option for families planning long-term residency, particularly for younger children who typically acquire language skills more rapidly. Some public schools in expatriate-heavy areas offer enhanced support for non-Greek speakers. Additionally, the Greek Ministry of Education operates a network of “Intercultural Schools” specifically designed to support foreign or repatriated Greek students, with additional language resources. These options require commitment to Greek language acquisition but offer authentic cultural immersion and substantial cost savings.

What support exists for children with learning differences or special educational needs?

Support varies significantly between institutions. Premium international schools typically offer more comprehensive learning support services, including specialized teachers, individualized education plans, and accommodation for diverse learning styles. Schools following American or British curricula often maintain structured systems for identifying and supporting learning differences. However, services for more significant support needs remain limited across all Greek educational options. Families requiring substantial intervention should thoroughly investigate specific support capabilities, current cases being accommodated, and associated supplementary costs, which can be significant.

Article reviewed by Jean Dupont, Institutional Investment Advisor | ESG & Impact Investing Pioneer | Aligning Profit with Purpose for Pension Funds, on May 5, 2025