Last updated: March 2026 | Sources: Greek Ministry of Education, School Accreditation Bodies
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions for expat families. This comprehensive guide covers international schools across Greece, curricula, costs, and admissions.
Education Options for Expat Families
1. International Schools
- Curriculum: IB, British, American, French, German, etc.
- Language: English or native language
- Cost: €8,000-€25,000/year
- Best for: Temporary stays, university preparation abroad
2. Greek Public Schools
- Curriculum: Greek national curriculum
- Language: Greek
- Cost: Free (EU citizens)
- Best for: Long-term settlement, integration
3. Greek Private Schools
- Curriculum: Greek + enhanced languages
- Language: Greek + English
- Cost: €3,000-€10,000/year
- Best for: Bilingual education, Greek university
International Schools in Athens (2026)
1. Athens College
Curriculum: IB + Greek Apolytirion
Grades: K-12
Tuition: €12,000-€18,000/year
Location: Psychico (northern suburb)
Highlights:
- Founded 1925, prestigious reputation
- IB Diploma + Greek diploma options
- 98% university acceptance rate
- Excellent facilities (sports, arts, sciences)
- Strong alumni network
2. American Community Schools (ACS)
Curriculum: American + IB
Grades: PK-12
Tuition: €15,000-€22,000/year
Location: Agia Paraskevi
Highlights:
- U.S. accredited (New England Association)
- IB Diploma Programme
- 40+ nationalities represented
- Modern campus with advanced facilities
- Strong arts and athletics programs
3. British School of Athens (BSA)
Curriculum: British National + IGCSE + A-Levels
Grades: 3-18
Tuition: €10,000-€16,000/year
Location: Gerakas (eastern suburb)
Highlights:
- UK accredited (Council of British International Schools)
- IGCSE and A-Level examinations
- Focus on British educational tradition
- Smaller class sizes
- Strong university counseling
4. German School of Athens
Curriculum: German + Greek + IB
Grades: K-12
Tuition: €6,000-€10,000/year
Location: Aghia Paraskevi
Highlights:
- German Abitur + Greek diploma
- IB Diploma available
- Trilingual education (German, Greek, English)
- Strong STEM focus
- Lower cost than other internationals
5. Lycée Français d’Athènes
Curriculum: French National
Grades: TPS-12
Tuition: €5,000-€9,000/year
Location: Psychico
Highlights:
- French Ministry of Education accredited
- Baccalauréat preparation
- Bilingual French-Greek options
- Large French expat community
- Affordable compared to other internationals
6. Italian School of Athens
Curriculum: Italian National
Grades: K-12
Tuition: €4,000-€7,000/year
Location: Psychico
7. Scandinavian School of Athens
Curriculum: IB + Scandinavian
Grades: K-9 (expanding)
Tuition: €8,000-€12,000/year
Location: Ekali
International Schools in Thessaloniki
1. Anatolia College
Curriculum: IB + Greek + American
Grades: 7-12
Tuition: €8,000-€14,000/year
Location: Pylaia (eastern suburb)
Highlights:
- Historic institution (founded 1886)
- IB Diploma Programme
- U.S. high school diploma
- Beautiful 70-acre campus
- Strong university placements globally
2. Mediterranean College
Curriculum: British + IB
Grades: K-12
Tuition: €7,000-€12,000/year
Location: Thessaloniki center
3. German School of Thessaloniki
Curriculum: German National
Grades: K-12
Tuition: €5,000-€8,000/year
Location: Thessaloniki
International Schools on Greek Islands
Crete
International School of Crete (Heraklion)
- Curriculum: IB + British
- Grades: K-12
- Tuition: €7,000-€11,000/year
- Small classes, multicultural environment
Chania International School
- Curriculum: British
- Grades: K-9
- Tuition: €5,000-€8,000/year
Rhodes
Rhodes International School
- Curriculum: British + IB
- Grades: K-12
- Tuition: €6,000-€10,000/year
- Established expat community
Corfu
Pinewood School Corfu
- Curriculum: British
- Grades: K-11
- Tuition: €5,000-€9,000/year
- Small, family-oriented
Mykonos & Santorini
Limited options: Most expat families use:
- Local Greek schools (with tutoring)
- Online schooling programs
- Boarding schools in Athens or abroad
Curriculum Comparison
| Curriculum | Assessment | University Path | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Continuous + final exams | Global recognition | Mobile families |
| British (A-Levels) | Final exams (age 16, 18) | UK + Commonwealth | UK university goals |
| American | Continuous (GPA) + SAT/ACT | U.S. universities | U.S. university goals |
| French (Bac) | Final Baccalauréat exam | French universities | French-speaking families |
| German (Abitur) | Final Abitur exams | German/EU universities | German-speaking families |
| Greek (Apolytirion) | Panhellenic exams | Greek universities | Long-term Greece settlement |
Admissions Process
Typical Requirements
- Application form (online or paper)
- Previous school records (last 2-3 years)
- Standardized test scores (if applicable)
- English proficiency test (for non-native speakers)
- Student interview
- Parent interview
- Recommendation letters (1-2 teachers)
- Passport copies (student + parents)
- Residency permit (for non-EU families)
Application Timeline
- September-December: Research schools, attend open days
- January-March: Submit applications (main intake)
- March-May: Assessments, interviews
- May-June: Acceptance decisions
- September: School year begins
Note: Mid-year admissions possible at many schools (subject to space availability)
Application Fees
- Application fee: €100-€300 (non-refundable)
- Registration fee (upon acceptance): €500-€2,000
- Capital contribution (some schools): €3,000-€10,000 (one-time, sometimes refundable)
Tuition Costs Summary (2026)
| School Type | Elementary | Middle School | High School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium International | €12,000-€18,000 | €14,000-€20,000 | €16,000-€25,000 |
| Mid-Range International | €8,000-€12,000 | €9,000-€14,000 | €10,000-€16,000 |
| European National Schools | €5,000-€9,000 | €6,000-€10,000 | €7,000-€12,000 |
| Greek Private | €3,000-€6,000 | €4,000-€7,000 | €5,000-€10,000 |
| Greek Public | Free (EU) | Free (EU) | Free (EU) |
Additional Costs
- Books & materials: €300-€800/year
- Uniforms: €200-€500 (one-time)
- Transportation (bus): €800-€1,500/year
- Meals: €500-€1,000/year
- Extracurricular activities: €200-€1,000/year
- Field trips: €100-€500/year
- Exam fees (IB, A-Levels): €500-€1,000 (final year)
Special Needs Support
Well-equipped schools:
- Athens College – Learning support center
- ACS Athens – Inclusive education program
- British School of Athens – SEN department
- German School – Integration support
Limited support: Most smaller schools have basic accommodations but may not support severe learning disabilities.
University Destinations
Top international schools send graduates to:
- UK: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL
- US: Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, top liberal arts colleges
- Greece: University of Athens, Athens University of Economics
- EU: Netherlands, Germany, France (various universities)
- Canada: Toronto, McGill, UBC
Greek Public Schools for Expats
Pros
- ✅ Free education (EU citizens)
- ✅ Greek language immersion
- ✅ Local integration
- ✅ Greek university pathway
Cons
- ❌ Language barrier (Greek only)
- ❌ Different curriculum standards
- ❌ Variable quality by region
- ❌ Challenging for temporary stays
Requirements for Enrollment
- Residency permit (non-EU)
- Greek tax number (AFM) for child
- Vaccination records
- Previous school records (translated)
- Proof of address
Homeschooling in Greece
Legal status: Technically allowed but heavily regulated. Requires:
- Ministry of Education approval
- Greek curriculum adherence
- Regular examinations
- Greek language instruction
Reality: Many expat families use online international programs without formal Greek approval, especially for temporary stays.
Choosing the Right School: Key Factors
- Length of stay: Temporary → International; Permanent → Consider Greek options
- University goals: Match curriculum to target country
- Budget: Include all costs, not just tuition
- Location: Athens traffic is significant; choose nearby
- Child’s needs: Learning support, languages, extracurriculars
- Community: Nationality mix, parent community fit
- Visit in person: Open days, trial days if possible
Useful Resources
- Greek Ministry of Education – Official information
- International Baccalaureate – IB school directory
- COBIS – British international schools
- ECIS – International school resources
Need Help Choosing a School?
OptimaStay assists expat families with education planning:
- School shortlisting based on your needs
- Admissions process guidance
- School visit coordination
- Application document preparation
- Relocation support (housing near schools)
- Ongoing education consulting
Book a consultation for education planning
Disclaimer: Tuition fees and admission requirements can change. Always verify current information directly with schools. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Related: Cost of Living in Greece 2026 | Greek Residency Permit Types
