When families choose Greece as their new home, they are often drawn by the lifestyle — the climate, safety, culture, and pace of life.

But once the decision to relocate is made, attention quickly shifts to a more practical question: where will our children go to school?

While Greece has a strong national education system, it is primarily Greek-language. For children who do not yet speak Greek — particularly those entering secondary school — this can make the transition more complex.

This is where international schools play a central role.

Concentrated mainly in Athens, Greece’s international school network offers globally recognised programmes, multicultural environments, and structured pathways that allow families to relocate without disrupting their children’s long-term academic plans.

International Schools in Greece

International schools are popular with expat families because they typically offer:

• English-language education (or another foreign language of instruction)
• Curriculum continuity for internationally mobile families
• Globally recognised qualifications that support international university admissions
• Multicultural student environments and strong pastoral care
• Modern facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities

International curricula available in Greece

International schools in Greece commonly follow recognised global frameworks, giving families flexibility to choose a system that best aligns with their academic goals and future university pathways. While each school differs, international schools in Greece most commonly offer one of the following pathways:

• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• British curriculum (IGCSEs and A-Levels)
• American High School Diploma (often alongside AP options)
• French national curriculum
• German national curriculum

Are international schools in Greece affordable?

International schools charge tuition, and costs typically vary based on curriculum, age, and facilities. As a general guide, many expat families can expect:

• Kindergarten and Primary: €8,000–€12,000 per year
• Secondary School: €12,000–€18,000 per year

Some schools do not publish fees publicly, and additional costs may apply (registration, uniforms, transport, extracurricular activities).

Where are the best international schools in Greece?

Most international schools in Greece are located in Athens, particularly in the northern suburbs, where many expat families choose to live.

While Athens hosts the majority of international schools, other areas such as Thessaloniki and Crete also have quality international options, offering families more geographic flexibility.

However, outside of these areas, international school options are more limited, and families living elsewhere often rely on private Greek schools or relocate closer to the main cities for access to international education. 

The best international schools in Athens

The following schools are among the most established options for expat families, offering a range of international curricula and language pathways.

How to choose the right international school in Greece

International schools can vary significantly in curriculum, teaching style, fees, and admissions requirements. When deciding, parents typically focus on:

• Curriculum fit (IB, British, American, or other national systems)
• Child’s age and transition stage (early years, primary, secondary, pre-university)
• Language support for non-native English speakers, and Greek as a second language
• Location (commute times in Athens can strongly influence day-to-day quality of life)
• Extracurricular depth and pastoral support

Important: Many international schools have waiting lists, particularly in popular year groups. Early applications are strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greek mandatory in schools?
Yes, in public schools. International schools primarily teach in English or another foreign language.

When does the school year start in Greece?
The academic year typically runs from mid-September to mid-June.

Are international schools in Greece recognised globally?
Yes. IB, British, and American curricula are widely accepted by universities worldwide.

Can expat children attend public schools in Greece?
Yes, provided they have legal residency, although Greek language proficiency is essential.