1
Public School System
Greek public schools are free for all legal residents regardless of nationality. The quality varies between urban and rural areas, but central Athens and Thessaloniki schools generally provide solid foundations in core subjects. All instruction is in Greek.
- Education is compulsory from age 6 to 15; public school is free at all levels including kindergarten (age 4–5)
- Structure: Dimotiko (primary, ages 6–12), Gymnasio (lower secondary, ages 12–15), Lykeio (upper secondary, ages 15–18)
- Language of instruction is Greek throughout — expat children immerse in the language; most young children achieve functional Greek within 1–2 school years
- Class sizes in Athens public schools average 20–25 students; rural schools are smaller
- Public school enrolment requires: residency documentation, birth certificate (apostilled and translated), vaccination record, and previous school reports
- School year runs September to June; 3-month summer holiday (July–August–September)
- Quality variation: suburban and neighbourhood schools in established areas (Glyfada, Kifissia, Pangrati) are generally better-resourced than inner-city schools
- School meals are not typically provided in Greek public schools — children bring packed lunches or go home at midday