Expat Education Guide: Schools in Athens

Education Overview

Athens scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Athens offers a centralized education system of good quality, though it faces some challenges in infrastructure and resources compared to other European capitals. The city features a mix of public schools, private institutions, and a robust network of international schools catering to the expatriate community. A distinctive feature is the strong emphasis on classical education, with ancient Greek, philosophy, and mathematics being core components of the curriculum. The system is administered by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$5,170

Monthly Costs

$3,550/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $50

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $350

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $800/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,600/mo

Transportation Monthly $100/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

Kifissia

Density 4/6

Types: Private, international, and public options

Notable: Athens College, Doukas School, St. Catherine's British School

Glyfada

Density 4/6

Types: International, private Greek, bilingual options

Notable: St. Lawrence College, Ekpaideftiria Kotsika

Vouliagmeni

Density 4/6

Types: Private, international, and bilingual options

Notable: St. Lawrence College, 1st Primary School of Vouliagmeni

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Practical Tips

schools generally allow missing documentation to be submitted until September for final enrollment

Choose schools in Psychiko for English-speaking programs

this area has the highest concentration of teachers certified in English-language education

Apply for language certifications through Hellenic American Union

their certificates are more widely recognized by Greek employers than other international qualifications

Enroll in municipal adult education programs in October

they offer free Greek language courses with smaller class sizes than university programs

Useful Links

Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs

Official government portal providing information on the Greek education system, enrollment procedures, and recognition of foreign qualifications.

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National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Athens' oldest and most prestigious university offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with information for international students in English.

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Athens International Schools Association

Consortium of accredited international schools in Athens following various curricula (American, British, IB), ideal for expatriate families seeking education in English.

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Study in Greece

Official portal for international students with information on Greek universities, scholarship opportunities, and student visa requirements for studying in Athens.

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Athens Centre for Greek Language and Culture

Established institution offering Greek language courses at all levels for foreigners, with cultural orientation programs specifically designed for newcomers to Athens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Athens has 15 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Athens varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Athens, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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