The Complete Guide to International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools in Greece

Reading time: 12 minutes

Table of Contents

• Introduction to IB Education in Greece
• Benefits of the IB Curriculum in the Greek Context
• Leading IB Schools Across Greece
  • Athens Metropolitan Area
  • Thessaloniki Region
  • Other Regions
• Admission Process and Requirements
• Tuition Costs and Financial Considerations
• The Expat Perspective: Relocating for IB Education
• IB vs. Greek National Curriculum: A Comparison
• The Future of IB Education in Greece
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to IB Education in Greece

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization and birthplace of democracy, might be known for its ancient history, but its educational landscape is increasingly embracing modern, globally-oriented programs. The International Baccalaureate (IB) has established a significant presence in this Mediterranean nation, offering families an alternative to the traditional Greek educational system.

When Maria Papadopoulos decided to return to Greece after 15 years in London, her biggest concern wasn’t finding real estate athens or navigating the bureaucracy—it was ensuring her children could continue their education without disruption. “The IB program became our bridge,” she explains. “It allowed my children to transition seamlessly while still preparing them for universities worldwide.”

Since the first IB school opened its doors in Greece in the early 1990s, the program has experienced steady growth throughout the country. Today, there are over 20 authorized IB World Schools offering various combinations of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP).

The growth reflects both the increasing international community in Greece and local Greeks’ desire for an education that prepares students for global citizenship. This dual appeal has made Greece an interesting case study in how traditional and international educational systems can coexist and complement each other.

Benefits of the IB Curriculum in the Greek Context

Why are more Greek families choosing the IB pathway? The answer lies in a combination of educational philosophy and practical considerations.

Academic Rigor with Cultural Context

The IB curriculum is renowned for its academic rigor, but what makes it particularly valuable in Greece is how it complements the country’s rich cultural heritage. IB schools in Greece don’t dismiss the importance of Hellenic history and language—they incorporate them while adding global perspective.

Dr. Elena Mavromatis, educational psychologist and consultant to several IB schools in Greece, notes: “The IB framework allows students to explore their Greek identity within a global context. Rather than seeing internationalism and national identity as opposing forces, the IB approach treats them as complementary elements in a student’s development.”

This integration is evident in projects like those at Anatolia College in Thessaloniki, where students combine study of ancient Greek democracy with research on modern governance systems worldwide—creating connections between past and present that deepen understanding of both.

University Pathways and Global Mobility

For families with their sights set on international universities, the IB Diploma offers distinct advantages. Greek universities now recognize the IB Diploma through an established equivalency system, while the credential simultaneously opens doors to institutions worldwide.

According to 2022 data from the IB Organization, graduates from Greek IB schools received admissions offers from universities across 27 countries, with the UK, Netherlands, United States, and Canada being the most popular destinations alongside Greece itself.

The practical benefit? Families don’t have to choose between preparing for Greek higher education or international options—the IB curriculum facilitates both.

Leading IB Schools Across Greece

Athens Metropolitan Area

The Athens metropolitan area, home to nearly half of Greece’s population, naturally hosts the highest concentration of IB schools in the country. These institutions range from schools with decades-long traditions to newer establishments responding to growing demand.

Among the most established is St. Catherine’s British School, offering the complete IB continuum from Primary Years through Diploma Programme. Founded in 1956, the school has offered the IB since 1990, building a strong reputation for academic excellence and university placement.

The American Community Schools (ACS Athens) presents another compelling option, blending American educational approaches with the IB framework. With a sprawling campus in Halandri, ACS Athens offers the IB Diploma alongside Advanced Placement courses, giving students flexibility in their academic pathways.

For families seeking a Greek-international hybrid, Costeas-Geitonas School (CGS) in Pallini offers bilingual education with both the Greek national curriculum and IB programs. This approach has proven particularly attractive to Greek families returning from abroad or those wanting to maintain strong Greek language skills alongside international qualifications.

Campion School, Geitonas School, and Byron College round out the Athens options, each with distinct educational philosophies while sharing the common IB framework. Athens-based families often report that this variety allows them to find a school that matches not just academic needs but cultural and community preferences as well.

Living in Athens while your children attend an IB school offers practical advantages beyond education. The capital provides easy access to international airports, cultural institutions, and the largest expat community in Greece—all factors that complement the international mindset fostered by IB education.

Thessaloniki Region

Greece’s second city offers fewer IB options than Athens but compensates with schools of exceptional quality and historical significance.

Anatolia College stands as perhaps the most renowned IB institution outside Athens. Founded in 1886 and offering the IB Diploma since 1997, Anatolia combines deep historical roots with forward-thinking education. Its sprawling campus on the outskirts of Thessaloniki provides facilities that rival many university campuses.

Pinewood International School offers an alternative model, with smaller class sizes and an American-influenced approach alongside its IB curriculum. Located in Thermi, just outside the city center, Pinewood serves both the local expat community and Greek families seeking English-language education.

The Thessaloniki region offers a different lifestyle than Athens—more affordable housing, a slower pace of life, and proximity to both beaches and mountain escapes. For many families, this quality of life makes the more limited selection of IB schools a worthwhile tradeoff.

Other Regions

Beyond Greece’s two major urban centers, IB education becomes more selective but doesn’t disappear entirely.

On island destinations, the options become tailored to specific communities. The European School of Heraklion in Crete offers the IB Diploma Programme, serving both the local international community and families drawn to the island’s famed quality of life. Similarly, St. Catherine’s British School has expanded to offer a campus on Rhodes, bringing IB education to the southeastern Aegean.

For families in Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, the German School of Athens operates a branch offering IB curriculum, primarily serving the German-speaking community but open to students of all backgrounds.

The geographical distribution of IB schools reveals both challenge and opportunity. While families may need to consider location carefully, the presence of IB schools beyond the major centers makes it possible to combine international education with life in some of Greece’s most beautiful regions.

Admission Process and Requirements

Gaining admission to an IB school in Greece involves navigating processes that differ significantly from the public school system. Understanding these requirements helps families prepare effectively.

Most IB schools in Greece maintain rolling admissions for international students, recognizing that expat families may relocate throughout the year. However, for entry into popular grades or for local students, application deadlines typically fall between January and March for the following academic year.

The typical admission process includes:

• Application submission with prior academic records
• English language assessment (and Greek for bilingual programs)
• Mathematics assessment to determine appropriate placement
• Student interview (for middle and high school applicants)
• Parent interview to ensure alignment of educational philosophy

For the IB Diploma Programme specifically, schools often look for a strong academic foundation. While most don’t publish minimum grade requirements, competitive schools typically expect at least a B average in previous coursework.

English proficiency requirements vary by school and program. For the Primary Years Programme, schools often accept beginners and provide support. For the Diploma Programme, however, academic-level English is generally required, as the demanding curriculum leaves limited time for language acquisition.

A noteworthy detail: many IB schools in Greece offer conditional acceptance pending summer preparatory courses, particularly for students transitioning from different curricula. This flexible approach helps bridge gaps in prerequisite knowledge.

Tuition Costs and Financial Considerations

International education in Greece represents a significant financial investment. Understanding the full cost picture helps families plan appropriately.

Beyond published tuition, families should budget for additional expenses. For the IB Diploma Programme specifically, exam registration fees (approximately €800) and specific course materials can add €1,000-2,000 over the two-year program.

Many schools offer sibling discounts, typically 10-15% for second children and 15-25% for third children enrolled concurrently. Early payment discounts of 2-5% are also common for families who can pay annually rather than in installments.

Financial aid availability varies significantly between institutions. The most established schools maintain endowment funds allowing them to offer need-based scholarships and merit scholarships for exceptional students. Newer schools typically have more limited financial aid resources.

When comparing costs, consider the full value proposition. Some schools include services like daily transportation and lunch in their base tuition, while others charge these as additional fees.

The Expat Perspective: Relocating for IB Education

For expatriate families moving to Greece, the IB curriculum offers continuity in education—a critical factor in successful relocation. The standardized framework means students can transfer between IB schools worldwide with minimal disruption to their learning journey.

Housing and School Location Considerations

School location significantly influences housing decisions for many expat families. In Athens, most international schools cluster in the northern suburbs (Kifisia, Psychiko, Halandri) and coastal southern areas (Glyfada, Voula). This has created expatriate communities around these schools, where finding English-speaking services and international social networks is easier.

James Wilson, who relocated from Connecticut to Athens with two teenage children, shares his experience: “We narrowed our real estate athens search to areas within 20 minutes of American Community Schools. This decision proved invaluable—not just for the shorter commute, but because we found ourselves in a neighborhood with several other ACS families who helped us navigate everything from finding English-speaking doctors to understanding local customs.”

In Thessaloniki, international schools tend to be on the southeastern outskirts, making suburbs like Panorama and Thermi popular with expatriate families. These areas offer more spacious housing than city centers and often better value for money.

Integration Challenges and Solutions

IB schools in Greece serve as cultural bridges, helping expatriate families integrate into Greek society while maintaining connections to their home cultures. Many schools organize community events that bring together international and local families, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Most IB schools offer Greek language courses at various levels, even for students following the international curriculum. This support helps children develop the language skills needed for daily life outside school.

Parent networks within IB schools provide valuable practical support. The American Community Schools’ Parent-Teacher Organization, for example, publishes a regularly updated resource guide for new families, covering everything from emergency medical services to recommended supermarkets that stock international products.

IB vs. Greek National Curriculum: A Comparison

For families with the option of choosing between the Greek national system and IB education, understanding the key differences helps inform this important decision.

Philosophical and Structural Differences

The Greek national curriculum and IB differ fundamentally in their approach to learning and assessment:

The Greek system emphasizes comprehensive knowledge acquisition across many subjects, with national examinations (Panhellenic exams) determining university placement. The IB, conversely, focuses on developing critical thinking and research skills through fewer subjects studied in greater depth.

Class sizes represent another significant difference. Public Greek schools often have 25-30 students per class, while IB schools in Greece typically maintain classes of 12-20 students, allowing for more personalized attention.

Practical Considerations for Mixed Families

For families blending Greek and international backgrounds, the decision becomes especially nuanced. Some opt for the “best of both worlds” approach:

Alexandra Dimitriou, whose children attend Costeas-Geitonas School, explains their family strategy: “Our children follow the Greek curriculum through gymnasium (middle school) to build strong Greek language skills and cultural understanding. Then they switch to the IB Diploma for the final two years to prepare for international universities. This combination gives them both Greek roots and global wings.”

Another option gaining popularity is attending Greek schools while supplementing with IB-style enrichment programs and international summer schools. This approach maintains connection to the Greek system while developing the critical thinking and English language skills valued in international contexts.

For university planning, it’s worth noting that while the IB Diploma provides access to Greek universities through an established conversion system, students following this path may face additional adjustment compared to those coming through the highly specialized Greek system.

The Future of IB Education in Greece

The landscape of international education in Greece continues to evolve, shaped by both global trends and local developments.

Growth Patterns and Emerging Trends

Several trends point to continued expansion of IB education in Greece:

• Increasing dual-language programs that combine IB frameworks with stronger Greek language components, appealing to Greek families seeking international perspectives without sacrificing national identity
• Geographic expansion beyond traditional centers, with feasibility studies underway for new IB schools in Patras, Larissa, and Heraklion
• Partnership models where established IB schools create satellite campuses or consulting relationships with regional institutions, expanding access without starting entirely new schools

The economic dimension remains significant. While Greece continues its recovery from financial challenges, the premium education sector has shown resilience, with enrollment in international schools actually increasing during economic downturns as families prioritize education even amid financial constraints.

Challenges and Opportunities

IB schools in Greece face distinct challenges in the coming years. Regulatory requirements continue to evolve, sometimes creating tension between international curricula and national education ministry expectations. Schools report increasing bureaucratic requirements for operation and certification.

Teacher recruitment presents another challenge. The most established schools invest heavily in professional development, but the limited pool of educators experienced in both IB methodologies and Greek cultural contexts means competition for top teaching talent is intense.

Yet these challenges are balanced by significant opportunities. Greece’s growing reputation as a destination for digital nomads and location-independent professionals creates new demand for international education options. Several IB schools report increasing inquiries from families considering Greece for its quality of life while maintaining careers connected to global markets.

Furthermore, as Greek universities increase English-language program offerings and international partnerships, the value proposition of IB education strengthens even for families planning to remain in Greece for higher education.

Your Next Steps: Navigating the IB Journey in Greece

Choosing the right educational path requires careful consideration of your family’s unique circumstances. As you contemplate IB education in Greece, consider these strategic next steps:

1. Assess your timeline and priorities – Are you seeking immediate enrollment or planning for future academic years? Understanding your timeframe helps narrow options, as some schools have waiting lists for certain grade levels.
2. Schedule campus visits during regular school days – Virtual tours can provide initial information, but nothing replaces experiencing the school culture firsthand. Observing student-teacher interactions and classroom dynamics reveals more than any prospectus.
3. Engage with current families – Most schools can connect prospective parents with existing community members. These conversations provide unfiltered perspectives on the lived experience of IB education at specific institutions.
4. Evaluate total costs realistically – Beyond published tuition, request detailed information about additional fees, expected annual increases, and potential extra expenses for IB-specific activities.
5. Consider your housing and lifestyle holistically – School location will significantly impact daily life. Visit potential neighborhoods at different times of day to understand commuting patterns and community atmosphere.

For expatriate families, connecting with your home country’s embassy or consulate educational advisors can provide additional guidance specific to your nationality’s needs and recognition requirements.

Remember that while the IB curriculum is standardized globally, each school develops its unique culture and strengths. The “best” IB school isn’t necessarily the most prestigious or expensive, but rather the one that aligns most closely with your child’s learning style and your family’s values.

As Greece continues its evolution as an international education destination, families who approach the decision with thorough research and clear priorities will find institutions capable of providing world-class education in a setting rich with historical significance and natural beauty. What educational legacy will your family build in the cradle of Western civilization?

Frequently Asked Questions

How well are IB qualifications recognized by Greek universities?

Greek universities fully recognize the IB Diploma through an established equivalency system managed by the Ministry of Education. IB scores are converted to a Greek scale, with a maximum of 20 points. Typically, an IB score of 36+ converts to 19-20 on the Greek scale, making competitive programs accessible. However, some specialized programs (particularly medicine) may have additional requirements, such as subject-specific exams. The recognition process is standardized nationally, meaning all public universities follow the same conversion formula, providing consistency for applicants.

Can students transfer between the Greek national system and IB schools mid-education?

Transfers are possible but present challenges that vary by age and grade level. Primary school transfers (ages 6-12) are generally smoother, with schools providing language support and integration programs. Middle school transfers (ages 12-15) require more academic bridging, particularly in mathematics and sciences where curricula may align differently. For upper secondary transfers, moving from Greek to IB is more common than the reverse, as the specialized nature of the Greek Lyceum makes late entry difficult. Most IB schools offer assessment tests and summer preparation courses to facilitate transfers, with optimal transition points being at the beginning of primary, middle, or diploma programs.

What support do IB schools in Greece provide for non-Greek-speaking students?

Support varies by institution but typically includes structured English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs for academic English development. Many schools offer parallel Greek language courses at various levels—from beginner to advanced—allowing students to develop local language skills at their own pace. Beyond language, cultural integration support often includes buddy systems pairing new international students with established bilingual peers, along with orientation programs for families covering practical aspects of Greek life. Most IB schools maintain counseling departments with staff experienced in third-culture kid dynamics and transition challenges, providing both academic and emotional support throughout the adjustment process.

Article reviewed by Georgi Ivanov, Corporate Lease Negotiator | Industrial Real Estate Strategist, on May 5, 2025