Schools in Athens for Israeli families: international, Jewish or Greek? (2026)
Moving to Athens with children? Which international schools there are, what they cost, the Jewish school and Greek state schools, and where to live for each school.
- Most international schools in Athens are in the northern suburbs: Halandri, Kifissia, Pallini and Gerakas. There are fewer in the south.
- According to a 2026 guide, an international school costs roughly €5,000–18,000 a year, plus extras.
- The Jewish Community runs a kindergarten and primary school. Greek state schools are free, but teaching is in Greek.
If you are planning a move to Athens with children, choose the school first and the flat second. Check for a place, the full price including the bus, and the bus route to your neighbourhood. Start preparing documents (reports, vaccinations, apostille) while still in Israel.
Which international schools are there in Athens?
Most Israeli families moving to Athens choose an international school: teaching is in English and the move from an Israeli school is easier. Most international schools are in the northern and north-eastern suburbs, with a few in the south. The main ones:
| School | Area | Curriculum |
|---|---|---|
| ACS Athens (American Community Schools) | Halandri | American, with IB Diploma and AP |
| International School of Athens (ISA) | Kifissia | IB, nursery to 18 |
| St. Catherine's British School | Lykovrisi (near Kifissia) | British, IGCSE and IB Diploma |
| Campion School | Pallini | British, nursery to A-Levels |
| Byron College | Gerakas | British, IGCSE and A-Levels |
| St Lawrence College | Koropi (serves Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni) | British, kindergarten to A-Levels |
| Deutsche Schule Athen | Marousi | German and Greek, German International Abitur |
| Athens College | Psychiko | Greek-English, Greek national exams and IB |
Before choosing, check each school's website for its current curriculum, entry ages and places. Some year groups have waiting lists.
How much does an international school in Athens cost?
Most schools do not publish fees openly and send them on request. According to iSchoolAdvisor's 2026 guide, typical ranges in Athens are:
- Early years: about €5,000–9,000 a year
- Primary: about €7,000–13,000 a year
- Secondary (IGCSE, IB or A-Levels): about €10,000–18,000 a year
- Extras: registration, buses, lunches and exams add roughly €1,500–3,500 a year
These are general ranges, not a specific school's prices. Always ask for a full written quote, including the bus from your neighbourhood.
Is there a Jewish school in Athens?
Yes. The Jewish Community of Athens runs a primary school and kindergarten that have operated for decades. According to a 2019 report, the school is in Palaio Psychiko and accepts children with at least one Jewish parent. It follows the Greek curriculum with Hebrew and Jewish studies. It is small, so contact the Jewish Community of Athens (athjcom.gr) early about places, language of teaching and cost.
After primary, the same 2019 report described an after-school Jewish studies and Hebrew track at Pierce (American College of Greece) in Agia Paraskevi, from year 7. Check with them whether it still runs.
Is there an Israeli school in Greece?
We did not find an official Israeli school (following the Israeli Ministry of Education curriculum) in Greece. Israeli families usually combine an international or Greek school with Hebrew and Judaism outside school: Chabad of Athens, the Jewish Community, or a private Hebrew tutor. Some families also use online learning to keep up with the Israeli curriculum.
Can my children go to a Greek state school?
Yes. Children living in Greece can enrol in a state school, which is free. Teaching is in Greek, so it suits mainly young children, who pick up a language quickly, or families planning to stay for many years. Some state schools have reception classes and extra Greek lessons for children arriving from abroad.
Kindergarten in Greece is compulsory for the two years before year one, so from age 4. Besides state kindergartens, Athens has private and bilingual nurseries, and most international schools start at age 3.
Which documents do I need to enrol?
Requirements vary by school, but you will usually be asked for:
- The child's and parents' passports
- Birth certificate, sometimes with an apostille and translation
- Vaccination record or medical certificate
- Reports and certificates from the previous school (in English or translated)
- Proof of address in Athens, and for a state school also a residence permit
Start collecting and translating documents while still in Israel, as some (an apostille, for example) are easier to get there.
Which neighbourhood should we live in?
The school often decides the neighbourhood. The morning drive in Athens can be long, so most families look for a flat near the school or on its bus route:
- Kifissia, Ekali and Nea Erythraia: close to ISA and St. Catherine's. Green, quiet and relatively expensive.
- Halandri, Marousi and Psychiko: close to ACS, the German School, Athens College and the Jewish school. Good metro access.
- Pallini and Gerakas: close to Campion and Byron. More space and houses with gardens, cheaper than the north.
- Glyfada, Voula and Vari: life by the sea. Fewer international schools here; St Lawrence College runs buses to the area.
Before signing a lease, check whether the school bus reaches your street and how long the ride takes in the morning.
What should we ask when we visit a school?
Most international schools offer a tour or a video call. Bring a list of questions:
- Full cost: tuition, registration, one-off admission fee, bus, meals, uniform, trips and exams. Is there a sibling discount?
- Bus: does it reach your street, and what time is the morning pick-up?
- English: is there support for children whose English is still weak?
- Greek: how many Greek lessons a week, and are they compulsory?
- Jewish holidays: can children be absent on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover without a problem?
- Joining mid-year: how does the school settle a child who arrives in November or February?
- Next steps: which universities do graduates go to, and is the diploma recognised in Israel?
Also ask how many Hebrew-speaking children are in the year group. For some families this matters in the first months.
When should we apply?
The Greek school year starts in September. International schools usually open admissions for the next year in winter and spring, so apply as early as you can. Most schools also accept pupils mid-year if there is a place. Expect an interview or an English assessment.
If you are still planning, read our guide to moving to Greece with your family and our guide to long-term rentals in Athens.
FAQ
How much does an international school in Athens cost? According to iSchoolAdvisor's 2026 guide, roughly €5,000–18,000 a year depending on age, plus about €1,500–3,500 a year for registration, buses and meals. Each school gives its exact fees.
Is there a Jewish school in Greece? Yes. The Jewish Community of Athens has a kindergarten and primary school. Contact the community (athjcom.gr) about places and cost.
Is there an Israeli school in Athens? We did not find an official Israeli school. Most families combine an international school with Hebrew and Judaism through the community, Chabad or a private tutor.
Can a child who does not speak Greek attend a state school? Yes, they can enrol, and some schools offer extra Greek lessons. Teaching is in Greek, so it is easier for young children.
From what age is kindergarten compulsory in Greece? From age 4, two years before year one.
