ACS Athens (American Community Schools) vs Athens College
ACS Athens (American Community Schools) and Athens College are both in Athens, about 3 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and ACS Athens (American Community Schools) also offers American and Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are €11,393 at ACS Athens (American Community Schools) and €11,280 - 15,400 at Athens College, which puts Athens College roughly 17% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
American Curriculum, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)
Curriculum
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils
Pupils
1,206
Pupils
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Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1945
Opened
1925
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
ACS Athens is located in the northern Athens suburb of Chalandri (Halandri), on the foothills of the Hymettus mountain, about 5 km from central Athens. The campus address is 129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave. & Kazantzaki Street, Halandri 15234, Athens, Greece. It is accessible by road and is near the Aghias Paraskevi metro station.
Location
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Stages
Stages
Early Childhood (ages 3-5); Elementary School (Grades 1-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8); Academy (Grades 9-12); ACS Athens Virtual.
Stages
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School type
School type
Private nonprofit international day school
School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Language Support ESL/EFL across all three schools; Optimal Learning Support provides accommodations for mild learning differences, subject to availability.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
American
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
The Middle School Bell Schedule for 2025-2026 shows the day starts at 9:00 and ends at 3:45, with multiple instructional periods, short passing times, and a lunch period; schedules vary by division.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus services are contracted by ACS Athens parents and cover virtually the entire Athens area. Buses are supervised by monitors and are not door-to-door. For 2025-2026, bus prices are €1,404 (Zone A), €1,860 (Zone B), and €2,100 (Zone C). After-school late buses are available for Grades 6-12 at no charge, with published routes; a Transportation Contract and Waiver forms are provided for families.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Admission Fees
- A non-refundable application fee is charged at the time the application is submitted: €100 for the first child and €50 for each additional child.
Tuition and mandatory fees (academic year 2026–2027)
Pre-School (PJ–JK) - Semester 1: €5,384.00; Semester 2: €3,666.00; Total: €9,050.00. - Tuition: €3,666.00 per semester (total €7,332.00). - Textbook fee: €90.00 (one semester charge shown as Semester 1). - Technology fee: €71.00 (one-time/semester charge shown as Semester 1). - Capital assessment fee: €297.00 (one-time/semester charge shown as Semester 1). - Registration fee payable for this entry grade: €221.00 (one-time). - Institutional tuition (per family): €341.00 (one-time). - Special Project Assessment (per family): €698.00 (one-time). - Payment due dates: August 26, 2026 and January 8, 2027.
Kindergarten (PJ–K transition shown separately) - Semester 1: €6,555.50; Semester 2: €4,837.50; Total: €11,393.00. - Tuition: €4,837.50 per semester (total €9,675.00). - Textbook fee: €90.00; Technology fee: €71.00; Capital assessment fee: €297.00. - Registration fee payable for this entry grade: €221.00. - Institutional tuition (per family): €341.00. - Special Project Assessment (per family): €698.00. - Payment due dates: August 26, 2026 and January 8, 2027.
Elementary School (Grades 1–5) - Semester 1: €7,639.50; Semester 2: €6,142.50; Total: €13,782.00. - Tuition: €6,142.50 per semester (total €12,285.00). - Textbook fee: €90.00; Technology fee: €71.00; Capital assessment fee: €297.00. - Registration fee payable for this entry grade: €221.00. - Institutional tuition (per family): €341.00. - Special Project Assessment (per family): €698.00. - Payment due dates: August 26, 2026 and January 8, 2027.
Middle School (Grades 6–8) - Semester 1: €8,224.00; Semester 2: €6,674.00; Total: €14,898.00. - Tuition: €6,674.00 per semester (total €13,348.00). - Textbook fee: €143.00; Technology fee: €71.00; Capital assessment fee: €297.00. - Registration fee payable for this entry grade: €221.00. - Institutional tuition (per family): €341.00. - Special Project Assessment (per family): €698.00. - Payment due dates: August 26, 2026 and January 8, 2027.
High School / Academy (Grades 9–12) - Semester 1: €9,008.00; Semester 2: €7,340.00; Total: €16,348.00. - Tuition: €7,340.00 per semester (total €14,680.00). - Textbook fee: €261.00; Technology fee: €71.00; Capital assessment fee: €297.00. - Registration fee payable for this entry grade: €221.00. - Institutional tuition (per family): €341.00. - Special Project Assessment (per family): €698.00. - Payment due dates: August 26, 2026 and January 8, 2027.
Registration fee schedule per new student (one-time, payable with first semester tuition) - Junior Kindergarten entry: €221 (continuing into Kindergarten remains €221; continuing into Grade 1 shows higher transition fee tiers). - Kindergarten entry: €221 (with specific transition-tier amounts shown for continuation into Grade 1). - Entry at Grades 1–12: €963 (one-time for those entry grades where applicable). - The registration fee is paid together with the first semester tuition.
Additional regular / optional fees and charges - Textbook fees: included as level-specific textbook charges listed above (amounts vary by division). - Technology fee: level-specific (commonly €71.00 shown for divisions). - Capital assessment fee: level-specific (commonly €297.00 shown for divisions). - Institutional tuition (per family) and Special Project Assessment (per family): family-level charges applied in Semester 1 for each enrolled family (amounts shown above). - Learning Commons / after-school academic support (per semester): elementary homework support and middle/academy homework and math support are charged per semester (examples: Elementary homework support €432–€1,050 per semester depending on days enrolled; Middle/Aca homework support €500–€1,500 per semester depending on days; math support values shown separately). Payments are to the school bank account by the first week of each semester. - Day Care (PJ–JK extended program until 15:45): €1,846.00 annually (€923.00 per semester). - Special Support Services (annual): EFL/ESL €1,576; Optimal Learning Support (Standard) €2,386; Consultation €595; ISP €238. Shadow teaching arranged separately between parent/guardian and shadow teacher. Special services are paid by semester on the same dates as tuition. - IB Program fees: IB Full Diploma (two-year) €1,400; IB Certificate fees: up to four classes €226; more than four classes €452. Greek IB Diploma equivalency annual program amounts are listed separately. IB fees are paid once with the first semester tuition. - Transportation (school bus): published zone-based annual fees apply (example published figures for the 2025–2026 transport year: Zone A €1,404; Zone B €1,860; Zone C €2,100). One-way, pre-school reduced rate and special terms may apply; bus contractor payment and no-refund-on-termination terms are in force for bus contracts. Payments to the bus contractor are handled separately from school tuition. - Summer program and activity fees: summer camp and sports camps are charged per session with their own published cancellation/refund rules and payment methods. Example summer camp session prices are published per session/week.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard semester payment dates for the tuition schedule: first-semester payments are due by August 26, 2026; second-semester payments are due by January 8, 2027 (semester due dates shown with the tuition figures). - Parents/legal guardians must pay tuition and fees in advance of each semester start. The school does not issue separate invoices for tuition amounts and dates; the cashier's office may be contacted for clarification. A finance charge of 0.5% per month applies to unpaid balances after the first day of each semester. Installment plans may be possible via the Cashier's office; an interest charge of 0.5% per month applies to installment payments. The school may refuse class attendance for students whose semester tuition and applicable fees have not been paid, and may initiate legal action for fees more than 30 days overdue.
Refund and withdrawal rules - Registration, capital, technology and institutional family fees are non-refundable. Special Services, Pre-School, Textbook and IB fees are non-refundable for the quarter in which a student withdraws; refunds may be given for subsequent full quarters not attended. Tuition is non-refundable for the quarter in which the student withdraws; refunds are applicable for following quarters that the student will not attend. Force majeure closures do not entitle payors to tuition refunds. Transportation contracts may carry separate no-refund terms for contract termination due to departure.
Boarding - ACS Athens operates as a non-boarding (day) school; boarding fees do not apply.
Fee payment options and bank/payment procedures - Accepted payment methods include direct bank deposits/wire transfers (Euro accounts with IBANs provided), DIAS electronic payments (Greek bank system), credit-card payments via the school Cashier POS or Alpha Bank secure web payment links (VISA/MasterCard), checks, and authorized web banking channels. Specific school bank IBANs, SWIFT/BIC details and US wire/Flagstar instructions are published for cashier use. DIAS payment transaction codes can be requested from the Cashier. Bank charges and currency-conversion differences are the payor's responsibility; USD payments are converted to EUR at the date of transaction. Payment details and cashier procedures are handled by the Finance Office / Cashier's office.
Other practical notes on fees - Textbooks issued by the Bookstore must be returned at year end; lost or damaged textbooks are charged at replacement cost. Bookstore and activity-specific payment instructions apply for after-school programs and sports academies. Learning Commons and other co-curricular tuitions are payable per semester to the school bank account by the first week of each semester.
(End of fees overview)
Fee details
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Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school requires a standard P.E. uniform with summer and winter sets. PE attire includes a House T-shirt and a cotton or lycra T-shirt with shorts for summer; winter options include hooded sweatshirt, zipper hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants and leggings.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
The school retains two air-conditioned cafeterias: the main cafeteria by the Theater lobby and an Elementary School cafeteria for Elementary students. Gefsinus manages the Middle/High School and Elementary School food services. The meals come from certified suppliers and are prepared in compliance with current EU and Greek legislation.
Food options
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House system
House system
The school has a House System with Macedonians, Athenians and Trojans. House points are awarded to students, parents, guardians, faculty and staff for participation in school events, aiming to connect the ACS Athens community and support academic, social and ethical development.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
ACS Athens is a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is a permanent policy leadership body responsible for strategic planning, advocacy and oversight; an Advisory Council provides expertise to governance and leadership.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school offers the American Diploma (MSA-CESS accredited) with a requirement of twenty-six Carnegie Units earned over eight semesters for the Academy Diploma. The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma) is offered for grades 11–12, with six subject groups and core requirements (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS). The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is available with AP courses such as AP Calculus, AP Environmental Science, and AP Spanish. The language of instruction is English, with Greek taught as a second language.
Curriculum details
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Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
9:1.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
The IB Diploma is awarded by the IBO after May external examinations, with assessments that include both internal and external components and a scoring system that culminates in the 1–7 scale per subject and a total score; a minimum of 24 points is typically required for the IB Diploma. 95%–100% of ACS Athens students are accepted to U.S., British, and other universities worldwide, with scholarships totaling about $1.3 million awarded to the Class of 2022.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
University acceptances are reported at 95%–100% of students, with approximately $1.3 million in college scholarships awarded to the Class of 2022.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
The ACS Athens Scholar Diploma is a four-year program awarded to students who complete authentic ACS Athens honors courses, a Senior Honors Research Project, and meaningful community service; it includes four integrated interdisciplinary courses and may include International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The Center for Student Success provides counseling, social-emotional support, college guidance and activity/interest group/community service guidance. The school values a holistic, meaningful and harmonious education. School counselors and wellness specialists are integral to student life. Through the counseling offices, students know that they will find an advocate, as well as a safe place for discussion about their grades, their lives, or their future goals and aspirations. ACS Athens works to provide a place of belonging, trust and care for all its students, and staff are committed to educating students and the community about child safety and responsible personal and social behaviors.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
Optimal Learning Program (OLP) offers learning support and testing accommodations to students with documented mild learning differences. Accommodations allow students to learn the same material using different methods without changing the instructional level or content. Optimal Learning Support services are offered subject to availability. Shadow Teachers provide additional support to OLP students, helping fill in learning gaps, build self-confidence and promote positive classroom interaction. LEP (Learning Enhancement Program) provides after-school homework and math support in small groups to empower students to become confident, independent learners.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The ESL/EFL Program supports English-language learners in building skills in English for a variety of purposes. ESL/EFL language development and learning support classes are provided at three levels according to English competence, following international placement standards. Across schools, ESL/EFL classes focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking. In Elementary School there are three levels per grade (A, B, C) with an Elementary ESL Foundation Program that combines language development with content-focused Flex-Support sessions. In Middle School, a two-year foundation program (EFL 1 and EFL 2) precedes ESL 1 or ESL 2, and in the Academy there are ESL Intermediate and ESL Advanced options, with language development tied to media literacy and IELTS exit preparation. A standardized exit test is offered twice a year to confirm level and readiness to mainstream.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Wellness is provided by the Wellness Center, offering social-emotional support to students JK-12 in confidentiality, individually or in small groups. The program encourages thinking about health across four domains: physical, social, emotional and cognitive. The Wellness framework includes guided reflection and routines to support healthy daily practices and overall well-being.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
ACS Athens is a student-centered international school, with staff committed to child safety and responsible personal and social behaviors. When there is reasonable cause to believe a child is suffering or at significant risk, staff must report the suspected incidents to appropriate school personnel. Authorized personnel follow up on all referrals. The school provides a Child Protection Protocol Handbook and maintains safeguarding policies and procedures in line with best educational practices and local law.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
ACS Athens is organized into Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, and Academy divisions on a single campus. The campus features four Kindergarten classrooms, twenty Elementary classrooms, sixteen Middle School classrooms, and twenty-eight Academy classrooms, along with learning support spaces, language classrooms, a library, and a Learning Commons. The Sabbagh Library and Learning Commons host the Math & Science Studio, Writing & Research Studio, Media Studio, and Incubator to support collaborative, inquiry-based learning. The Academy, Middle School, and other facilities include fully equipped science laboratories, computer labs, modern art and music spaces, a theater, and a reception area. Safety and sustainability features include a full health office, three emergency huts, a Greek fire protection system, and upgraded LED lighting and eco-friendly heating.
Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
ACS Athens offers a comprehensive athletic complex. The Indoor Gym has a modern basketball/volleyball court, a TÜV-certified climbing wall, a weight room, and boys' and girls' locker rooms. The Soccer Field features artificial turf with a running track and a long jump facility, plus a large multipurpose area. The Indoor Pool is heated with five lanes, maintained daily, with weekly water testing. Four tennis courts and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts provide additional play spaces.
Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Classrooms support all divisions with four Kindergarten rooms, twenty Elementary rooms, sixteen Middle School rooms, and twenty-eight Academy rooms. The Learning Commons houses the Sabbagh Library along with the Math & Science Studio, Writing & Research Studio, Media Studio, and Incubator to support inquiry-based work. Fully equipped science laboratories, a computer lab, a modern art room, a music room, and foreign language classrooms are available across the divisions. Learning Support classrooms support differentiated instruction through the Optimal Learning Program. The Academy also includes a Media Production Studio and a Theater & Reception area to support arts and performance across the curriculum.
Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Incubator is a student-centered, student-led project-based learning initiative using the design process to explore ideas. ISCI offers services including the After School Assistance Program (ASAP), workshops on Arduino, 3D printing, startups, and entrepreneurship, summits at ACS Athens and other schools, research assistance, funding opportunities, and study groups. The Media Studio is a state-of-the-art, green screen TV studio for curriculum-based and creative multimedia projects. The Theater Hall and the Music and Dance rooms support performing arts, alongside other arts-based spaces. Incubator-backed activities and ISCI workshops foster cross-curricular collaboration and student led initiatives.
Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
The school began in 1945 as the British Army School, was renamed to the Anglo-American School in 1949, and has been known as the American Community Schools of Athens (ACS Athens) since 1954.
History
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Community
Community
The ACS Athens community includes a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that represents about 60 nationalities. The PTO Board is made up of eight members and a teacher representative from each school, and its mission is to Connect, Support, and Inform parents, faculty, and students on campus and online. The PTO connects the community through meetings and events and communicates through school-wide emails, Facebook, the ACS Athens Community Share Page, the LED bulletin board, and other channels. It hosts monthly Parent/Principal Meetings and a PTO General Meeting and organizes yearly events such as Welcome Back BBQ, Halloween Pumpkin Sales, Christmas Bazaar, Teacher Appreciation Week, Spring Games, and The Spring Fair. The PTO contributes to ACS Athens by funding classroom starboards, computer labs, mobile laptop units, student lockers, a future gymnasium floor, books, and DVDs, and it also arranges parent excursions and charity drives and publishes a monthly newsletter. All ACS parents are automatic PTO members, and volunteering is encouraged to support students and the school community.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school has a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO Board is eight members strong and includes a teacher representative from each school, with a mission to Connect, Support, and Inform parents, faculty, and students on campus and online. It holds monthly Parent/Principal Meetings and a PTO General Meeting, and its activities include annual events such as Welcome Back BBQ, Halloween Pumpkin Sales, Christmas Bazaar, Teacher Appreciation Week, Spring Games, and The Spring Fair. Through its efforts, the PTO funds and supports school resources (classroom starboards, computer labs, laptop units, student lockers, gymnasium floor, books, DVDs), coordinates excursions and charity drives, and publishes a monthly newsletter; all ACS parents are members by default, and volunteering is encouraged. The PTO By-Laws and Constitution guide its purpose and governance, including facilitating communication between parents and the school.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
ACS Athens offers a broad slate of academy groups and clubs for Middle and High School. Clubs include ACS Debate Club, Forensics, Model United Nations (MUN), National Honors Society (NHS), Psychology Club, Science Club, Astronomy Club, Intersection: Where Biology Meets Psychology, Art Club and Fiber Arts. Moon Camp Pioneers Club and Moon Camp Challenge, along with TedEd Club and Group Discussion, provide additional avenues for inquiry, collaboration and competition. NHS and IB Visual Arts Club offer leadership and opportunities to showcase student work.
Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The Arts program comprises Visual Arts, Music and Performing Arts. Students study drawing, painting, writing, speaking, singing and instrument playing; they create and present projects and performances. The program emphasizes creativity, self-expression, critical thinking, collaboration and communication across disciplines.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
Arabic Club is offered; Model United Nations (MUN) and the Koinwnos group support cultural engagement. Intersection: Where Biology Meets Psychology connects science and culture. These clubs complement language and cultural exchange among students.
Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
A wide range of social and hobby clubs exists, including Chess Club, Ping Pong Club, Art Club, Moon Camp Pioneers Club, Moon Camp Challenge, 3x3 Basketball (NEW), Flag Football, Ultimate Frisbee Club and TedEd Club. The Senior, Junior and inter-school groups foster discussion, collaboration and creative expression outside the classroom.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
Love & Serve Without Borders & Boundaries is a student service club. The Elderly Support Club focuses on community outreach and volunteering. These activities supplement classroom learning with service to others.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student leadership is fostered through National Honors Society (NHS), the IB Student Council and Model United Nations (MUN). Grade-level student councils include 9th-, 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade StuCo, providing opportunities to lead and organize school initiatives.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Athletics and recreational activities form a core part of student life. Competitive sports include Flag Football and 3v3 Basketball (NEW), plus the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Recreational options include After School Swimming and other wellness-oriented activities as part of the Athletics & Activities program.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The official instruction language in all grades is American English, with modern language classes in Greek, French, German, Chinese, Spanish, etc. English language support classes are available from 1st grade. ESL placement uses CEFR and WIDA, with standardized testing administered twice a year to document growth.
Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides immersion for English Language Learners. ESL courses focus on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and are offered for students in grades 9 and 10. Standardized assessments track progress to determine when students can mainstream into mainstream classes.
Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) accreditation, valid until 2029.
Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
ACS Athens accepts applications throughout the academic year. The Application Process at a glance includes five steps: Step 1: Submit an Application Form for each applicant with the required documents and pay a non-refundable application fee of 100€ for the first child and 50€ for each additional child. Step 2: Submit required documentation. Step 3: Arrange Admissions Testing for Grades 6-12 or Interview/Assessment for Grades PJ-5. Step 4: The Application file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and decisions are communicated by email. Step 5: Registration and scheduling after admission. Admissibility is determined by how well the student aligns with the school's academic standards and space availability; factors include prior academic history, disciplinary or socio-emotional issues, and classroom size. ACS Athens reserves the right to deny admission if the needs cannot be met. All applicants entering Grades 6-12 must take English and Math tests (on campus or online). English proficiency by grade is: Grade 6: CEFR A2; Grade 7: A2; Grade 8: B1; Grade 9: B1; Grade 10: B2; Grades 11-12: C1. The U.S. High School Diploma can be awarded to transfer students who have spent at least two years in the American education system. Academic credit transfer allows up to seven credits per grade level for transfers into Grades 9-10. IB Diploma Applicants must meet the ACS Athens American High School Diploma credit requirements and the C1 English Proficiency level.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
The Christos M. Perakis Academic Scholarship exists at ACS Athens. Eligibility requires admission to ACS Athens before scholarship consideration. Criteria include academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or 18 and above; Greek school attendance and Greek citizenship; Fluent in English; Demonstrates leadership; intends to pursue studies abroad in Global Management, Communications or Computer Sciences; Demonstrates conscious citizenship; Demonstrates financial need; Provides a personal statement; Finalists participate in an in-person interview. This scholarship refers to the 2026-2027 academic year (begins September 2026) and is for high school students only (grades 9-12). It can be applied toward tuition at ACS Athens.
