ACS Athens (American Community Schools) vs International School of Athens

	A ACS Athens (American Community Schools) Athens, Greece	I International School of Athens Athens, Greece
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,393	Fees / year €8,700 - 15,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,206	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1945	Opened 1972
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 42 Artemidos Street and Xenias Street, Kifissia, 145 62, Greece. The campus is located in Kifissia within the Athens metropolitan area. Bus service is provided in most parts of the greater Athens area, with central pickup points along routes.
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 Kindergarten; Primary Years Programme (PYP); Middle Years Programme (MYP); High School; IB Diploma Programme (DP).
School type	School type Private nonprofit international day school	School type PRIVATE
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
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 The Learning Center provides psychological counseling and learning support for PreK–12, including psycho-educational counseling, referrals to specialists, and individualized educational plans for students with learning differences.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation American	Country affiliation Greece
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
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 School day runs from 8:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday.
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 Bus service is provided in most parts of the greater Athens area; pick-up points are central along routes, with door-to-door service for primary students when possible. All school buses are owned by the school and drivers and bus monitors are school employees.
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 Application / Registration fees - Registration fee (one-off) for KG – Grade 12: EUR 1,700. - Registration fee (one-off) for Junior Pre‑KG & Pre‑KG: EUR 600. Tuition fees by year group (amounts per installment and annual total) Payment is split into four installments labeled: In advance, Sept. 04, Nov. 06, Jan. 15. The installment amounts and totals below are stated in euros. - Nursery: In advance EUR 1,800; Sept. 04 EUR 2,300; Nov. 06 EUR 2,300; Jan. 15 EUR 2,300; Total EUR 8,700. - Junior Pre‑KG & Pre‑KG: In advance EUR 1,800; Sept. 04 EUR 2,300; Nov. 06 EUR 2,300; Jan. 15 EUR 2,300; Total EUR 8,700. - Kindergarten: In advance EUR 4,500; Sept. 04 EUR 2,000; Nov. 06 EUR 2,000; Jan. 15 EUR 2,000; Total EUR 10,500. - Grade 1–2: In advance EUR 5,500; Sept. 04 EUR 2,500; Nov. 06 EUR 2,500; Jan. 15 EUR 2,500; Total EUR 13,000. - Grade 3–5: In advance EUR 6,000; Sept. 04 EUR 2,500; Nov. 06 EUR 2,500; Jan. 15 EUR 2,500; Total EUR 13,500. - Grade 6–9: In advance EUR 6,500; Sept. 04 EUR 2,500; Nov. 06 EUR 2,500; Jan. 15 EUR 2,500; Total EUR 14,000. - Grade 10: In advance EUR 7,000; Sept. 04 EUR 2,500; Nov. 06 EUR 2,500; Jan. 15 EUR 2,500; Total EUR 14,500. - Grade 11–12: In advance EUR 7,500; Sept. 04 EUR 2,500; Nov. 06 EUR 2,500; Jan. 15 EUR 2,500; Total EUR 15,000. Extra / additional fees - IB examination fees (Grade 12 only): EUR 1,200. - e‑Assessment fee (Grade 10 only): EUR 400. - Achievement testing: EUR 400. - Learning Centre fees: Learning Centre 1 EUR 1,700; Learning Centre 2 EUR 2,700. - School transportation (bus) fees for KG – Grade 12 range by route from EUR 2,100 to EUR 2,800 (specific route charges listed below). Junior Pre‑KG / Pre‑KG bus fee: EUR 2,100. - Route 1 (Kifissia, N. Erythrea, Kastri, Ekali): EUR 2,100. - Route 2 (Marousi, Filothei, Psychiko, N. Iraklio, Chalandri, Melissia): EUR 2,300. - Route 3 (Dionysos, Anoixi, Ag. Stefanos, Pendeli, Thrakomakedones): EUR 2,400. - Route 4 (Kolonaki, Cholargos, Papagou, Ag. Paraskevi, Vyronas, Peristeri): EUR 2,600. - Route 5 (Kallithea, N. Smyrni, Faliro): EUR 2,800. - Route 6 (Glyfada, Vari, Vouliagmeni, Voula): EUR 2,800. Discounts and prepayment - Sibling discounts: 5% for the second child; 7% for the third child; 10% for the fourth child or more. - Alumni discount: 5%. - Prepayment discount: 2% for payments made by July 31 (applies to prepayment conditions described by the school). Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition is billed in four installments with the following payment points: In advance, Sept. 04, Nov. 06, Jan. 15. Installment amounts are those listed under each year group above. - Accepted payment methods: credit card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay) and bank remittance / direct deposit to the school's beneficiary account. Bank details provided for remittance include Alpha Bank (SWIFT/BIC CRBAGRAA, IBAN GR60 014 0342 0342 0023 2000 2338) and Eurobank (SWIFT/BIC ERBKGRAA, IBAN GR52 026 0284 0000 0302 0026 2143). Boarding fees - Boarding is not offered; the school operates as a day school. No boarding fees apply. Uniform and other routine costs - The school uniform must be purchased from the designated supplier LB Creations; school uniform items and PE kit are required. (Uniform pricing is set by the supplier.) - Additional routine costs that may apply during the year include personal supplies, optional trips, extracurricular activities, and any specific course materials or examination fees (for example, IB exam fees listed above). Refund information (applicable items and conditions) - IB-related registration and subject fee rules: registration and late subject fees are generally non‑refundable once incurred after the first registration deadline; subject and core fees may be refunded to the school if a candidate withdraws between the first and second registration deadlines. Specific conditions and deadlines apply to refunds for IB subject/core fees and retake registrations. Summary of key payment options - Credit card: VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, UnionPay. - Bank transfer / remittance: Alpha Bank (IBAN GR60 014 0342 0342 0023 2000 2338, SWIFT CRBAGRAA); Eurobank (IBAN GR52 026 0284 0000 0302 0026 2143, SWIFT ERBKGRAA).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
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 All ISA students wear the designated ISA uniform. The uniform includes a polo-type shirt with the ISA emblem, navy bottoms (skirts, culottes, or trousers), a navy ISA sweatshirt, and an ISA winter jacket/vest; uniforms are purchased from LB Creations.
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 Parents may send a packed lunch or order food from the school canteen. Canteen forms are sent home each month and lunches are prepaid and delivered to the homeroom; students in grades 4–6 may purchase lunches, and nuts, chewing gum and carbonated drinks are not allowed.
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 —
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 The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization and the Middle States Association. In June 2024 ISA became a member of DUKES Education.
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 ISA provides an English-speaking, international environment from Kindergarten through High School. The Primary School follows the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle School follows the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the High School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or the ISA High School Diploma. ISA is an IB World School and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). The ISA High School Diploma is recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education as equivalent to the Greek apolytirio. English is the language of instruction, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support where needed. The DP is offered alongside the College Preparatory Programme (CP) for students who pursue CP.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 9:1.	Student teacher ratio —
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 The University Placement Office reports a strong higher education performance. Approximately 95% of ISA graduates are accepted to higher education institutions worldwide. Notable destinations include Imperial College London, King's College London, UCL, McGill University, Berkeley, Stanford University, the University of Edinburgh and Erasmus University. These outcomes reflect the school's preparation for university study.
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 Graduates pursue higher education at universities around the world. The University Placement Office provides guidance on applications, transcripts and personal statements. Notable destinations include Imperial College London, King's College London, UCL, McGill University, Berkeley, Stanford, the University of Edinburgh and Erasmus University. These outcomes reflect the school's focus on preparing students for international higher education.
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 —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
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 The International School of Athens has a Counselling and Learning Center that provides psychological counseling and guidance for PreK-12 and support for students with learning differences. Through psycho-educational counseling, students, parents and teachers discuss issues related to personal, interpersonal and academic adjustment and wellbeing in private sessions. The Counseling Psychologist collaborates closely with teachers and administrators and with parents to achieve child-centred education across all levels. The Center works with a network of specialists (e.g., child psychiatrists, speech therapists) for referrals as needed. Lectures, seminars and parenting groups are organized on topics of psychological, psycho-educational, academic and career planning interest for students, teachers, and parents.
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) The Learning Center involves a team of special educators, educational psychologists and counseling psychologists who work with mainstream teachers and administrators to support the social and academic growth of students with learning differences. The program serves a culturally and linguistically diverse population with students that have learning differences. Early Years - The Early Years Psychologist provides social, emotional and academic support in and out of the classroom, counsels and communicates with parents, collaborates with classroom teachers for guidance and support, arranges in-class observations, and organizes parent-coffee meetings. Primary Years Programme - The Learning Center provides services to students with learning differences in one-to-one or small group settings, with a referral and testing process, formal psycho-educational testing, and Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). Middle Years Programme/ DP - The Learning Center supports inclusion in IB, with students attending 4-8 periods per week depending on need, differentiating the mainstream curriculum, and coordinating with teachers for tests and accommodations as required.
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 English is the language of instruction. Kindergarten through Grade 3 are accepted with no previous experience of speaking English. Beyond this grade, students will be considered on a case-by-case basis after careful assessment of their English language level. Students needing English support are required to follow the English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme.
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 The Counseling and Learning Center provides psychological counseling and guidance to support students' mental wellbeing PreK-12 and offers psycho-educational counseling for personal, interpersonal and academic adjustment. The Counseling Center collaborates with teachers, administrators and parents to ensure child-centered education and to support wellbeing within and beyond the classroom. It works with a network of specialists for referrals, including child psychiatrists and speech therapists. Lectures, seminars and parenting groups address psychological, psycho-educational, academic and career planning topics for students, teachers and parents. The IB Middle Years Programme also recognises the importance of wellbeing, addressing intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being as part of its education.
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 —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
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 The International School of Athens operates three secure campuses located in Kifissia in the Kefalari area. The primary, middle and high schools are housed in a gracious, recently renovated building dating from the early 1900s, providing a distinctive learning environment. Melina's Kindergarten is located nearby, on two villas with gardens for children to play in. The campuses include up-to-date science and computer labs, art studios, libraries, a theatre and a music room to support student learning.
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 ISA's on-campus facilities include multipurpose courts for basketball, handball and volleyball, and a separate playground for early primary students. Nearby municipal facilities provide an indoor gym, a full-sized football (soccer) field and track and field grounds. The Athletics Programme offers junior and senior varsity volleyball, soccer and basketball, cross country, and intramural sports. Clubs include swimming and tennis, and the school hosts a Beach Volleyball Tournament at Schinias. Competitive teams primarily compete against other international schools.
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 The school provides up-to-date science and computer labs, art studios, libraries, theatre and a music room to support learning. The ISA Library/Media Centres support the curriculum with a secondary library, a primary library, and a small computer lab. The primary and secondary libraries are fully automated with Winnebago Spectrum 5, enabling students to access information from library or computer lab and to research on the Internet. The reading programme in the libraries fosters lifelong reading, and ICT skills are developed to prepare students for the 21st century.
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 Extracurricular activities include a broad Athletics Programme with junior and senior varsity volleyball, soccer and basketball, cross country, a Beach Volleyball Tournament at Schinias, intramural sports, and clubs such as swimming and tennis, plus ski trips locally or abroad. The Arts programme features a fully active theatre that hosts student productions, including musicals, drama and set design, and a growing choir; annual events include the Winter Show and other concerts. Visual Arts are taught through painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry, with an IB Visual Arts exhibition highlighting student work. Past productions have included musicals such as The Fantasticks, Blood Brothers and Little Shop of Horrors, and Rooftop, a student-devised original musical.
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 The International School of Athens began in Athens in 1972 as the Hellenic International School (H.I.S.), created to provide an international English-language education through British and American programmes, with about 50 students in the first year. In 1979, after taking over the English track of the Ursulines' primary school, H.I.S. became TASIS Hellenic International School under Mary Crist Fleming, the founder of TASIS. In 1984, the school earned accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1998 ownership changed, and six years later the name was changed to International School of Athens to reflect its increasingly international curriculum; it adopted the IB Diploma Programme and earned IB World School status. In 2024, ISA joined Dukes Education, and today ISA provides international education with a global perspective and a non-discriminatory admissions policy.
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 ISA's community events span academics, culture, sport and service. The News feed highlights scholarship exams, a basketball tournament victory, Lunar New Year celebrations, and an Ancient Greece experience. It also features Greek Language Day, La Chandeleur, the Eurasian Schools Debate Championship, a MYP book drive, and Grade 5 Peter Pan performances.
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 —
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 The school has after-school clubs across the Primary and Secondary divisions, broadening students' creativity, social skills and critical thinking. A variety of clubs is offered, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, karate, tennis, swimming, art, dance, STEAM and choir, with new activities added each term. In Middle and High School, the school has an Interscholastic Programme with three team sports (soccer, volleyball and basketball) at junior and senior levels, and participation in local and international tournaments. The University Placement Office provides guidance for university applications and coordinates university representation, fairs and orientation activities.
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 The school has a broad Art and Performance program with events such as a Christmas Bazaar featuring the ISA Choir and student performances, a Classical Evening Concert, and an After School Theatre Production. An annual Student Art Exhibition showcases work by IB Diploma Visual Arts students, with younger students also displaying artwork. The school has a Tradition of performing arts events including a Talent Show at year's end.
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 The school has additional world languages from Grade 1 onwards—French, Spanish, German and Arabic. The school has an International Day that celebrates the community's multicultural identity with booths, displays, costumes and international cuisine. The school is an IB Continuum World School, reflecting its integrated approach to international education.
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 The school has after-school clubs including soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, karate, tennis, swimming, art, dance, STEAM and choir. The school has bonding trips organized at the start of each academic year to foster new friendships. The school has an annual Talent Show that allows Primary and Upper School students to showcase their talents.
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 The school has a Student Council in the Primary School and a separate council for Middle/High School, with elected representatives and regular meetings. The Student Councils participate in organizing activities and act as a conduit for student opinion. The Student Council also engages in fund-raising activities for local, national and international events.
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 The school has a student leadership structure with elected representatives and active student councils that organize events and provide student input. The University Placement Office guides graduating students through the university application process and coordinates university representation, fairs and orientation activities. Regular council meetings and organized activities help students develop leadership and collaborative skills.
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 The school has an Athletics Programme offering three team sports (soccer, volleyball and basketball) at junior and senior levels, with practices after school and participation in local and international tournaments. A comprehensive Sports/Activities programme runs across all levels, including events and trips organized by the Athletics Department. The school has a daytime Summer Programme for ages 2½ to 16, focusing on English language development alongside swimming, water sports, other sports, art, drama and weekly excursions.
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 ISA is an English-language school with a strong emphasis on Greek. All students study Modern Greek as either a Language and Literature course or a Language Acquisition course. Students may take up to two Language Acquisition courses in English, Modern Greek, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is available for students who need it; Greek for Foreigners is offered as a Greek-language program.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching English is the language of instruction across ISA's IB programmes. Greek is taught as Modern Greek for native speakers or for foreigners. In addition, students study one more language from French, German, Spanish or Arabic. From Grade 1 through Grade 10, every pupil is exposed to three languages, with English language support provided through an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program.
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 ISA offers a Saturday English Language Programme for children aged 3 to 17. The program runs on Saturdays from September to May, 10:00 to 15:00, hosted at Melina's Kindergarten.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) accreditation, valid until 2029.	Accreditations —
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 The school offers the IB Diploma Program. The ISA Scholarship Program awards two IB scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year. To apply for the scholarships, applicants submit the Scholarship Application Form and supporting documents: two Letters of Recommendation from Grade 10 teachers; School Transcripts for Grades 7-9; the final grades for the first term of Grade 10; language certificates if applicable; copies of other records of achievement; and a passport/ID document. Shortlisting for the scholarship considers the applicant's dossier (grades, Letters of Recommendation, transcripts and other records). On the day of the examination, candidates must present identity documents. The scholarship assessment is through written examinations in English and Mathematics. The English examination tests language ability; the Mathematics examination tests the Grade 7-9 material and 3/4 of the Grade 10 syllabus. The examinations are held at ISA's Artemidos 42 & Xenias Street, Kifissia 14562. Exam dates include English (29 March 2025) and Mathematics (29 March 2025). The syllabus examined includes material from Grades 7-9 and the current Grade 10 curriculum. Shortlisted candidates are notified whether they advance to the examination stage.
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.	Scholarships The school awards two IB Diploma Program scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applicants must complete the Scholarship Application Form and submit at least two Letters of Recommendation from Grade 10 teachers, School Transcripts for Grades 7-9, the first-term Grade 10 transcript, language certificates if applicable, copies of other records of achievement, and a passport/ID document. Shortlisting is based on the applicant's dossier. The two scholarships are awarded through written examinations in English and Mathematics; candidates must bring official ID to the exam. The English exam assesses language ability; the Mathematics exam covers the Grades 7-9 material and part of the Grade 10 syllabus. Examinations take place at Artemidos 42 & Xenias Street, Kifissia 14562. For reference, the English and Mathematics exams were scheduled on Saturday, 29 March 2025.
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