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American Academy Larnaca

Cyprus, Larnaca

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €4,130 - 7,470
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1700
Type Co-educational
Opened 1908
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, French, German, Russian
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Languages, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The American Academy Larnaca is a private, co-educational school in Cyprus offering a British-style curriculum for ages 2–18. The programme integrates Cambridge IGCSE in the middle years and Cambridge A Levels in the upper years, with the Apolytirion diploma fully recognised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture. From the early years, students engage in a broad, multi-disciplinary curriculum with French or German from Year 2. In Middle School (Years 4–5) they study 10 GCSE/IGCSE subjects—six compulsory and four optional; in Upper School (Years 6–7) they can take four A Levels from a broad list. A distinctive feature is the Greek School option, offering four A Levels with language support for UK, EU and US university entry, plus a Greek track for Pan-Cyprian exams. Founded in 1908, the school operates as a non-profit under the American Academy Alumni Foundation. Facilities span three campuses—Weir Hall, Memorial Hall and Centenery Building—featuring 39 classrooms, eight science laboratories, four IT laboratories, a sports centre, art and music spaces, and a library. Extracurriculars cover health and wellbeing, STEM, performing arts and community service, with clubs including Model United Nations and F1 in Schools.

Grigori Afxentiou 32, Avenue, Larnaka 6021, Cyprus

The Essentials

American Academy Larnaca has 1,700 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

The school is located at 32 Gr. Afxentiou Avenue, 6011, Larnaca, Cyprus. P.O Box 40112, 6301 Larnaca, Cyprus. The campus includes the Centenary Building, Memorial Hall and Sports Centre and hosts both the Junior School and Senior School on one site. The address places the school in central Larnaca.

Stages

The institution is organized into Nursery & Pre-School, Junior School and Senior School. Nursery & Pre-School are part of the Early Years, with Phase 1 (Years 1–3) and Phase 2 (Years 4–6) within the Junior School. The Senior School comprises Years 1–7 (English and Greek streams), with English or Greek Year 1 entries and GCSE/IGCSE and A-Level options, and the School Apolytirion recognised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture for university entry. French or German are added from Year 2.

Type

Private school.

Additional learning support

The SEN Assessment Centre provides assessments for a wide range of learning difficulties (reading, writing, mathematics; includes dyslexia/dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, autistic disturbances and other emotional/behavioral difficulties). Assessments can be administered in English or Greek from age 6+, and a registered school psychologist conducts them to produce reports for reasonable accommodations in school and external exams. Pastoral Support is available to students as part of the curriculum.

Country affiliation

Cyprus. The school operates within Cyprus; university entry is achieved via GCSE and GCE A-Levels and/or the Apolytirion, which is recognised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture.

School day structure

In the Nursery & Pre-School phase, the day begins at 07:15 and ends at 13:15. Summer School timetables show a typical day from 07:30 to 14:30.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is compulsory every day. PE days require a navy PE T‑shirt, navy shorts or joggers, and navy leggings for girls; any colour sports shoes are allowed on PE days. Formal uniform for Grades 1–6 includes long grey trousers (boys), grey shorts (boys and girls) or long navy tailored trousers (girls), a white polo shirt or white shirt, and a blue skirt (girls) or blue summer dress for younger year groups; socks must be black, white or grey; uniform is not mix-and-match; outerwear must be navy; the American Academy Cap is the only cap; shoes must be entirely black; long hair should be tied back.

Food Options

The canteen is open and sells pre-prepared snacks; the menu is circulated to parents on a regular basis; in Nursery, children bring a snack of prepared fruit. All children must have a water bottle with their name; water is available via vending machines at 50c for a 500ml bottle.

Governance and Ownership

Governance is undertaken by 11 elected members and two representatives of the original mission church; since 1973, the school has been run as a non-profit organization by the American Academy Alumni Foundation.
Fees

Annual tuition at American Academy Larnaca ranges from EUR 4,130 to EUR 7,470 for 2026/27.

Application & Registration fees

- Entrance exam fee: EUR 75 (Senior School entrance exam) and EUR 75 (Junior School entrance/placement exam).
- Placement exam fee (where applicable): EUR 100 for Senior School placement exams.
- Registration fee for new students:
- Senior School: EUR 150 for Years 2–3; EUR 200 for Years 4–7.
- Junior School: EUR 150 for new students.

Tuition fees — Senior School (Academic year 2026/27)

Payment structure: non-refundable deposit due by 30 April 2026 (deposit amount shown below), with the balance payable either in full at the start of the academic year or by instalments on the specified dates (instalment dates and amounts shown). Instalment due dates: 30 September 2026, 31 October 2026, 30 November 2026, 31 December 2026, 31 January 2027, 28 February 2027.

- Year 1 — Total: EUR 7,220; Deposit by 30 April 2026: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 960 (30 Sep 2026), EUR 960 (31 Oct 2026), EUR 950 (30 Nov 2026), EUR 950 (31 Dec 2026), EUR 950 (31 Jan 2027), EUR 950 (28 Feb 2027).
- Year 2 — Total: EUR 7,030; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 930, EUR 920, EUR 920, EUR 920, EUR 920, EUR 920 on the dates above.
- Year 3 — Total: EUR 7,330; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 980, EUR 970, EUR 970, EUR 970, EUR 970, EUR 970 on the dates above.
- Year 4 — Total: EUR 7,450; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 1,000, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990 on the dates above.
- Year 5 — Total: EUR 7,440; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990 on the dates above.
- Year 6 — Total: EUR 7,450; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 1,000, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990 on the dates above.
- Year 7 — Total: EUR 7,470; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 1,000, EUR 1,000, EUR 1,000, EUR 990, EUR 990, EUR 990 on the dates above.

Tuition fees — Junior School (Academic year 2026/27)

Payment structure: non-refundable deposit due by 31 March 2026 (deposit amount shown below), with the balance payable either in full at the start of the academic year or by instalments on the specified dates (instalment dates and amounts shown). Instalment due dates: 30 September 2026, 31 October 2026, 30 November 2026, 31 December 2026, 31 January 2027, 28 February 2027.

- Early Years (E2) — Total: EUR 5,210; Deposit by 31 March 2026: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 640 (30 Sep 2026), EUR 620 (31 Oct 2026), EUR 620 (30 Nov 2026), EUR 610 (31 Dec 2026), EUR 610 (31 Jan 2027), EUR 610 (28 Feb 2027).
- Early Years (E3) — Total: EUR 4,130; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 460, EUR 440, EUR 440, EUR 430, EUR 430, EUR 430 on the dates above.
- Pre-Junior 1 — Total: EUR 4,130; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 460, EUR 440, EUR 440, EUR 430, EUR 430, EUR 430 on the dates above.
- Pre-Junior 2 — Total: EUR 4,470; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 520, EUR 490, EUR 490, EUR 490, EUR 490, EUR 490 on the dates above.
- Year 1 — Total: EUR 5,730; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 760, EUR 700, EUR 700, EUR 690, EUR 690, EUR 690 on the dates above.
- Year 2 — Total: EUR 5,970; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 800, EUR 740, EUR 740, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730 on the dates above.
- Year 3 — Total: EUR 6,110; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 820, EUR 760, EUR 760, EUR 760, EUR 760, EUR 750 on the dates above.
- Year 4 — Total: EUR 6,100; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 820, EUR 760, EUR 760, EUR 760, EUR 750, EUR 750 on the dates above.
- Year 5 — Total: EUR 5,940; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 790, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730 on the dates above.
- Year 6 — Total: EUR 5,940; Deposit: EUR 1,500; Instalments: EUR 790, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730, EUR 730 on the dates above.

Other costs and regular additional charges

- A special fee is included in Junior School tuition that covers photographs and ICT development (EUR 115), excursions for Years 1–6 (EUR 60), and in-school activities for E2–Pre-Junior 2 (EUR 20). Additional trips or residential visits are charged separately.
- Additional charges may apply for special educational provisions (in-class support, reader, prompter, etc.) across Junior and Senior Schools.
- Parents and Teachers Association subscription: EUR 30 per year.
- Uniforms and stationery are supplied via the school bookshop; uniform costs are not included in the tuition tables and are payable separately.

Discounts

- Sibling discounts (Senior School): Two children — EUR 500 off the tuition of each; Third child — EUR 750 off tuition; Fourth child — EUR 1,000 off tuition.
- Sibling discounts (Junior School): Two children — EUR 350 off the tuition of each; Third child — EUR 500 off tuition; Fourth child — EUR 600 off tuition.
- Members of the nationwide large-family organisation (Pangypria Organosi Politeknon) receive EUR 200 off tuition per child (Junior and Senior).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Enrolment for each academic year is confirmed only once the non-refundable deposit is paid and any outstanding fees from previous years are settled. Tuition is payable at the start of the academic year; at the school's discretion payment by instalments as published may be accepted. If the deposit or fees remain unpaid the school may refuse admission on the first day of term until the balance is cleared. Progress reports and other certificates will not be issued while fees or charges are outstanding. If a student leaves before the end of the academic year, the tuition for the full year remains payable.

Refund information

- The deposit required to confirm enrolment is non-refundable. Tuition already paid must be settled in full even if a student leaves before the end of the academic year; no routine pro-rata refund for early leaving is provided in the published terms.

Boarding fees

- The published fee schedules for the Larnaca site list day-school tuition only. No boarding fee schedule is provided for American Academy Larnaca (the Larnaca campus operates as a day school).

Fee payment options

- Cash, cheque, or credit card payments are accepted in person at the Treasury Department (specified office hours).
- Online payments are accepted via the JCC Smart e-bill service (Tuition Fees section).
- Bank transfer payments are accepted; published IBANs and bank details are provided for several Cypriot banks to which fees may be transferred.

Notes on optional or separate charges

- Extra-curricular activities, additional excursions, residential trips, the purchase of uniforms, and any special educational support are charged in addition to the tuition figures shown above and are billed separately.
Academics

American Academy Larnaca teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

American Academy Larnaca provides an innovative and challenging academic environment balanced with kindness to support each student's full potential. The curriculum is broad and balanced, exposing students to multi-disciplinary subjects from the early years, with French or German added from Year 2. In Middle School (Years 4-5) students study 10 GCSE/IGCSE subjects, six compulsory and four optional. In Upper School (Years 6-7) students can study four A-level subjects from a broad list. The School Apolytirion is fully recognised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture and universities worldwide. The Greek School option provides four A Levels with language support for UK, EU and US university entry, and a Greek track for Pan-Cyprian exams.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates can pursue higher education through GCSE and GCE A-Levels or the School Apolytirion, both recognised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture and universities worldwide. The Greek School pathway provides guidance and language support (TOEFL, SATS and IELTS) to gain entry to UK, EU and US universities. Students may also sit Pan-Cyprian exams through the Greek track for admission to Cypriot universities.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral Support provides individual care and attention with a Head of Year and a team of mentors to ensure every student receives support and reaches their full potential.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Assessment Centre offers assessments for reading, writing and mathematics difficulties (including dyslexia and dyscalculia), ADD/ADHD, anxiety disorders, autistic disturbances and other emotional and behavioral difficulties. Screening tests can be conducted in English or Greek from age 6, and assessments are carried out by a registered school psychologist who provides a full professional report to support accommodation and interventions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English language instruction is provided to learners of all ages and abilities, with English lessons covering CEFR levels; IELTS and SAT preparation; and group lessons for Cambridge exam preparation; private lessons are available in the mornings, afternoons and early evenings. The Institute also provides private and group lessons in English, French, German and Russian.

Mental Wellbeing

PSHE provision covers Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World for Years 1–7, focusing on mental and emotional health, resilience and self-management. Students have access to psychological help as needed, including psychological treatment and counseling when referred, with parental consent for minors.

Safeguarding

The Principal is the designated safeguarding lead and safeguarding arrangements are in place, with a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy published for the school.
Parent Experience

History

American Academy Larnaca began in 1908 when Rev. McCarroll and Mrs. McCarroll, missionaries of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, planned a school on the island. It is one of the nine oldest schools in Cyprus and was founded to provide a Christian education that combined academic training with a Christian way of living, teaching students to be tolerant, respectful and to serve the community. A girls' department opened in 1916, closed in 1919, and reopened ten years later as the boys' section continued to grow; during World War II the school relocated to Lefkara from 1941 to 1943. The present school began to take shape in 1954 with the completion of Weir Hall, and the New Memorial Hall began to take shape from 1983 onwards, while the original Memorial Hall was replaced. In 1973 governance was handed to the American Academy Alumni Foundation, and since then the school has been run as a non-profit with charitable status, governed by 11 elected members and two representatives of the original mission church.

Community

The community is supported by a vibrant Student Life program that encourages pursuing a passion, discovering new talents, and forming friendships that last a lifetime. The Senior School hosts the Brotherhood Committee, the Extra-Curricular Programme, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Weir Camp, with Student Life Stories sharing experiences from students and alumni. The school's ethos is embodied in the motto To Grow and To Serve, guiding student interactions and service to others.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parents Teachers Association was founded in May 1998 and meets monthly at the American Academy Larnaca premises. It is a founding member of the Pancyprian Federation of Parental Associations of Private Schools. The PTA aims to ensure the welfare of students and to nurture strong relationships between parents and teachers, while liaising with the Ministry of Education, the American Academy Alumni Foundation and other relevant bodies. All parents of American Academy students who have fulfilled their financial obligations are regular members, as are AA teachers with no children at the school; the annual membership fee is €30. Members may join the PTA Management Board by submitting an application three days prior to the AGM, and a PTA constitution is available for download.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The American Academy Larnaca operates across three main campus buildings: Weir Hall, Memorial Hall and the Centenery Building, with the Junior School located on the same campus. The Sports Centre and Outdoor Courts provide spaces for physical education and recreation. The campus offers 39 classrooms, eight science laboratories and four IT laboratories. Academic spaces also include art rooms, a music room, a library, a SEN room and a first-aid room. The facilities serve both the Senior School and Junior School and combine historical buildings with dedicated learning spaces.

Sports Facilities

The school has an Indoor Sports Centre and Outdoor Courts for a range of physical activities. The Sports Centre includes facilities for tennis, futsal and basketball.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include eight science laboratories, four IT laboratories, art rooms and a music room, plus a library, a SEN room and a first-aid room. In total there are 39 classrooms across the Weir Hall, Memorial Hall and Centenery Building.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The American Academy Larnaca provides an evolving selection of clubs and activities taking place during and after school. The programme covers health and wellbeing, creativity and performing arts, STEM and academic enrichment, and community service. Examples include Chess Club, Health and Ecology, Sports Club, Wellness and Self-care, CooBa Club (Cooking and Baking), Enigma, F1 in Schools STEM Challenge, Photography and Media Club, School Radio, Tabletop Role Playing Games, The English Society, Classical Guitar Society, Folklore Dance Club, Modern Dance, Light Orchestra, and Voices.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers Model United Nations (MUN) Club to develop debating skills, public speaking, and awareness of current affairs, with conferences that promote understanding of other cultures. Maths Club encourages application of mathematical knowledge and critical thinking and organises participation in national competitions such as the Cyprus Math Olympiad. Digital World (Computing) Club exposes students to technology and computer science through activities like drones, 3D printing, digital photography, and programmable robots. Astronomy Club provides hands-on exploration of space sciences.

Arts & Creative

The school offers a broad Performing Arts programme with clubs such as Folklore Dance Club, Modern Dance Club, Little Voices, Voices Club, Light Orchestra Club, and ReACT (Acting and Theatre Club). Music Technology Club enables music production and technology for composition and recording. Photography and Media Club and Classical Guitar Society offer photography, media production, and classical guitar opportunities.

Cultural & Language

French Club broadens knowledge of France, the French language and culture through live interactions such as presentations, libraries, films and restaurants. German Club organises activities that immerse students in German language and culture. Seek for Greek Club teaches basic acting skills and stage expression in a Greek-language context.

Social & Hobbies

Chess Club provides opportunities to play and compete. Friendship Club offers a social space for Junior School pupils in the Junior School Afternoon Programme. Tabletop Role Playing Games, Photography and Media Club, School Radio, and other clubs provide a range of creative and social outlets.

Community & Service

Health and Ecology Club raises ecological awareness and engages in tree planting, beach cleanups, nature walks, and reforestation. First Aid, Red Cross and Blood Donors, Walking with Elena, and AAL for Paws are examples of community outreach and humanitarian activities.

Leadership & Professional

Model United Nations (MUN) Club develops leadership, public speaking, and intercultural understanding through conferences. Business Club familiarises students with applying business skills through visits to accounting firms and local businesses to inspire careers in accounting, economics, law, marketing, and business. The Extracurricular Programme supports participation in competitions and events that promote academic and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports Club promotes physical activity and recreational fitness. Wellness and Self-care programs support students' physical and mental wellbeing. Chess Club provides cognitive and social engagement that contributes to overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

The language of instruction is English. English Language and English Literature are offered in the Upper School. Modern Greek is taught as part of the Lower School curriculum, and Greek History is included. From Year 2, French or German are added as language options. A Greek School pathway exists in the Senior School, with four A Levels and support for university entrance including TOEFL, SATS and IELTS, and the option to sit the Pancyprian exams for Cyprus and abroad. The Apolytirion is fully recognized by the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture and universities worldwide.
Reputation

Accreditations

Recognised by the Cyprus Ministry of Education as a 'similar type' school, enabling graduates to apply to public universities in Cyprus.
Bronze Cambridge Preparation Centre Certificate.
Duke of Edinburgh International Award Centre; the school has delivered the Award since 2001.
Admissions

Admissions

The school accepts new students at multiple academic stages, subject to space. Entrance exams for Year 1 are held in February, and placement exams for other years are held in June. Prospective students may express interest by contacting the main office or scheduling a visit. Places are usually announced for select years: Year 2 and Year 3 in the lower school, and Year 4 and Year 6 in the upper school. Year 5 and Year 7 do not customarily admit new students because these years sit in the middle of the two-year GCSE and A‑Level curriculum. The school offers two streams: English-language study leading to GCSE/A‑Levels or the Greek stream leading to the Apolytirion, both recognised for university entry by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Scholarships

Alumni of America Scholarship covers seven years of tuition for a student joining Year 1, awarded to candidates in the top 25% of the entrance exam and meeting the family-income criteria. Family income thresholds are: up to €30,000 for two dependents; up to €35,000 for three dependents; up to €40,000 for four or more dependents. Applications are submitted to the American Academy Larnaca Treasury by 27 March; applicants are notified by 31 March. The scholarship excludes uniform, books, trips and exam entries and requires ongoing good behaviour and academic performance; the school reserves the right to withdraw if standards are not met. The award assumes family financial circumstances remain consistent over seven years; significant changes may trigger a review and, if the family can afford the fees, the scholarship may be withdrawn with one year's notice.
School Events
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