Greece’s education system is set for a major transformation with the introduction of Public Onassis Schools, a groundbreaking initiative targeting socially and economically challenged areas.
The project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Onassis Foundation, aims to provide high-quality, innovative education to thousands of students while fostering opportunities in underprivileged communities.
The 22 schools—11 middle schools and 11 high schools—are slated to open in September 2025, accommodating approximately 6,000 students.
The Onassis Foundation will fund the renovation of school buildings, and the schools will be managed by a board predominantly composed of public representatives.
“These schools will bring innovation and opportunity to areas that need them most,” said Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis during an interview on ANT1.
“They represent a fusion of public education and private innovation, creating a system that fosters social mobility and opens new doors for students.
Another key feature of the reforms is the expansion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program into public schools.
While the IB has been available in Greece since 1995, it has only been offered by private institutions. Starting in September 2026, at least five public experimental and model high schools will launch IB programs, with plans to expand further.
“We’re not creating schools of two speeds but schools with multiple opportunities,” said Mr. Pierrakakis, emphasizing the importance of offering world-class education to a wider demographic.
The reforms also include the establishment of two sports schools, one in Athens near the Olympic Stadium and another in Thessaloniki.
Opening in 2026, these schools will cater to young athletes, integrating flexible learning options to support their rigorous training schedules.
To further strengthen community engagement, the government is introducing Open Schools, which will keep school facilities accessible during evenings and weekends.
These spaces will host activities such as sports, library use, and community events.
In tandem with these changes, the reforms promote increased autonomy for individual schools and comprehensive digitization of educational processes to improve governance and efficiency.
Addressing teacher shortages, Mr. Pierrakakis noted significant progress, with 6,000 new educators added this year.
“We judge our success by how quickly we fill gaps and how these gaps decrease year by year,” he said.
The ban on mobile phones in schools was also highlighted as a success, supported by educators and families alike.
“This measure has helped address bullying and other classroom challenges,” he remarked, emphasizing its importance in creating a safe and focused learning environment.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Pierrakakis stressed the need for a cultural shift in how Greece approaches education.
“We must leave behind outdated methods and expand our horizons,” he said. “It’s essential for the future of our country.”
The introduction of the Onassis Schools and other reforms marks a significant step forward, aiming to create an education system that is inclusive, innovative, and better equipped to meet the needs of modern society.