Athens College vs DES Schools - Primary Campus

	A Athens College Athens, Greece	D DES Schools - Primary Campus Athens, Greece
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €11,280 - 15,400	Fees / year €7,000 - 12,500
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 15 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English, French, German, Spanish
Opened	Opened 1925	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location —	Location Interactive European School DES operates in the Athens area on the Athenian Riviera, with campuses in Vari, Varkiza, and Agia Marina Koropiou. The Secondary School is at 50A Ithakis St., 19400 Agia Marina Koropiou; Primary School at Barakos Hill, Varkiza; Kindergarten at 4 Demesticha St., Varkiza; Nursery at 9A Kalymnou St., Vari. The campuses are located in Attica near the coast, within a short drive of central Athens.
Stages	Stages —	Stages Nursery; Kindergarten; Primary; Middle School. High School coming 2026.
School type	School type —	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Our school transport services cover an extensive part of Attica. Use the map to locate your convenient pick-up location. Vari • Varkiza • Voula • Vouliagmeni • Glyfada • Elliniko • Ag.Marina • Alimos • Argyroupoli • Ilioupoli • N.Smyrni • P.Faliro • Anavissos • Kalyvia • Lagonisi • Saronida • Keratea • Daskalio • Markopoulos • Porto Rafti • N.Faliro •Piraeus • N.Kosmos • Mets.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details —	Fee details Application fees - Middle School: one-off application fee of EUR 1,000 for new students. - No separate application fee is listed for Nursery, Kindergarten or Primary on the published fee schedule. Tuition fees by school year (annual and per-instalment details) - Nursery - Annual tuition: EUR 7,000 per year. - Deposit required: EUR 1,000 (paid up front; deducted from the annual fee). - Balance after deposit: EUR 6,000. Payable in four equal instalments (due: Sep 5, Nov 5, Jan 5, Mar 5). Instalment amount: EUR 1,500 each. - Kindergarten - Annual tuition: EUR 7,000 to EUR 9,000 per year (range depends on programme/level). - Deposit required: EUR 1,000 (paid up front; deducted from the annual fee). - Balance after deposit: EUR 6,000 to EUR 8,000. Payable in four equal instalments (due: Sep 5, Nov 5, Jan 5, Mar 5). Instalment amounts: EUR 1,500 (for EUR 7,000) to EUR 2,000 (for EUR 9,000) per instalment. - Primary School - Annual tuition: EUR 8,500 to EUR 10,500 per year. - Deposit required: EUR 2,000 (paid up front; deducted from the annual fee). - Balance after deposit: EUR 6,500 to EUR 8,500. Payable in three equal instalments (due: Sep 5, Dec 5, Feb 5). Instalment amounts: EUR 2,166.67 to EUR 2,833.33 per instalment. (Calculated as [annual fee minus deposit] ÷ 3). - Middle School (Year 7 to Year 9) - Annual tuition: EUR 11,000 to EUR 14,000 per year. - Deposit required: EUR 2,000 (paid up front; deducted from the annual fee). - Balance after deposit: EUR 9,000 to EUR 12,000. Payable in three equal instalments (due: Sep 5, Dec 5, Feb 5). Instalment amounts: EUR 3,000 to EUR 4,000 per instalment. (Calculated as [annual fee minus deposit] ÷ 3). Lunch, transport and other service charges - Lunch (Primary & Middle School): EUR 1,300 per year. This charge is shown separately from tuition. - School bus (annual, varies by zone and service type): published zone-based annual fees range broadly from approximately EUR 1,300 up to EUR 2,400 depending on zone and whether the service is hot-spot (HS) or door-to-door (DD). Use of one of two bus routes is charged at 75% of the total price. HS = Hot Spot; DD = Door to Door. Exact amount depends on chosen zone and service. - Not included in the tuition figures: books, school uniforms, excursions, extra activities (workshops), and after-school activities; these are charged separately when applicable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Deposits (paid up front): Nursery & Kindergarten EUR 1,000; Primary & Middle School EUR 2,000. Deposits are deducted from the annual fee balance. - Instalment schedule for the balance after deposit: - Primary & Middle School: three equal instalments due on Sep 5, Dec 5 and Feb 5. - Nursery & Kindergarten: four equal instalments due on Sep 5, Nov 5, Jan 5 and Mar 5. - Pre-payment discount: 5% discount for pre-payment. - Surcharge for extended instalments: if parents choose more than the standard three (Primary/Middle) or four (Nursery/Kindergarten) instalments, an additional 5% charge will be applied to the total annual fees. Sibling discounts - Two children: 5% discount on the older student's tuition fees and 50% off the bus fees of the older child. If all siblings are in Middle School, no sibling tuition discounts are offered. - Three children: 5% discount on the two older students' tuition fees and 50% off the bus fees of the two older children. If all siblings are in Middle School, no sibling tuition discounts are offered. Deposit and refund information - Deposits are non-refundable after three (3) days of payment and may not be offset. This applies to the published deposits for Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary and Middle School. - No separate general refund schedule for tuition instalments is published on the fee page; the deposit non-refundability statement above is the explicit refund-related item provided. Boarding fees - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the published fee schedule; the school's fees relate to day-school services, meals and transport. Other costs and optional services - Items charged separately: books, school uniforms, excursions, extra workshops and after-school activities. Fee payment options - Payment methods listed: Bank deposit and Credit or Debit Card. Summary figures (quick reference) - Nursery: EUR 7,000/year; deposit EUR 1,000; four instalments of EUR 1,500. - Kindergarten: EUR 7,000–9,000/year; deposit EUR 1,000; four instalments EUR 1,500–2,000. - Primary: EUR 8,500–10,500/year; deposit EUR 2,000; three instalments EUR 2,166.67–2,833.33. - Middle School (Years 7–9): EUR 11,000–14,000/year; deposit EUR 2,000; three instalments EUR 3,000–4,000. - Lunch (Primary & Middle): EUR 1,300/year. School bus: zone- and service-dependent, approx. EUR 1,300–2,400/year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The school provides transport services covering an extensive part of Attica.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Three uniforms exist: the everyday uniform worn outside of school, the official school uniform worn during national and international holidays, and a uniform adjusted for the summer celebrations; children in nursery and kindergarten may wear clothes of their choice.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school provides breakfast and lunch for students; a monthly menu is uploaded on the school platform. Parents may opt out of school lunch and provide a packed lunch; the school does not reheat packed lunches. Packed lunches must be stored in suitable containers; glass containers are not allowed. Hot beverages and fizzy drinks are not allowed, and sweets and chocolates must not be consumed on school grounds.
House system	House system —	House system The DES House system fosters collaboration, responsibility, group loyalty and social and emotional learning through inter-house sporting and academic competitions.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership Dr. Billie Konstantara is the founder and CEO.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details —	Curriculum details School subjects are taught in Greek and English via CLIL. The International Baccalaureate Programme is implemented across Primary, Middle and High School levels, combining IB with the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The IB emphasises inquiry-based learning and develops knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action. Our methodology includes Personalized Learning, Differentiated Learning, Blended Learning and a Flipped Classroom. In the PYP, Greek and English are main languages with Spanish, German or French as additional languages, and subjects include Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, STEM, Coding, Music and the Arts. In the MYP, eight subject groups are offered and assessment is criterion-related with biannual reporting; Service as Action and the Personal Project are core components.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school uses Differentiated Learning to help every student make optimum use of their individualities and talents. This approach includes planning learning experiences differentiated by readiness, interests and learning profiles.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning The school fosters collaboration, responsibility, group loyalty and social and emotional learning through the DES House system.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language School subjects are taught in both Greek and English via CLIL, without extra teaching hours, creating a bilingual environment.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing Emotional education is part of the DES programme; after-school clubs nurture social skills and confidence; the DES House system supports social and emotional learning.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The school provides a safe, caring and supportive environment for pupils.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Subjects are taught in Greek and English via CLIL (Content & Language Integrated Learning). The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, and combines it with the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The school follows a methodology that includes Personalized Learning, Differentiated Learning, Blended Learning, and Flipped Classroom.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities The school is a member of Round Square.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History DES was founded by Dr. Billie Konstantara, who serves as Founder/CEO. DES is the first bilingual school in Greece to combine the International Baccalaureate Programme with the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. The school currently operates a Secondary School in Agia Marina Koropiou and a Primary School in Varkiza, with a High School coming in 2026. School subjects are taught in Greek and English via CLIL without requiring extra teaching hours. Dr. Billie Konstantara has founded four successful schools.
Community	Community —	Community Multiculturalism in Practice is part of DES's IB Programme, reflecting international mindedness among its students. DES is a Candidate Member of Round Square, a global network bound by the IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service). The DES website maintains a Blog and a Press section to share news and events. DES operates a Secondary School in Agia Marina Koropiou and a Primary School in Varkiza.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) is offered across Primary, Middle and High School at DES, inviting learners to investigate across and beyond the curriculum through inquiry and personal experiences. The curriculum uses concept-driven, transdisciplinary learning to develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and action in a holistic way, and the IB Learner Profile guides students to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators and internationally minded. Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills include communication, social collaboration, self-management, research and thinking, helping students learn how to learn. Greek and English are the main languages, with Spanish, German or French offered as secondary languages, and the Primary Years Programme includes subjects such as Greek/English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, STEM, Coding, Music, Visual Arts and Yoga. The school also emphasizes project-based learning and differentiated, inclusive practice within the IB framework.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative Visual Arts and Music are part of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) includes Arts (Visual and Performing). Design (Digital and Product design), Coding and other creative disciplines are integrated into the MYP as eight subject groups. Projects and inquiry-driven learning, including Project-based Learning in the PYP, foster creativity and creative expression across disciplines. The school also includes Yoga as part of the PYP offering, supporting creative and holistic development.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language Greek and English are the main languages, with Spanish, German or French offered as secondary languages. Language development is a core focus, with Greek as an Additional Language (GAL) and English remedial support (ERS) to help learners access the curriculum. DES participates in international exchange and collaboration through Erasmus+ programmes such as SEN GAMES, JMUN and Ai4Ed, and is a Round Square candidate member, binding the school to IDEALS including Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies DES ROBOTS, the school's robotics team, competed in the Panhellenic STEM & Educational Robotics Competition finals in Larissa, earning recognition for collaboration, innovation and teamwork. DES STEM ELITE CLUB represents Greece at the International STEM Olympiad Grand Final 2025 in Barcelona, earning 15 medals with eight students, highlighting the school's commitment to rigorous, collaborative academic pursuits beyond the classroom. These activities foster student teamwork, creativity and engagement with global STEM communities.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Service as Action is a core component of the MYP, encouraging students to apply learning beyond the classroom and develop responsibility, empathy and active citizenship. The school is a Candidate Member of Round Square, a global network committed to IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service) and offering transformative opportunities to engage with the world and build meaningful connections. Through Erasmus+ projects and other initiatives, students participate in service-oriented and intercultural activities that connect school life to the wider community.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional Leadership development is promoted through Round Square, which provides opportunities for student leadership, collaboration and service. Service as Action further develops leadership and civic responsibility by engaging students in real-world projects beyond the classroom. Erasmus+ projects like JMUN help students practice diplomacy, teamwork and international collaboration, building professional and leadership skills for the future.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Approaches to Learning (ATL) emphasise wellbeing and resilience as essential lifelong skills. Yoga is part of the Primary Years Programme, supporting physical and mental wellbeing as part of daily learning. The IB framework also integrates wellbeing through continuous, holistic development and through Round Square's focus on adventure and experiential learning, which encourages outdoor and well-being experiences.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision Greek and English are the main languages of instruction. Additional languages offered are Spanish, German and French. Greek as an Additional Language (GAL) and English Remedial Support (ERS) provide language development and literacy support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in Greek and English. Subjects are delivered in both Greek and English through CLIL (Content & Language Integrated Learning), without requiring extra teaching hours. This bilingual approach underpins the IB curriculum.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions —	Admissions 1. Submit the application form with the candidate's details. Attach a birth certificate issued by the Municipality within the last three months before enrolment. Include the Medical Health Form and the Individual Student Health Form provided by the school. Provide academic records or transcripts from the previous educational institution, including an English translation if necessary, and attach recommendations from one or more educators or school administrators from the candidate's most recent educational institution, as well as any recent assessments for learning disabilities. 2. Applicants must have successfully completed the previous academic year. The age of the student should match the intended grade level, and placement in a non-age-appropriate grade is considered on a case-by-case basis. Documentation of any identified special education needs must be provided during the application process; misrepresentation will prompt a review by the school. An interview with the Board of the School or a designated administrative representative is part of the final acceptance process, and the prospective student will also be evaluated by a psychologist to gather information on their psychological well-being and any issues that may need to be addressed in the future. 3. Students who have not attended DES Primary must undergo English and Greek language tests, along with a Mathematics test, based on IB and national standards for their year. These assessments are used to determine readiness for placement within the DES Middle School IB programme. Documentation of any identified special education needs should accompany the application for review during the admissions process. The interview and the written assessment apply to students who have not previously attended DES Primary School. 4. Special learning or behavioral needs: Our school is able to provide a focused level of support for students with mild learning difficulties. Families are urged to disclose any previously identified special needs or prior educational assistance during the application process. Students with documented learning or behavioral concerns will undergo assessment by a designated staff member. Depending on the situation, parents might be requested to ensure additional support for their child, which could involve in-class assistance or external provisions. 5. Admissions and the IB Learner Profile: In line with the IB philosophy, admissions consider each student's unique abilities and potential for growth, promoting inquiry-based learning and nurturing well-rounded individuals who reflect the IB profiles: Inquirers, Reflective, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced. DES Middle School is a candidate school for the MYP; candidate status does not guarantee IB authorization.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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