Responsible for Greece’s education system. That’s the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs. Established in 1833 it stands as one of Greece’s oldest ministries.
The Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs oversees everything. It runs the country’s education system. It also supervises religious affairs within Greece. The ministry is responsible for all grade levels. This includes elementary middle school and high school.
The Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs controls public schools. It creates and enforces laws about schools. It manages the education budget. The ministry also coordinates university entrance exams. It sets the national curriculum. Appointing public school teachers is another key role. It coordinates various educational services.
The Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs determines required courses for general education. Religion is a mandatory course in grades 1 through 9. Students can be exempt with a guardian’s declaration.
Regional Unit Public Education Offices assist the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs. These offices oversee primary and secondary school education. Textbooks for public schools are free. The government funds these schools.
Formal education in Greece occurs in three stages. Primary school starts at age six and lasts six years. Secondary education has two parts. Middle school is compulsory for three years. Lyceum high school is not compulsory. Higher education is the third stage.
School holidays include Christmas and Greek Independence Day. Easter and National Anniversary Day are also holidays. Students enjoy a three-month summer break. National public holidays are observed. Local holidays vary by region such as a patron saint’s day.
Many students attend private tutoring centers called frontistiria. These centers help students prepare for university admissions. They also provide foreign language education.
Mobile phone use is restricted on school premises. Students cannot make calls or text. They cannot use cameras or recording devices. Phones must be switched off and kept in bags.
Preschool is compulsory for two years. It includes Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten. Children must attend preschool if they turn four by December 31.
English is part of the core curriculum from kindergarten. Learning a foreign language is easier before age 11. Many EU countries start English education at age five.
Primary school is compulsory for six years. The school year starts on September 11 and ends on June 15. The school day runs from 08:15 to 13:15. Students receive a primary school leaving certificate. This gives them automatic admission to gymnasium lower secondary school.
Gymnasium lower secondary education is compulsory until age 15. The Constitution mandates at least nine years of compulsory education. No entry exams are required for gymnasium.
Upper secondary school Lyceum is not compulsory. High schools start on September 11 and end on June 15.
Students wishing to attend university must graduate from Lyceum. They must also take the Pan-Hellenic Examinations. The Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs organizes these exams.
Vocational High Schools EPAL offer dual-diploma studies. Students earn a High School Diploma and a Vocational Education and Training Diploma.
The Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs continues to shape education in Greece. It adapts to meet the needs of students. It ensures access to quality education for all. This ministry’s long history shows its dedication to Greek society.