09:00 - 15:00
MON - FRI
GREEK TIME

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The Central School in Athens

The Central school is located in Athens, the capital of Greece, a bustling city with a population of nearly 3,000,000. Athens has long been a popular destination for visitors to Greece, offering a wide range of activities and ensuring a memorable experience. Throughout the year, Athens exudes charm and provides numerous options for both tourists and our students. These options include exploring museums, taking walks at the Acropolis and the Ancient Market, as well as enjoying a coffee or a meal at a modern or traditional Greek restaurant or bar, which often stay open until the early hours.

  • The building

In September 2017, we moved to our stunning neoclassical building at 25 Mavrommateon Street in the heart of Athens. Built in 1918, this architectural gem marked its centennial the same year we settled in. Originally a grand residence for an affluent Athenian family, the building later served as the home and professional space of a famous Greek actress, adding a rich cultural legacy to its history.

Nestled amidst a charming front garden, the building is situated across from Pedion tou Areos Park, a green oasis perfect for relaxation. Nearby, the Panhellenic Athletic Club offers additional recreational opportunities, including access to sports facilities and a swimming pool.

Our air-conditioned building is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse academic and creative needs, with sustainability in mind, as recycling bins are available on every floor. A highlight is the rooftop terrace, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Athens, including the iconic Lycabettus Hill—an inspiring sight for all.

A Thoughtfully Organized Space

Spread across three floors (I, A, B), the building offers a harmonious blend of creative spaces, academic hubs, and cultural resources.

Ground Floor: Creative Spaces

  • Classrooms I1–I5:
    • I1: A fine arts laboratory for creative exploration.
    • I3: A psychology book library primarily used by the Educational Center of Psychotherapy through the Arts Department.
    • I5: A dedicated dance workshop space hosting traditional Greek dance lessons and fostering cultural heritage.

Second Floor: Core Academic Hub

  • Classrooms B1–B5: The heart of our academic activities, accommodating a wide variety of lessons.
  • Cinema Room: A unique space for screenings of Greek films, promoting cultural and cinematic appreciation.

First Floor: Administrative and Student Amenities

  • Administrative Offices:
    • Director’s office, Psychology Department office, Administration Assistant’s office, Communication Officer’s office, Accountant’s office, and Teachers’ office.
  • Student Spaces:
    • A welcoming lounge and a well-stocked library provide areas for study, relaxation, and social interaction.
  • Kitchen Facilities: A fully equipped kitchen featuring a Nespresso machine, filter coffee maker, kettle, compact fridge, microwave, and essential utensils.

Additional Features

    • Rooftop Terrace: The crown jewel of our building, offering a panoramic view of Athens and Lycabettus Hill—an inspiring spot for reflection and relaxation.
    • Sustainability: Recycling bins on every floor demonstrate our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
    • Convenience: Water coolers and restrooms are located on the ground and second floors.
  • Community: The serene front garden and proximity to Pedion tou Areos Park enhance the overall experience, promoting well-being and a sense of connection.

Our Director

Costas Karkanias, the founder and director of the school since its establishment in 1972, is a renowned educationalist and author specializing in various educational fields. Known for his approachable demeanor, Costas encourages students to call him by his first name. Actively involved in the school’s daily operations, he takes great joy in connecting with students.

Costas is the visionary behind the school’s teaching methodology, which focuses on:

  • Using Greek-origin words found in European languages.
  • Incorporating Greek songs and music into language lessons.
  • Introducing students to Greek culture through travel, both within and beyond Greece.
  • Transitioning seamlessly from Ancient to Modern Greek.
  • Teaching Greek for specific purposes.
  • Encouraging learning outside the classroom.

Our Staff

Irini Chryssikopoulou – Communication Manager
Irini Chryssikopoulou, the school’s dedicated Communication Manager, ensures a seamless experience for students from their initial registration to their departure and beyond. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Communication and a postgraduate degree in Creative Writing, Irini combines expertise with a personal touch.

She organizes after-class activities, welcomes students, and fosters meaningful communication—addressing everything from simple requests to long-term engagement. Irini is also passionate about expanding her horizons, currently studying Film Studies and French. Her interests include literature, cinema, cultural events, travel, cooking, and fitness.

Nikoleta Epitropaki

Nikoleta Epitripaki works as an Administrative Officer with a focus on organization, problem-solving, and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Experienced solo traveler across the U.S. and avid swimmer in the turquoise waters of greek beaches.
 

What unites our staff is a shared passion for what we do.

Our Teachers

Our highly qualified teaching staff have completed university and postgraduate studies in teaching Greek. Among them are:

Nancy Kapasakali
Nancy, born and raised in Athens, pursued her dream of studying Philology in Kalamata, specializing in Classical Greek. Passionate about both Ancient and Modern Greek, she later earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching Greek as a second/foreign language.

At Alexander Greek School, Nancy teaches all levels of Modern Greek (A1 to C2) and has contributed to developing the Level A book, Γνωρίζεις ήδη ελληνικά. She also teaches Ancient Greek, sharing her enthusiasm for this rich linguistic heritage. Nancy embraces innovative and creative teaching methods, making Greek language learning engaging and fun.

Vassiliki Leimoni
Vassiliki grew up in the picturesque village of Pteleos, near Volos, where her love for Ancient and Modern Greek inspired her to pursue a degree in Classical Philology at the University of Athens. To combine her passion for classical studies with cultural diversity, she completed a postgraduate degree in teaching Greek as a foreign language.

Beyond teaching, Vassiliki is a creative spirit, playing piano and enjoying literature. She once won a prize for writing a children’s story. At school, she’s affectionately known as the “Dancing Queen” for her enthusiasm in teaching traditional dances.

Rania Kravariti
From a young age, Rania dreamed of becoming a teacher. Her love for Ancient Greek led her to study Philology at the University of Athens. She also pursued English language teaching, combining this expertise with a postgraduate degree in teaching Greek as a second/foreign language, which she completed in 2020.

With over 16 years of experience, Rania teaches both English and Greek, tailoring her approach to each student’s needs. Driven by her passion for education, she constantly seeks new skills and professional growth.

Maria Ntinaki
Maria is a dedicated and experienced philologist, a graduate of the Faculty of Philosophy at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with over 25 years of teaching experience in Greece and abroad. Over the past decade, she has lived and worked in Africa, teaching Greek language, literature, Ancient Greek and Latin in Greek Community Schools ( DR Congo, Ethiopia) as well as Greek as a foreign language at an international school in Addis Ababa. 
She has organised the Greek Language Certification (Ellinomatheia) examinations in Kolwezi, DR Congo.
She is the author of a published book ( short stories and poems) and has contributed to literary magazines. She has also participated in the 16th Thessaloniki International Book Fair.
 

Velissaria Taki

Velissaria is a philologist and graduate of the Department of Philology at the University of Ioannina, specialising in Linguistics. She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Special Education, combining her academic interests in language, communication, and inclusive teaching.

She teaches Greek as a second/foreign language to adult learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and also has experience teaching philological subjects in secondary education.

Her goal is to create a supportive, engaging, and encouraging learning environment where students feel confident using Greek while discovering the richness of the language through everyday communication and Greek culture.

Velissaria particularly enjoys working with adult learners from different academic and professional backgrounds. She is inspired by students who are curious and eager to explore not only the Greek language but also the history, culture, and way of thinking behind it. She sees every lesson as a two-way exchange of knowledge, experiences, and cultures.

She has participated in training programmes focusing on teaching Greek as a foreign language, adult education, and inclusive education. She believes that every learner has unique strengths and that language learning should be meaningful, enjoyable, and inspiring.

Outside the classroom, Velissaria enjoys painting, playing the guitar, and singing. These creative activities bring energy and enthusiasm to both her personal life and her teaching.

School of Greek Language & Culture “Alexander the Great” - Greek Language lessons in Athens, Thessaloniki and Chania - Learn Modern and Ancient Greek in Greece!
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