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Let us start with a British Dad's experiences of His Kid's Schooling.
Schooling in Greece - "Firstly let me make it very clear, and this is not just my opinion, if you plan on moving to Crete with children older than six or younger than eighteen (or school leaving age) be prepared to have problems with them adjusting to the first language of teaching which is, understandably, Greek.
The locals will say it's okay, throw kids in at the deep end. They will learn. In my experience however, they will "drown" under the language pressure. Greek to most is not an easy language to learn and even with private greek lessons, British or Irish kids whose first language is English are likely to struggle to learn in a Greek school.
If you really want to come to Crete with children of school age another alternative is to opt for Online learning or Home Education. Also you need to take into account are the cultural differences. Greek children are polite and well mannered in the main, however your child may well find it difficult to make friends as the Greek Culture is very family orientated and friends are normally considered to be people you meet outside of the home.
Think of your child. Being alone in a school where the language is not understood and friends are few and far between. It could be a possible recipe for disaster.
If your child is under six however the chances are that they will learn Greek easily and become bi-lingual, which is in itself a worthwhile thing to be and they will loook back in older life with a real sense of pride and achievement.
School in Crete starts at approximately 8.15am and finishes between 1pm and 2pm. Extra days off are common place and often no advanced notice will be given for such an occurence. You may (if you are lucky) get a phone call from teaching staff telling you to come and pick your child up, as school has ended early on that day.
The above section is based on the experiences of one family, Geoff - the BiC webmaster, 2004-2006. This section has been edited and updated in 2008 and 2009.
"European School, Crete
There is one European School in Crete funded by the EU - School of European Education - Heraklion. The school comes under the 'National Administration and Religious Affairs' through the Regional Administration of Primary and Secondary Education of Crete (Heraklion). View its website or the contact email address, which is mail at sch-eur-education.ira.sch.gr and the phone number is +30 2810 301780, FAX: +30 2810 222 712. Contact person is a Mrs Spili. |
"Making the Leap" - taking the Kids over to Crete. Other comments on this extremely important topic in a recent BritsinCrete Forum discussion.
Other useful links - the Greek Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs (English pages), the Greek Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs, [Greek only]; Schola Europea, and ENISA.
Other Useful Reference Pages on Ex Pat Living in Crete:
Public Utilities
Public Utilities - Electricity and water. Explanation of billing.
Living in Winter is Different
Crete - you know the weather is good that is why you come to Southern Greece but Crete also has a winter climate and its house heating implications.
PTT - Post and Telecoms
Telephone, Internet and Postal Services - what you need to know.
Healthcare and Medical Services
Essential reading, including the private Cretan Medicare Centres.
Cretan Culture
Retaining language and customs yet making foreigners feel inclusive along with choices in local TV Viewing.
Updated Cost of Living Details - February 2008
More important information for calculating the cost of living on fixed income on a monthly basis.
Stores and Supermarkets Grocery Shopping
From small village stores, to large supermarket chains, like Carrefour and Lidl, Crete has it all. A Quick guide to what is available.
Citizens Advice Bureaus in Greece (K.E.P.)
Your short cut to the Ministries and who is responsible for what.
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