When my family moved to Cyprus, the question that worried me most was how my children would settle into a new school. It turned out that in Cyprus there is a very attentive attitude toward children, especially toward newcomers. From the very first days at school, teachers do everything so that a child feels comfortable and calm. The Cypriot education system aims to help children quickly get used to the new environment, develop their abilities, reach for new knowledge, and easily fit into the group. This is especially noticeable in state Greek schools, where education is free for all children living in Cyprus, regardless of citizenship. If you are thinking about moving to Cyprus with children, it is important to understand how local schools are organized and what is needed to enroll. I tried to gather all the necessary information to help parents to understand in these questions and make the enrollment process as easy as possible.
What is important to know about public schools in Cyprus
In public schools in Cyprus, teaching is conducted in Greek. This is great if you want your child to learn the language quickly and get acquainted with local culture. If your child does not speak Greek yet, don’t worry! Teachers patiently help them master the language and provide additional free lessons. In these lessons, children learn the basics of Greek and begin to understand what is happening in class. This approach helps children gradually adapt to the new language environment and not lose interest in studying.
Parents can feel calm knowing that their child is receiving the necessary support. By the way, if later you decide to transfer your son or daughter to a private school with English as the language of instruction, there will be no problems. Public schools issue all the required documents and grades, which are recognized by other educational institutions. Another useful tip: the website of the Ministry of Education of Cyprus has a special online tool that helps determine which grade your child should enter — in preparatory or straight into first grade. This is very convenient and helps avoid wasting extra time figuring out these questions.
A step-by-step guide to enrolling in a Greek school
In Cyprus, enrolling children in public schools is quite simple. There is no complicated selection system; they try to make the process as clear as possible for everyone. Now I’ll explain how it works.
Step 1: Choose a school
First, you need to figure out which schools are in your area. The thing is that in Cyprus, public schools are assigned to a specific territory. This means that your child will most likely go to the school closest to your home. This is convenient because children do not need to travel far, and they integrate into the local community faster. Where can you find a list of schools? On the website of the Ministry of Education of Cyprus. It has all the information: addresses, phone numbers, and even websites (if they exist). You can calmly explore the options and choose what suits you best.
Step 2: Gather documents
Next, you need to prepare a set of documents. It is standard, nothing unusual:
- Child’s birth certificate (a regular copy)
- Child’s passport
- Proof that you live at the stated address (as evidence, you can provide a rental agreement, a property ownership certificate for an apartment or house, utility payment receipts (water or electricity bills — basically anything that shows your address)).
- A copy of the child’s vaccination record
- The application for enrollment can be obtained directly at the school or downloaded from the Ministry of Education website.
The nicest part — there are no entrance exams in public schools. That is, the child simply starts studying right away. Calmly and without unnecessary stress.
Step 3: Submit the application
The collected documents need to be taken to the regional office of the Ministry of Education. They will then forward everything to the school assigned to your address. Officially, school registration takes place in January, but in fact you can submit documents almost any time. The procedure takes very little time — about 15–20 minutes, no more.
Step 4: Get to know the school
After you submit the application, the school will invite you to a meeting. There you confirm that you really want to enroll your child in this particular educational institution. Essentially, it’s just a formality to make sure your plans have not changed.
Step 5: Wait for the decision
Within a few weeks, the school administration will inform you of its decision. Usually there are no problems, and the child is enrolled. But it’s better to wait a bit for official confirmation. In general, as you can see, there is nothing complicated about enrolling in a public school in Cyprus. The main thing — is to collect the required documents and submit the application on time.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start looking for a school?
It’s better to look for a school in advance, even if you haven’t moved yet. Many people are coming to Cyprus now, and places in schools are limited. So the earlier you start, the better.
What is the uniform like in public schools?
In public schools, the uniform is simple and comfortable: gray trousers or a skirt and a white T-shirt or shirt. You can buy all of this in any store, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on a school uniform.
What about textbooks and other materials?
Textbooks, atlases, and everything needed for study are provided for free. This really helps save money, especially when you’ve just moved.
When does the school year start and end?
The school year usually starts in the second half of September, and the summer holidays — in mid-June.
What is the daily schedule like in the lower grades?
In primary school, lessons start early, around 7:45, and end at about 13:05. This is convenient for young children because they still have time for rest and play.
What do you need to know to enter first grade?
You don’t need to know anything special. The first-grade program is designed so that any child can start learning from scratch and gradually learn everything.
How is the learning process organized?
The school year is divided into semesters. This is convenient for both teachers and students. It makes it easier to plan lessons and absorb material.
How many years do children study in school in Cyprus?
In Cyprus public schools, children study for 12 years. First comes primary school (from 6 to 12 years old), then lower secondary (from 12 to 15). After that, they can go to a lyceum or a vocational school for three years.
How are children treated in public schools?
In public schools, they try to find an approach to each child, help them develop, and become interested in studying. Teachers monitor students’ progress, help them if something doesn’t work out, and try to develop their abilities. In short, they do everything so that learning is interesting and useful.
Why Greek schools in Cyprus are the best choice for children
Greek schools in Cyprus — are more than just educational institutions. They are like a second family, where a child learns to make friends, adapt to new conditions, and feel at home among locals. The coolest thing is that education is free. Teachers are always ready to help, especially those who have just arrived; the program is designed so that language and subjects are mastered gradually, without stress.
For families who have moved to the island, this is an excellent option. Enrolling in a public school in Cyprus — is clear and not difficult. Children quickly get used to the new environment, and parents can feel calm about the quality of education. Schools pay close attention to each student and help at every stage. Greek schools give children a solid foundation for the future, help them confidently acquire knowledge, and get along well with other people.
What else is important to know about schools in Cyprus? They try to create an atmosphere in which a child feels comfortable and safe. The focus is not only on studying, but also on personal development. Children take part in various interesting activities, do sports, and go on hikes. All this helps them to uncover their talents and make friends. Many parents worry about how their child will learn Greek. But schools in Cyprus have special programs for those who do not speak Greek. Teachers use different methods to help children master the language faster. And children learn the language very quickly by communicating with their peers.
And of course, Cypriot schools — are a great way to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of Cyprus. Children participate in local celebrations, study the island’s history, and learn many new things about the lives of Cypriots. This helps them understand the country better and become part of it faster.
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