Elliniki Agogi

About us

Elliniki Agogi was founded in 1994 by Adonis Georgiadis with the primary objective of teaching the Ancient Greek language in a simple and accessible manner. Since then, the mission has remained unchanged, though the passion, dedication, knowledge, and experience accumulated over the past 30 years, combined with the thousands of students who have studied with us, have transformed it into an educational institution of international standards.

At Elliniki Agogi, we teach Ancient Greek alongside all subjects related to Greek culture, for both children and adults. Our experienced and distinguished instructors are dedicated to the education and development of our students, starting as early as preschool age.

The teaching method employed by Elliniki Agogi is entirely experiential, with learning achieved through a recreational process within the classroom, designed to foster a love for Ancient Greek, and through it, a deeper appreciation for our history and culture.

History

Elliniki Agogi began its operations in a small apartment in the heart of Athens. At the time, learning the ancient language was widely regarded in Greek society as compulsory with a prevalent belief that modern Greek bore little resemblance to the language of ancient texts. The initial and immediate goal of Elliniki Agogi was precisely this: to reconnect Greeks with the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of Ancient Greece.

A pioneer in children’s programs for learning Ancient Greek, Elliniki Agogi introduced in 2018 the first of its kind summer school. Through experiential learning and daily excursions to places of historical interest, this unique program serves as an excellent introduction for primary school children to the Ancient Greek language.

Over its 30 years of operation, more than 15,000 students have passed through the classrooms of Elliniki Agogi, with over 40,000 hours of instruction provided. In recent years, leveraging new technologies, more than 2,000 hours of live streaming lessons are conducted annually. The school’s activities have expanded to numerous fields, with international collaborations, lectures, seminars, and excursions.

Vision

Despite the growth and progress of Elliniki Agogi, our vision remains constant: to inspire all children to love the Greek language; the language of our ancestors, which has traveled through centuries and served as the foundation for all European languages.

At Elliniki Agogi, the Ancient Greek language is taught as the oldest form of a unified Greek language. Given its long history, it is natural that the Greek language has evolved over centuries of continuous use. The recognition that the Greek language is one, unified and continuous, is the primary aim of our teaching.

Throughout the curriculum, opportunities are provided to reflect on Greek customs and traditions through national anniversaries and significant historical events and celebrations. These moments serve as a means for exploring the origins of these customs, conducting comparative studies, and observing the similarities between ancient Greek and modern Greek traditions. In this way, the connection between ancient and contemporary Greek mentalities is beautifully demonstrated, revealing the continuity and unity of the Greek people’s traditions.

«Εἰ θεοὶ διαλέγονται, τῇ τῶν Ἑλλήνων γλώττῃ χρῶνται.»

Κικέρων

Distance Learning

In this era of technology, Elliniki Agogi, known for its innovative approach to teaching Ancient Greek, has embraced the use of technology in education.

Since 2017, an innovative online system for adult classes has been implemented, allowing students to “enter” the classroom and follow the lesson as if they were physically present. The digital platform for Elliniki Agogi’s courses is accessible through the school’s website (https://ellinikiagogi.gr/en/ ). Students select the course they are enrolled in and log in using a unique code.

By entering their email and personal code, which is sent to them upon registration, students can join the live streaming session at the scheduled class time or watch the recorded lesson at their convenience. The platform is accessible from a computer, tablet, or smartphone, offering high-resolution video and audio.

Through Elliniki Agogi’s online courses, the interaction with the instructor and the classroom remains lively, allowing students to hear the teacher’s commentary and participate in the humor and exchanges among classmates, thereby increasing their interest in the learning experience.

Early Childhood Education

Through songs, poems, skits, and crafts, Ancient Greek becomes a game! At Elliniki Agogi, children begin learning Ancient Greek as early as three years old, in the same way they would learn a foreign language. The phrases, texts, and myths used in class include words appropriate for their age, allowing them to learn quickly.

Traditional and beloved group games are adapted into Ancient Greek, enriching the children’s vocabulary and improving their articulation, all while having fun. Combined with music, dance, singing, and theater play, within just a few months, toddlers begin engaging in their first conversations in Ancient Greek.

The results are evident from the start, and both parents and school educators are impressed by the children’s rapid progress across all areas. Classes are held once a week and last one and a half hours.

Primary Education

In the early years of primary education, emphasis is placed on the comprehension of ancient texts, etymological analysis, and the use of the polytonic system. By the end of primary school, students begin studying Homer’s Odyssey in its original form.

The well-organized vocabulary, etymological interpretation of words, correct spelling, rhythmic expression, and the cultivation of auditory and aesthetic skills, along with the teaching of values and ethical principles, constitute the primary educational objectives of Elliniki Agogi. These goals are achieved through a comprehensive range of educational activities.

A key teaching requirement remains the recognition of common linguistic roots and enduring elements of the language. The exploration of etymology, derivations, the presence of Greek words in various vocabularies, and the nuanced meanings of synonyms are central to our instructional approach.

Classes are held once a week and last one and a half hours.

Secondary Education

At Elliniki Agogi, adolescents are grouped according to their school grade and taught the texts from their curriculum in a unique manner: our teaching method enables students to grasp the deeper meanings of the texts, study them in their original form, and understand not only the words but also the profound ideas that have immortalized Ancient Greek civilization.

Our goal is to cultivate a love for the Greek language and culture. Despite covering the standard curriculum, our approach makes the lessons engaging and exciting. In contrast to the often negative perception many students hold of Ancient Greek, at Elliniki Agogi, students learn to appreciate and value the Greek language and culture.

Our teaching method promotes a deep understanding and appreciation of ancient texts, encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills and to discover the timeless significance of Ancient Greek literature. Through experiential learning, students acquire genuine knowledge and a love for our language and culture.

Feel free to reach out for your first free lesson!

Essay and Creative Writing Classes

Additionally, essay and creative writing classes are offered for elementary, junior high and high school students. In these classes, students develop skills in written expression and critical thinking, learning how to organize their thoughts and articulate their ideas clearly and effectively. These lessons enhance their ability to analyze and argue, contributing to both their academic success and personal development.

Book your first free lesson now.

«Ἔστι δ’ ἀρχὴ τῆς λέξεως τὸ ἑλληνίζειν.»

Αριστοτέλης

Educational Programs for Schools

Elliniki Agogi offers educational programs tailored to students of all academic levels. These programs last for one and a half hours, and student groups are accompanied by their supervising educator. Prior communication is required to arrange the date and time of the visit.

For more details, please contact the school’s administration.

Summer Program

Five weeks, twenty-five unique excursions to monuments and sites of historical and archaeological significance.

In teaching Ancient Greek to children, experiential learning is a valuable and effective teaching tool. Based on this principle, Elliniki Agogi created a one-of-a-kind summer school (summer camp). The summer full-day program, specially designed for primary and middle school children, includes daily tours throughout the historic center, allowing students to experience Athens firsthand. From the hill of Pnyx to the Acropolis, and from the Monument of the Unknown Soldier to the catacombs of the Russian Church, children learn about the history of Ancient, Byzantine, and modern Greece on-site, where it all took place.

Students learn history through experience, realizing that ancient Greek civilization coexists with modernity, creating echoes in contemporary times. Above all, children learn while having fun, without realizing they are engaged in a learning process. The program is announced right after the Easter holidays.

Visit the summer program page

Adult Courses

At Elliniki Agogi, the teaching of Ancient Greek is conducted simply, methodically, and effortlessly. Grammar, syntax, and vocabulary are analyzed only to the extent necessary for understanding the language’s mechanisms, not as an end in themselves. Grammar and syntactical concepts are taught solely to facilitate interaction with texts and overcome initial linguistic difficulties. Each year of study has its own textbook, complemented by supplementary materials to support home study.

In addition to Ancient Greek courses, there are classes in History, Etymology, Philosophy, Ancient Drama, and Homer. Courses on Mythology, Rhetoric, Strategic History, and Geopolitics further enrich the wide-ranging education for adults. All classes are also broadcast online for registered students. Courses are held once a week and last between one and a half to two hours.

View the courses.

Parallel Activities

Throughout the year, a variety of activities related to History, Language, and Culture are organized. Learning is an experiential process that is reinforced through the creation of relationships and social interaction. For this reason, field trips and cultural visits play a central role in activities outside the classroom.

A significant part of the academic year is also dedicated to lectures by distinguished scholars, university professors, and cultural figures.