Schools in Cyprus

The education system in Cyprus is a blend of traditional and modern approaches to teaching, reflecting both the country’s cultural heritage and its drive toward globalization. There are two main types of schools on the island: public and private. Public schools are funded and managed by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus, while private schools, though adhering to general educational standards, have more freedom in choosing curricula and teaching methods.

The Importance of Choosing a School

Choosing a school for a child is one of the most important decisions that parents make. Cyprus offers a wide range of educational institutions, from traditional public schools to international private schools with English or Russian language programs. This choice can significantly impact a child’s future, their academic achievements, social skills, and overall comfort level.

Public schools in Cyprus provide free education for all children and offer a curriculum that meets national standards. Meanwhile, private schools often provide more diverse and specialized programs, including international diplomas and advanced foreign language studies.

When selecting a school, it’s important to consider various factors such as location, academic reputation, availability of extracurricular programs, and facilities for after-school activities. Each type of school has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these differences will help parents make the most informed choice for their children.

Public Schools in Cyprus

General Information about Public Education

Public schools in Cyprus are managed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, which is responsible for developing curricula, standardizing educational materials, and organizing the overall educational process. Education in public schools is free and compulsory for all children aged 5 to 18. The school system includes preschool, primary, secondary, and higher secondary education.

Preschool education begins at age 4 and prepares children for primary school. Primary school lasts six years, from ages 6 to 12, after which children move on to gymnasium for three years. Secondary education is completed in a lyceum or technical school, where students can choose more specialized areas of study.

Curriculum Features

The curriculum in public schools in Cyprus is designed to ensure the comprehensive development of students and includes a wide range of subjects. All instruction is conducted in Greek, which facilitates deep immersion in the country’s cultural and linguistic environment. In primary school, emphasis is placed on subjects such as Greek language, mathematics, natural sciences, history, and civics. Physical education and creative disciplines like music and art are also highly valued.

In secondary school, the curriculum expands and deepens. Students study foreign languages, most often English, and can choose additional subjects such as computer science, chemistry, physics, and others. Special attention is given to developing critical thinking and analytical skills.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Public schools in Cyprus have several advantages. First, education is free, making it accessible to all social strata. Second, public schools provide standardized education, ensuring a high level of student preparation. Third, schools actively support cultural and sporting development, offering a variety of extracurricular activities and programs.

Teaching in Greek has its advantages, as it allows children to better integrate into the local society and culture. It also promotes bilingualism for those whose native language is not Greek, which can be beneficial in the future.

However, like any other system, public education has its drawbacks. One issue is the relatively high class sizes, which can reduce individual attention to each student. Additionally, due to limited funding, some schools may experience a shortage of modern educational resources and technologies.

Nevertheless, public schools in Cyprus continue to play a key role in the country’s education system, providing fundamental education and laying the foundation for students’ further academic and professional development.

Private English-Language Schools in Limassol

Limassol, as one of the largest cities in Cyprus, offers many private English-language schools that provide high-quality education according to international standards. Here are some of the most well-known and prestigious private schools in the city:

The Heritage Private School

The Heritage Private School offers a British curriculum from kindergarten to senior classes. The school is known for its high academic standards and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and science clubs. Tuition fees vary depending on age and grade, averaging from €5,000 to €10,000 per year. The school also offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

Foley’s School

Foley’s School offers a British curriculum and prepares students for IGCSE and A-level exams. The school has an international student body and is renowned for its high academic standards. Tuition fees range from €6,000 to €12,000 per year. Foley’s School also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that promote the overall development of students.

Silverline Private School

Silverline Private School offers a British curriculum and is known for its high academic standards and a variety of extracurricular activities. Tuition fees range from €4,500 to €9,000 per year. The school provides modern educational technologies and resources, ensuring high-quality education for students.

The Grammar School Limassol

The Grammar School Limassol offers a British curriculum and is known for its high level of student preparation. The school has a long history and a high reputation, providing students with the opportunity to earn IGCSE and A-level diplomas. Tuition fees are around €7,000 per year.

American Academy Limassol

American Academy Limassol provides British education from kindergarten to senior classes. The school is known for its high academic standards and international student community. Tuition fees range from €5,000 to €11,000 per year. The school actively participates in various international educational and cultural programs.

Pascal English School

Pascal English School in Limassol offers a British curriculum and is known for its high academic standards. The school offers programs from primary to senior education and prepares students for IGCSE and A-level exams. Tuition fees are around €6,000 per year.

Logos School of English Education

Logos School of English Education offers a British curriculum with preparation for IGCSE and A-level exams. The school is known for its high academic standards and individual approach to each student. Tuition fees range from €4,000 to €8,000 per year. The school also offers an extensive extracurricular program and emphasizes moral and ethical education for students.

The Island School

The Island School in Limassol provides education based on the British system and prepares students for IGCSE and A-level exams. The school is renowned for its high level of academic preparation and modern educational resources. The Island School also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and science.

Lighthouse School

Lighthouse School offers a British curriculum and focuses on developing academic and social skills in younger children. The school provides an individual approach to education and supports students with special educational needs. Tuition fees range from €4,000 to €8,000 per year.

St. Mary’s School Limassol

St. Mary’s School in Limassol offers English-language education and adheres to high academic standards. The school provides programs from primary to secondary education and actively participates in international educational and cultural programs. Extracurricular activities include sports, arts, and other activities that contribute to the overall development of students. The school is known for its individual approach to each child, ensuring quality education and support.

IMS Private School

IMS Private School offers education based on the British system with a focus on individual attention to each student. The school is known for its high academic standards and the use of modern educational technologies. IMS Private School provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and science clubs. Tuition fees range from €5,000 to €10,000 per year.

St. John’s School Cyprus

St. John’s School in Episkopi offers a British curriculum for students from ages 3 to 18. The school ensures high-quality education with a focus on academic achievements and skill development. Students can prepare for GCSE and A-level exams. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and arts, contributing to the overall development of students. St. John’s School supports an international student community and is focused on creating a favorable educational environment.

Private Russian-Language Schools in Limassol, Nicosia, and Paphos

Trinity (formerly L.I.T.C. building)

Trinity School offers education in both Russian and English. The school is known for its high level of student preparation and offers programs from primary to secondary education. The institution emphasizes bilingual education and the cultural development of students.

Morfosis

Morfosis offers education in Russian using modern educational methods. The school has two buildings in Limassol and one in Paphos. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities and an individual approach to each student.

“Pythagoras Students”

“Pythagoras Students” offers a Russian curriculum and focuses on maintaining and developing Russian culture and language among its students. The school provides quality education with an emphasis on the in-depth study of Russian language and literature. The school offers programs from kindergarten to senior classes and is known for its high level of academic preparation.

These schools offer quality education in Russian, allowing Russian-speaking children to maintain their cultural identity. The choice of school depends on many factors, including the curriculum, location, and the individual needs of each student.

Russian School at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nicosia

The Russian School at the Embassy of the Russian Federation provides Russian education and focuses on supporting and developing Russian culture and language among its students. The school offers programs from primary to secondary education, ensuring continuity of the educational process for Russian-speaking students.

Private English Schools in Paphos

Paphos, one of the major cities in Cyprus, also offers several prestigious private schools that provide education in English. Here are some of them:

The International School of Paphos (ISOP)

The International School of Paphos (ISOP) offers a British curriculum and is known for its innovative approaches to education. The school provides a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and science. ISOP also ensures high-quality exam preparation and supports the individual development of each student. The school actively participates in international educational and cultural programs.

Aspire Private British School

Aspire Private British School provides British education and is known for its high academic standards and individual approach to each student. The school also offers numerous extracurricular activities, including sports and arts. Aspire Private British School is known for its high teaching standards and support for students with special educational needs.

TLC Private School

TLC Private School offers a British curriculum for students from primary to senior levels. The school has a high reputation for the academic achievements of its students and its diverse extracurricular activities. TLC Private School is known for its innovative teaching methods and support for students with special educational needs.

Private English Schools in Larnaca

Larnaca, one of the main cities in Cyprus, offers several prestigious private schools that provide education in English. Here are some of them:

American Academy Larnaca

American Academy Larnaca provides British education and offers programs from primary to senior education. The school is known for its high academic standards and variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and theater clubs. The institution actively participates in various international educational and cultural programs.

Med High Private English School

Med High Private English School offers a British curriculum and is known for its high academic standards and a variety of academic and extracurricular programs. The school provides quality education using modern technologies and resources. Med High is also known for its support programs for students and attention to individual educational needs.

Pascal English School Larnaca

Pascal English School Larnaca offers a British curriculum and is known for its high academic standards. The school provides programs from primary to senior education and prepares students for IGCSE and A-level exams. Pascal English School actively participates in international educational and cultural exchanges.

These schools ensure comprehensive student development, high-quality education, and modern educational resources. The choice of school depends on many factors, including the curriculum, location, and the individual needs of each student.

Private English Schools in Protaras and Ayia Napa

Protaras and Ayia Napa, popular resort towns in the southeast of Cyprus, also offer quality educational institutions for those seeking private English-language education.

Xenion High School

Xenion High School in Protaras offers a British curriculum and is known for its high level of student preparation. The school actively participates in international exchange programs and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. The institution maintains high academic standards and strives to develop critical thinking and creative abilities in its students.

Xenion Junior School

Xenion Junior School is also located in Protaras and offers British education for junior classes. The school is known for its high academic standards and a variety of extracurricular activities. At Xenion Junior School, great attention is given to individual learning approaches and the comprehensive development of students.

Private English Schools in Nicosia

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, offers numerous private schools providing education in English according to high international standards. Here are some of them:

The English School

The English School in Nicosia was founded in 1900 and is one of the most prestigious private schools on the island. The school offers a British curriculum and prepares students for GCSE and A-level exams. The English School is renowned for its high academic standards and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and theater clubs.

The American International School in Cyprus (AISC)

The American International School in Cyprus (AISC) provides American education and an International Baccalaureate program for senior classes. Founded in 1987, the school prides itself on its multicultural community and high level of student preparation. The school also offers various extracurricular activities and support programs for students.

Pascal English School

Pascal English School offers a British curriculum and is known for its high academic standards. The school has campuses in Nicosia and Limassol, offering programs from primary to senior education. Pascal English School actively participates in international educational and cultural programs.

The Junior and Senior School

The Junior and Senior School offers a British curriculum and is accredited to conduct IGCSE and A-level exams. The school places great emphasis on both academic and extracurricular development of students. The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and science clubs.

The Falcon School

The Falcon School provides British education from kindergarten to senior classes. The school is known for its high academic standards and a variety of extracurricular activities. Falcon School also emphasizes the development of leadership qualities and social interaction among its students.

The Grammar School Nicosia

The Grammar School Nicosia offers a British curriculum and is known for its high level of student preparation. The school has a long history and high reputation, providing students with the opportunity to earn IGCSE and A-level diplomas. The institution actively participates in various cultural and educational projects.

These schools provide students with opportunities for comprehensive development, ensuring high-quality education and supporting the individual needs of each student. The choice of school depends on many factors, including the curriculum, location, and family preferences.

Ukrainian Schools in Cyprus

NEO STUDY Ukraine (Limassol)

NEO STUDY Ukraine provides education according to Ukrainian and Canadian programs. The school was founded in Ukraine and moved to Limassol after the war began. It offers bilingual education (Ukrainian and English) and supports children and their families, providing quality education and psychological support. The school employs highly qualified Ukrainian and international teachers and psychologists. Students receive two diplomas: Ukrainian and Canadian.

Ukrainian Primary School “Krila” (Limassol)

Ukrainian Primary School “Krila” in Limassol was created with the support of the Techiia Foundation. The school offers education according to the Ukrainian program, supplemented by lessons in English and mathematics. It helps children adapt to life in Cyprus, providing quality education.

New Ukrainian School (NUS) Hub

New Ukrainian School (NUS) Hub was created by the European Commission to support Ukrainian students. The hub provides access to educational resources and platforms for Ukrainian refugees and students in Ukraine. The initiative aims to ensure access to learning materials and support Ukrainian students worldwide.

Cyprus Ministry of Education Program

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth of Cyprus is implementing a program to accept and integrate Ukrainian students into Cypriot schools. This program includes support in Ukrainian and Russian, psychological assistance, and additional Greek language lessons for better student adaptation. More detailed information is available on the UNESCO website.

Admission Process to Schools in Cyprus

Public Schools

1. Documents

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passport or ID.
• Child’s medical card.
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill).

2. Procedure

• Submitting an application to the local educational department.
• Enrolling the child in the nearest public school based on residence.
• Attending a school meeting and familiarizing with school rules and programs.

Private Schools

1. Documents

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passport or ID.
• Child’s medical card.
• Proof of residence in Cyprus.
• School reports or certificates from previous years (if applicable).

2. Procedure

• Filling out and submitting an online application on the school’s website.
• Paying the registration fee (if required).
• Attending entrance testing or an interview.
• Visiting the school and getting acquainted with the educational program and teachers.

English-Language Private Schools

1. Documents

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passport or ID.
• Child’s medical card.
• Proof of residence in Cyprus.
• School reports or certificates from previous years.

2. Procedure

• Submitting an online application on the school’s website.
• Paying the registration fee.
• Passing entrance testing and/or an interview.
• Visiting the school to familiarize yourself with the program and learning conditions.

Russian-Language Schools

1. Documents

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passport or ID.
• Child’s medical card.
• Proof of residence in Cyprus.
• School reports or certificates from previous years.

2. Procedure

• Submitting an application to the school (possibly online).
• Meeting with the school administration to discuss the educational plan and conditions.
• Passing entrance testing (if required).
• Getting to know the teaching staff and school facilities.

Ukrainian Schools

1. Documents

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passport or ID.
• Child’s medical card.
• Proof of residence in Cyprus.
• School reports or certificates from previous years.

2. Procedure

• Filling out an application on the school’s website.
• Attending an interview and/or testing.
• Visiting the school to familiarize yourself with the program and learning conditions.
• Signing a contract and paying fees.

These steps will help parents and students successfully go through the admission process to their chosen school in Cyprus.

Lists of Accredited Schools in Cyprus

Accreditation by the Ministry of Education as of July 10, 2024:

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Conclusion

Choosing a school in Cyprus is an important and responsible decision that requires considering many factors. Parents can choose between public, private, English-language, Russian-language, and Ukrainian schools, each offering its unique advantages and features.

Public schools provide free education in Greek and are well-suited for integration into the local community. Private schools, both English and Russian-language, offer a wide range of programs and a high level of academic preparation, often with international certifications. Ukrainian schools help children maintain their cultural identity and continue education according to Ukrainian standards.

The admission process to each of these schools includes collecting and submitting the necessary documents, passing entrance exams and interviews, and visiting the school to familiarize yourself with the program and learning conditions.

When choosing a school, it’s important to consider the curriculum, location, individual needs of the child, and family priorities. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and visit several schools to find the most suitable educational institution for your child.