Overview

The Saint Athanasius the Great Greek School has been offering Greek language education to our community and beyond for nearly 50 years. Today, we continue that tradition with a welcoming and engaging program, focused on building confidence in speaking, reading, and writing while fostering a meaningful connection to Greek language and culture. Our curriculum is based on the Greek123 program developed by Theodore C. Papaloizos, Ph.D., and is supported with hands-on materials such as flashcards, activity books, and interactive activities that reinforce learning. Through a practical, participation-based approach that emphasizes speaking, writing, and active engagement, we provide a supportive environment where students can develop and strengthen their Greek language skills.

Children’s Program

Our children’s program begins at age four and is organized into four groups—Early Greek, Growing Greek, Elementary Greek, and Upper Greek—with classes held across three days each week. Students are placed based on age and experience to ensure an engaging and well-structured classroom environment where they can build confidence, develop their Greek language skills, and learn alongside their peers. As enrollment and student needs allow, additional groupings may be formed within levels to support students at different language abilities, including both heritage speakers and those just beginning their Greek language journey. Classes are led by a teaching team, creating a dynamic and interactive learning experience. Students also take part in Greek holiday celebrations and community events throughout the year, connecting with the broader parish and school community.

Early Greek

Mondays 4:00–5:30 PM

A fun and engaging introduction to the Greek language designed for young learners beginning at age four as they start their language journey. Through songs, movement, stories, crafts, and hands-on activities, students are introduced to the Greek alphabet and letter sounds, along with basic vocabulary, numbers, colors, and introductory spoken Greek through listening and guided conversation. Lessons are interactive and age-appropriate, helping students build early familiarity with the language. Students also participate in Greek holiday celebrations and community events in an age-appropriate way. This class serves as a welcoming first step into Greek school and a foundation for continued learning.

Growing Greek

Mondays 4:00 – 5:30PM

Building on the foundation established in Early Greek, students develop confidence speaking and understanding Greek through guided conversation, everyday expressions, and interactive classroom communication, while continuing to strengthen letter recognition, early phonics, vocabulary, and beginning reading and writing readiness. Through games, storytelling, songs, and creative activities, children deepen their language skills in an engaging, age-appropriate environment while growing increasingly comfortable hearing and using Greek in the classroom. Students also participate in Greek holiday celebrations and community events as part of the broader school community. This program provides a natural next step in Greek language learning, helping students build confidence, deepen their language skills, and continue growing within a familiar and supportive community.

Elementary Greek

Tuesdays 4:00PM – 5:30PM

Designed for students with a foundational understanding of early Greek, this level focuses on beginning to develop speaking, reading, writing, and communication skills. Students build vocabulary, strengthen conversational Greek through guided dialogue and everyday spoken language practice, practice spelling and word recognition, begin reading simple foundational texts, form and develop confidence in written expression . Instruction includes guided reading, writing exercises, and age-appropriate lessons in Greek history, mythology, and culture, helping students develop a well-rounded understanding of the language. Through structured and engaging lessons, students gain the skills and confidence needed to progress to higher levels of speaking, reading and written expression. Students also participate in poems and short skits, strengthening both fluency and confidence.

Upper Greek

Wednesdays 4:00PM – 5:30PM

Designed for students who are ready to advance their language skills, this level emphasizes confident communication, advancing conversational skills, reading comprehension, and continued growth in written expression. Students engage in guided reading, dialogue, and conversation while expanding vocabulary, refining grammar, developing more complex sentence structure and strengthening spoken Greek through guided discussion, dialogue, and more extended verbal expression. Instruction is complemented by age-appropriate study of Greek history, culture, and traditions, providing a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the language. Students also engage in poems and short skits, strengthening fluency through more expressive language and extended spoken dialogue. Through structured and purposeful instruction, students continue to build their ability to speak, read, write, and communicate with increasing independence in Greek.

 

Our Teaching Team

Our program is led by experienced educators who combine native language fluency with classroom teaching experience, providing a structured, engaging, and supportive environment for students at every level. Students benefit from a consistent and collaborative teaching approach across all levels.

Elizabeth Kritikos, Director & Lead Teacher

Raised in Greece, where she studied law, Elizabeth brings a strong academic foundation and a passion for teaching to the program. She currently teaches in a public elementary school and provides a structured and engaging approach to Greek language instruction across all age groups. In her role as Director, she oversees the development and continued refinement of the curriculum, guiding the growth of the program across all levels.

Irene Bouboulis, Associate Teacher

A native Greek speaker who grew up in the Saint Athanasius the Great parish, Irene brings enthusiasm for teaching children and a strong connection to the community. As part of the teaching team, she helps foster a warm, engaging classroom environment that supports students across all levels.