The Greek Ministry of Education has announced the introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in 13 public high schools starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
This marks a significant shift, as the IB curriculum has so far been exclusively available in private schools in Greece.
Public Schools Offering IB from 2026
The International Baccalaureate program will be implemented in a selection of Model, Experimental, Music, and Arts General High Schools across different regions:
Attica:
- Model General High School of Varvakeios School (B’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
- Model General High School of Agioi Anargyroi (G’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
- Model General High School of Evangeliki School of Nea Smyrni (D’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
- Model General High School of Ionidios School of Piraeus (Piraeus Secondary Education Directorate)
- Arts Gymnasium of Gerakas with High School Classes (Eastern Attica Secondary Education Directorate)
- Experimental Music High School of Pallini (Eastern Attica Secondary Education Directorate)
- Athens Music School (A’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
- Model General High School of Anavryta (B’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
Central Macedonia:
- Thessaloniki Music Gymnasium with High School Classes (Eastern Thessaloniki Secondary Education Directorate)
- 1st Model General High School of Thessaloniki – Manolis Andronikos (Eastern Thessaloniki Secondary Education Directorate)
- Experimental General High School of the University of Macedonia (Western Thessaloniki Secondary Education Directorate)
Thessaly
- Volos Music Gymnasium with High School Classes (Magnesia Secondary Education Directorate)
Crete
- Model General High School of Heraklion (Heraklion Secondary Education Directorate)
Key Features of the IB Program
The IB program, which lasts for two years (equivalent to the final two years of Greek high school), is widely recognized for its rigorous academic standards and international orientation. It is currently implemented in over 6,000 schools across 150 countries, with approximately 50% of them being public institutions.
In Greece, the IB program will be free of charge in public schools, providing an alternative to the traditional high school curriculum. Participation is optional, and students can still opt to take the national Panhellenic exams if they prefer the standard curriculum.
IB examinations follow a standardized process, with topics determined by a Central Committee. Students take their exams simultaneously with candidates in other IB-participating countries, ensuring global consistency.