Eugenia Arvanitis
Ana Garner
Anastasia-Olga (Olnancy) Tzirides
Jessica Andrews
Elizabeth Musgrove
Griselda Escobedo
Angelica Rackow
Ashley Kaufman EDUC 499: Greece - Summer 2019’s Updates
Greek Educational System
After reading the articles, I see that there are many similarities, as well as differences between the Greek and American educational systems.
I recognized that from age 0-5 in both America and Greece there are the opportunities of early childhood education. Also, for ages 5 to 6, kindergarten school is available. But, in America, kindergarten is now compulsory, whereas it is not in Greece.
For primary education, a difference in the information I read on Greece and America is that in Greece you have the option of experimental primary school. I don't see America as really having experimental schools, but there are flight programs that are experimental in some facilities. A large difference between primary school in Greece and America is that in Greece students often go to school from 8 to 1, and then PE, music, etc. is offered until 4 optionally. In America, those classes are mandatory, as well as the school day usually goes from 8 to 3, which would probably make up for those extra classes not being studied during the day in Greece.
For secondary education, in Greece a school day is usually 8 to 2, whereas in America it is usually 8 to 3, but can be very close to 8 to 2 depending on your location. A large difference I saw is that in Greece night school is offered for those who work while in secondary education. From my knowledge, it is usually not normal for a high school in America to offer night classes to those that work. I have known of night classes for those who are troubled and cannot attend during the day.
In Greece, upper primary education (high school) is not compulsory. In America, high school is completely compulsory.
A final similarity I saw for upper education, is that in Greece they offer advanced placement courses and opportunities to test for those courses, just like we do in America with AP classes and tests.
Also, I saw that despite upper secondary education not being compulsory and free, "the percentage of today's young people expected to graduate from upper secondary education during their lifetimes is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data" standing at a rate of 93.6%. I cannot honestly say that that many people will graduate from high school in America, despite it being free and compulsory.
Hi Dominique, I found the availability of night school interesting as well. It was something I noted as a positive aspect of Greek education compared to American education. Flexibility as possible is key in education in order to best serve all students. It also made me wonder whether the population of high school students with jobs is higher in Greece than in America and/or if high schools serve a larger age range based on it not being compulsory and adults perhaps choosing to complete it later in life.
I found that rate very high as well for students graduating from high school! As far as students in America graduating high school I truly think it depends on the area and factors around that. But it is an interesting comparison to make. I also found the night classes available for those in high school who work. I think this really helps students continue their education while still allowing them to work in order to provide for themselves!
Hi! I enjoyed reading your post! It was fascinating to read about the similarities and differences between the Greece education system and the US education system. I too wrote about the difference between kindergarten in Greece and the US. I found that to be a very interesting comparison. Also, I was interested to read about how in Greece, upper primary education is now compulsory, whereas in the US, is it. There are major differences that I never knew of! I am excited to learn more about this while in Greece and see the classroom differences firsthand.