Schools: public vs private vs international

Cyprus has a tripartite school system: Greek-medium public schools,
private Cyprus-curriculum schools, and international (English / IB)
schools. Most relocator families end up in international.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Free for residents. Greek-medium throughout. Strong on maths and Greek-
language literature; less on English-language individual support. Limited
formal programmes for Greek-as-a-second-language — a child arriving with
no Greek will struggle for 1–2 years.

Public-school structure:
· Nipiagogeio (kindergarten) — ages 3–6
· Dimotiko (primary) — ages 6–12
· Gymnasio (lower secondary) — ages 12–15
· Lykeio (upper secondary) — ages 15–18

Catchment-based enrolment — local primary, local gymnasium. The school
office is the first port of call.

PRIVATE CYPRUS SCHOOLS

Greek-medium with stronger English programmes. Fees €4,500–€8,000/year.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Most relocators end up here. English-medium throughout, mostly UK
National Curriculum + IGCSE + A-Level, some American (AP) and IB.

Concentration:
· Limassol — most international schools (Logos, Heritage, Foley's, Pascal,
  Limassol Grammar)
· Nicosia — strongest IB (International School of Cyprus), classic English
  School
· Paphos — ISOP, Aspire
· Larnaca — American Academy

Fees €5,000–€18,000/year typical; premium IB (ISC Nicosia) €18,000–€22,000.

WHEN TO APPLY

· Top international schools: 6+ months ahead, sometimes earlier for
  oversubscribed years
· Public schools: enrol from June for September start
· Mid-year arrivals: international schools more flexible

WHAT TO PREPARE

· Last 2 years' school reports (apostilled if outside EU)
· Vaccination records
· Passport / birth certificate
· Educational psychologist's report if you have any SEN concerns
· Letter from current head if available

LANGUAGE PATH

Most international schools offer modern Greek as a subject. Plan for your
child to learn enough Greek to navigate Cyprus socially — A2 level by year
2 is realistic with weekly lessons.

OFFICIAL: moec.gov.cy