The Greek FLES Program
What the FLES Program Is
Built to Do.
The FLES program at OCS gives every student access to high quality Greek language instruction from the first day of Kindergarten through the last day of senior year. It is not an elective. It is not an enrichment add on. It is a core part of every student's daily academic experience at OCS.
99% of OCS students are non native Greek speakers. The FLES program is designed from the ground up for students with no prior exposure to the Greek language. Every lesson, every assessment, and every proficiency target is built around that reality.
Why Greek Language Gives Your Child an Edge.
Learning Greek at a young age creates advantages that follow your child well beyond the classroom.
The Cognitive Advantage
Research consistently confirms that students who learn a second language at a young age develop stronger working memory, greater cognitive flexibility, and higher academic achievement across all subjects. The earlier the exposure the greater the benefit.
Academic Achievement Gains
OCS students, comprised of 55% minority students and 99% non native Greek speakers, outperform the state on standardized testing by 140 to 200% in ELA and Math. The cognitive power of Greek language acquisition is measurable and documented.
Self Esteem, Creativity, and Global Perspective
Students who learn a second language develop stronger self confidence, greater creative thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world beyond their own community. At OCS that translates into young people who lead with empathy, think critically, and engage with the world on their own terms.
The English Literacy Connection
Greek roots form the foundation of 30% of the English language and 50% of all science vocabulary. Students who learn Greek develop stronger vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical thinking in English as a direct result.
Greek Language at Every Grade Level.
Kindergarten Through Grade 4
Grade 5
40 minutes of Greek language instruction per day.
Middle School — Grades 6 Through 8
Greek language continues as a core course. Grade 6 students receive five hours of Greek instruction per week alongside Greek Visual Arts. Grades 7 and 8 deepen proficiency through Greek Mythology integrated into English Language Arts and visual arts. Greek Culinary Arts is offered in Grade 6.
High School — Grades 9 Through 12
Greek language is fully aligned to ACTFL standards. Three Greek language credits are required for graduation. Three course levels available spanning Ancient Greece to modern culture. Independent Study option for advanced Grade 12 students.
Note: Delaware requires two Greek language credits for graduation. OCS requires three.
Greek Studies at the
High School Level
Greek Studies offers three course levels at the high school level, each with a distinct area of focus. Together they weave Greek history, literature, culture, and humanities into a cohesive academic experience that connects ancient civilization to the modern world. Students explore not just who the Greeks were but how Greek civilization shaped the world they live in today.
9th grade continuing OCS students who pass the Greek Language proficiency exam may choose from the following options:
- Greek Studies coursework across three levels
- Accelerated Greek language courses at four levels
- A Dual Language course in Greek and English
- Another foreign language through electives
Independent Study
Advanced Grade 12 students may pursue an Independent Study with a member of the Greek faculty on a subject of their choosing.
Six Goals That Drive
Every FLES Lesson.
Teach Greek at the right moment
Children acquire language most naturally and effectively at a young age. The FLES program delivers Greek instruction at exactly the developmental window where it has the greatest impact.
Build real proficiency year over year
Every year of the FLES program builds directly on the last. Students do not just learn Greek words. They develop genuine functional proficiency across all aspects of the language.
Develop three modes of communication
Every FLES student develops skills in Interpretive, Presentational, and Interpersonal communication. These are not just language skills. They are life skills.
Teach your child to communicate in two languages
Academic excellence and bilingual communication go hand in hand. FLES students learn to think, write, and communicate effectively in both Greek and English.
Build a lifelong relationship with language
The goal is not just Greek proficiency. It is a love of language learning that opens doors to new languages, new cultures, and new opportunities throughout life.
Develop a truly global perspective
FLES students graduate with multicultural awareness and the cross cultural intelligence to compete and connect in an interconnected world.
Earn an Internationally Recognized
Greek Language Certification.
Every OCS student has the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized Greek language credential before they graduate. That is not something any regular public school can offer.
Starting in middle school, students may sit for Ellinomatheia exams, the official Greek language proficiency certification developed by the Center for the Greek Language and recognized by the Ministry of Education of Greece and throughout Europe. OCS is an officially recognized Ellinomatheia Examination Center. Extra preparation classes are provided at no cost to families.
B1 and B2 Ellinomatheia certificates can be applied toward college credits. Students who attain B1 or higher certification are eligible for the State of Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy.
Faculty Who Know Greek
and Know How to Teach It.
OCS Greek language faculty hold credentials from both Greece and the United States. They are not generalist teachers who happen to speak Greek. They are specialists in teaching Greek as a foreign language to non native learners at every grade level from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Every OCS Greek language teacher receives ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in world language instruction. The result is a faculty that brings the same rigor and expertise to a Kindergarten Greek class as to an Advanced Grade 12 independent study.
Over 40 permanent Greek language teachers and 6 to 10 assistants serve OCS students across all grade levels and buildings.
Built on Proven Standards Frameworks.
The OCS FLES program is built on the same national and international standards frameworks used by the most effective world language programs in the country.
Common Core State Standards
All core academic subjects at OCS are aligned to Common Core, ensuring students meet or exceed grade level expectations in English alongside their Greek language development.
ACTFL World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
The national standard for world language education in the United States. OCS uses this framework to set proficiency targets and measure student progress at every grade level.
ACTFL Can Do Benchmarks
Practical, measurable statements of what students can do with Greek language at each proficiency level. These benchmarks give teachers, students, and families a clear picture of progress.
Center for Greek Language Certification Alignment
OCS curriculum is directly aligned to the certification framework used by the Ellinomatheia exams, the internationally recognized Greek language proficiency certification.
Delaware World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages
OCS meets all state level world language standards as defined by the Delaware Department of Education.
Course Catalog
For the full breakdown of curricular offerings and course details, see our complete Course Catalog.
View CatalogThe Greek Program
Beyond Odyssey.
Nine years of Greek language builds something most students never have. Here is what it unlocks.
Earn High School Credit Early
Scoring 5 or higher on the AVANT Greek language test earns OCS students high school credit before graduation.
Achieve the Seal of Biliteracy
Reaching B1 level Ellinomatheia certification earns the Seal of Biliteracy — recognized by colleges and universities across the US.
A Free Bachelor's Degree
Passing the B2 Ellinomatheia exam unlocks free tuition at any public university in Greece. A fully accredited four-year degree at no tuition cost.
The Financial Advantage.
OCS students realize approximately $7,500 or more in pre-college savings through waived college language requirements and dual enrollment credits. The long term savings are even more significant. Passing the B2 Ellinomatheia exam makes the Greek University option a real possibility, saving up to $215,000.
View PDF InfographicCompare the Cost of a Degree
Greek University, English Program
A real possibility with B2
University of Delaware, In-State
Private or Out-of-State US University
A Foundation of Confidence
Ready to Take the
Next Step?
The OCS FLES program gives every student a foundation in Greek language, classical thinking, and global perspective that lasts a lifetime. The next step is yours.