Which Greek Program Is
Right for Your Child?
Why Greek Makes Your Child a Stronger Learner
Greek language instruction at OCS is not an add on. It is the academic foundation the entire school is built on. Here is what it does for your child specifically.
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 directly as a result. Learning Greek does not compete with English literacy. It accelerates it.
The Cognitive Advantage
Research confirms that immersion and bilingual education strengthens working memory and other cognitive skills. Students who add a second language develop stronger in every measurable academic area. OCS Immersion students outperform the state by 140 to 200% in ELA and Math — a result that reflects the cognitive power of Greek language acquisition at work.
The Filotimo Connection
The Hellenic model at OCS is not just language. It is a framework for empathy, civic responsibility, and community that is lived daily across every grade. Multilingual students have measurably stronger cognitive flexibility and are better equipped for a globalized, interconnected world. At OCS that is called Filotimo. It shapes everything.
Is Greek Hard for Kids With No Background?
No. OCS Greek instruction is designed from the ground up for students with zero prior knowledge. That is the foundational premise of the entire program.
99% of OCS students are non native Greek speakers. Every child starts at the same place. OCS Greek language faculty hold credentials from both Greece and the United States and are specialists in bringing new learners into the language at every grade level.
Your child will not be behind. They will be exactly where every other OCS student begins.
Choosing Between FLES and Greek Immersion
OCS offers two Greek language tracks. Here is what each one looks like and how to decide which is right for your child.
Greek FLES
Foreign Language in Elementary Schools
Taught in English
Greek Language and Math in Greek daily, 80 min per day
Single teacher model
Novice Mid to Intermediate High by end of Grade 5
Continues K through 12
Greek Immersion
Partial Immersion Program
50% English, 50% Greek
Math, Science, and Greek Language Arts taught in Greek. ELA and Social Studies in English.
Two teacher model. One English teacher, one Greek credentialed teacher.
Intermediate by end of Grade 5. Advanced Fluent by end of Grade 9. Certified by graduation.
Students commit to continuing in the immersion track through their entire OCS enrollment.
Important for Kindergarten and Grade 1 applicants
You may rank both programs as a first and second choice on your application. If you select only one program and are not offered a seat, you will not be considered for the other. Once you are invited to one program, you will not remain on the waitlist for the other. Ranking both options is strongly recommended.
Placement by Grade Band
Elementary
All new students entering Grades 2 to 5 are placed in the Greek FLES program. No prior Greek knowledge is required. OCS teachers are experienced in bringing new students into the Greek curriculum at every grade level.
Your child will receive Greek Language and Math in Greek instruction daily alongside their English core subjects. Grade 5 students also take a Greek Art course as part of their program.
Starting in Grade 2, 3, or later is not a disadvantage. Your child will be integrated into age appropriate Greek instruction alongside peers developing their skills at the same level.
Middle School
Greek Language is a core course throughout middle school. Students are assigned to honors and regular classes based on their performance level. Grade 6 students also take Greek Visual Arts alongside their Greek Language course.
Students are encouraged to sit for Ellinomatheia exams in middle school. OCS is an official exam center and provides extra preparation classes at no cost to families.
High School
All OCS students are required to complete three credits of Greek Language or Greek Studies to graduate. For students entering OCS at the high school level, at least two of those three credits must be earned in Greek Language courses.
New high school students are placed in Greek language courses based on their assessed proficiency level. Students who reach B1 or B2 Ellinomatheia certification can apply those credentials toward college credits and are eligible for the State of Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy.
[SCHOOL TO CONFIRM]What does the Greek placement assessment process look like for new high school students?
The Greek Program Beyond the Classroom
The Greek language journey at OCS does not end when the school day does. It connects your child to a wider world of opportunity, cultural richness, and community.
The Ellinomatheia Certification
OCS is an officially recognized Ellinomatheia Examination Center. These are internationally recognized Greek language credentials recognized by the Ministry of Education of Greece and throughout Europe. OCS students can sit for exams at the school and extra preparation classes are provided at no cost to families. At advanced levels, Ellinomatheia certifications can be applied toward college credits.
The Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy
Students who attain B1 or B2 Ellinomatheia certification are eligible for this state level recognition awarded by the State of Delaware.
Greek Studies
Three levels of coursework at the high school level weaving together Greek history, literature, culture, philosophy, science, and politics from the ancient day. Designed to teach students not just who the Greeks were but how Greek civilization shaped the modern world.
The Filotimo Community
Greek language at OCS is not just taught. It is lived. Empathy, kindness, and civic responsibility show up in classrooms, hallways, events, and community life every day. That is the Filotimo difference.
Ready to Choose
Your Track?
You now have everything you need to make a confident, informed decision for your child. Here is where to go next.
Call Us
(302) 516-8000Email Us
admissions@odyssey.k12.de.usNot sure which track is right for your child? Rank both options on your application and reach out to our admissions team anytime for guidance.