Welcome to San Diego
Greek Language School
At the San Diego Greek Language School, we believe that language is a living bridge connecting students to their history, identity, and community.
Our philosophy is rooted in immersive learning, where Greek is experienced through meaningful communication, cultural celebration, and authentic engagement with tradition. We strive to create a welcoming environment where students of all ages feel supported, inspired, and proud of their Hellenic heritage.
Guided by dedicated educators and informed by modern teaching practices, our school nurtures curiosity, bilingualism, and cultural understanding—ensuring that the Greek language and way of life continue to thrive for generations to come.
A little bit of History
The San Diego Greek Language School traces its origins to 1932, when the first officially organized Greek school operated at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church under Rev. Germanos Georgiou, who also served as the teacher. As documented, “the first officially organized Greek Language School was established at the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church… under the governance of Reverend Germanos Georgiou, who also served as the teacher.” Over the decades, the school continued to grow through the dedication of numerous clergy and lay instructors, including Rev. Germanos Tzoumanis, Aristea Georgakopoulos, Rev. Efstathios Georgiadis, Rev. Gerontios Koutouzis, Rev. Artemios Stamatiades, Mary Mitsingus, Tasia Maroudis, Rev. Peter Relos, Professor George Zahariadis, Demosthenes Nicholson, Arthur Nasikas, Dimitri Tolias, Stella Mantzunis, and Rev. Spyridon Spyropoulos.
In 1961, Penelope “Pepy” Evarkiou became director and expanded the program with adult classes, serving until 1979. As the community grew, the school later came under the administration of the Hellenic Cultural Society before returning to St. Spyridon under Rev. Costas Constantinou and the Parish Council. During this period, significant structural improvements were made: “A curriculum was created and specific goals were spelled out for each grade,” and the school achieved accreditation through the San Diego Unified School District and later the University of California.
In the decades that followed, the school continued to evolve through the contributions of many educators and volunteers, all committed to preserving Greek language and culture in San Diego. As the historical record emphasizes, “It is most important that we do all we can to perpetuate knowledge of this language and to assure that love of the Greek language… will never be forgotten.”
In more recent years, the directorship of the school has continued through dedicated leadership: Athina Georgis, Director until 2021, Theocharis Papatrechas, PhD, Director from 2021–2023 ,Nancy Provataris PhD, Director from 2023–2025, and Eleni Sinopoulou PhD, who assumed the directorship in 2025 and continues to guide the school today.
Today, the San Diego Greek Language School remains one of the accredited Greek language programs in California, continuing its long tradition of offering high‑quality Greek language and cultural education to children and adults across the community.
Our Mission
Our school is dedicated to providing a joyful, immersive Greek‑language learning experience where students of all ages develop strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and a lifelong connection to their Hellenic heritage.
We strive to be a vibrant center of Greek education in San Diego—one that keeps the Greek language and culture alive through high‑quality instruction, meaningful cultural experiences, and active community engagement.
Guided by our commitment to bilingualism, identity, and tradition, we aim to ensure that Greek language and culture continue to thrive for future generations.
Accreditations
The San Diego Greek Language School proudly offers preparation for the Ellinomatheia examinations, supporting students as they work toward internationally recognized Greek language proficiency.
Our school is currently in the process of becoming an officially accredited Τμημα Ελληνικης Γλαωσσας (Τ.Ε.Γ.) and an authorized Ellinomatheia Testing Center, which will allow our students to complete both their studies and their certification locally.
In addition, we are actively working toward securing recognition for the Seal of Biliteracy, ensuring that our students’ Greek language achievement is formally acknowledged within the broader educational system.In addition, our school proudly offers foreign language credit for high‑school students, helping them meet academic requirements while deepening their connection to the Greek language and culture.
Benefits of San Diego
Greek Language School
Our school offers more than language instruction—it provides a complete educational and cultural experience designed to support students at every stage of their Greek language journey. Through structured programs, accredited learning pathways, and a strong connection to Hellenic heritage, we help learners build lasting skills, confidence, and identity. These are the key benefits that define our approach and make our school a trusted center for Greek language education in our community.
Strong Academic & Structured Learning
Our programs follow a research-based curriculum aligned with the Archdiocese Greek Education Curriculum and developed with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This ensures a clear, structured progression from early learning through advanced Greek proficiency.
Deep Cultural & Hellenic Identity Development
Beyond language learning, students develop a meaningful connection to Greek heritage, traditions, and values through cultural experiences, helping strengthen identity and a lifelong bond with Hellenism.
Proven Path to Greek Language Certification
Students are supported in achieving internationally recognized Greek language qualifications through Ellinomatheia preparation, with additional pathways toward official accreditation and future testing center certification at our school.
Inclusive Community for All Ages
We welcome learners from early childhood to adulthood, offering programs designed for every stage of life. Families learn together in a supportive, intergenerational community rooted in Greek language and culture.
Our Dedicated Staff
Meet the dedicated team who support, guide, and inspire our students every step of the way. Passionate about Greek language and culture, our staff work together to create engaging learning experiences that help students grow with confidence, pride, and a strong connection to their heritage.
