While there are many ways in which the Greek educational system is similar to the educational system in the United States, there are also several differences to note.

I noticed that both are structured to begin before the age of five at Daycare centers to acclimate the children to the school environment before beginning kindergarten. From there all students aged 5-6 go to kindergarten.

At the age of six, Greek children like their U.S. counterparts begin compulsary primary school five days per week with one teacher teaching all their courses. However, their day looks a bit different than it does in the U.S. For example, first and second graders are in attendance from 8:10-12:15 each day, while third through sixth grade go until 1:15. In the United States the typical school day is longer, beginning about the same time, 8:15 and ending around 3:00.

It was interesting to note that PE, Music, Art are offered, but after the normal school day until 4:00 P.M. In the U.S. these courses are included as part of the normal school day during the week, not simply offered as being optional. It didn't say this, but I am curious as to whether the optional factor allows for one to pursue the area of interest a child has whether it be athletic or in the arts, rather than expecting all children to participate in each activity as is the case in the U.S.

The Greek system also offers experimental schools for kindergarten through high school. The only offering similar to this that I am aware of is at the University of Illinois Primary School where children are supervised through the university's primary education department. Champaign schools also offer "school of choice" with a lottery type system, where parents can decide which school they would like their child to attend based on the specific offerings or focus of that school.

I also noticed that there were separate schools for students with special needs in Greece. In the United States the mindset has been to include students with special needs in the regular classroom, so as to provide their instruction in the least restrictive environment. I would be interested to learn if their students benefit more in the separate environment.

In Greece jr. high is known as gymnasium.When it comes to jr. high, both the Greek system and the system in the U.S. consider it to be compulsary five days per week. Classes are about 45 minutes in length with short breaks in between. Each class is taught by a different teacher. I noted was that their school day ends a bit earlier than in the U.S., but is also offered from 7-10 P.M. for working adults. Students take two languages, English and a choice language, and religious studies are included. That is not true in the U.S. Typically you are allowed one language of choice, and religious studies are only offered in private schools. Also, exams are given at the end of the year only from what I gathered. In the United States they are given more often during the school year.

At the jr. high level students are once again given the option of attending experimental schools. They are also able to attend schools specifically for music or art, or even opting for multicultural schools. Once again students with special needs are placed in their own school. These options are not available at the jr. high level in the United States. 

The biggest difference I see between high school in Greece and the United States is that in Greece attendance is not compulsary. Even so, many Greek students continue their studies. Again, students can attend experimental high schools, multicultural high schools, special needs high schools, or even vocational high schools where they can get training in school and apprentice at a job at the same time gaining valuable experience. There is talk circulating in my district about bringing back a vocational educational "track" option at the high school level. Both parents and students are voicing a desire for the return of programs such as this.

Similarly to the Greek system, high school courses in the U.S. offer a combination of general education courses along with advanced placement options that are more rigorous for those wishing to continue on to universities. Many Greek students, like their U.S. counterparts do continue to pursue a higher education. From what I gathered, the Greek system is different in that it is tuition free unless one wishes to enroll in the Hellenic Open University. There they are admitted through a lottery system and must pay for that education.

Like the Greek system, lifelong learning options are available to those in the United States who wish a second chance at an education, or those who simply wish to continue their learning. Parkland College in Champaign is just one of the resources available for such learning opportunities.

I cannot wait to visit these schools and ask teachers there specific questions about how their system operates.