Greek School & Adult Greek Language

Click here to register for ADULT Greek School

Click here to register for CHILDREN'S Greek School

 

GREEK AFTERNOON SCHOOL & ADULT Greek Language

Why Should Our Students Learn the Greek Language?

Over the years, the Greek Afternoon School has been providing a quality education to students from pre-kindergarten through all elementary grades, ultimately preparing them for the Comprehensive Examination (Regents Examination – Checkpoint B), which assesses skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the language.  Our wonderful teachers and administrators care deeply about their students and their Greek education.  Since class size averages 7 to 9 students, there is ample time for discussion and learning on a one-on-one basis with the teacher.

By learning Greek, students learn to appreciate the history of their ancestors and understand their heritage.  To enhance their Greek education, they are taught Greek folk songs and dances, as well as church hymns and ethnic music.  Our dance teachers prepare students to perform at our annual Church Dinner Dance, as well as at our annual Church Festival.  Each year we take great pride in seeing our dance groups perform at local shows and venues.

How is the Greek Language Curriculum Designed?

The curriculum is aligned to the Checkpoint B learning standards for Languages Other Than English (LOTE), as described in the syllabus “Modern Languages for Communication” of the New York State Education Department.  It was developed by the Institute of Modern Greek Studies of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece, in collaboration and under the direction of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (www.education.goarch.org).  Thus, our students learn the Greek language, grammar, conversation skills, and culture through: 

  • Traditional teaching methods.
  • Creative projects (for example, the Greek Antiquities Museum Project in 2018; the Puppet Show in 2019; and the "Greek Independence Day: 200-Year Celebration" Essay Contest in 2021).
  • The e-learning platform www.ellinopoula.com, where the lessons are taught through fun games, engaging videos, and interactive activities.

Ultimately, students are prepared for the Comprehensive Examination (Regents Examination – Checkpoint B), which is administered annually to students in Grades 8 and above.  The proficiency level of this examination is equivalent to third-year of foreign language high school courses.

What Do Students Who Graduate from Our Greek School Gain?

Students passing the Comprehensive Examination (Regents Examination – Checkpoint B) affords them to:

  • Earn three high school credits in a foreign language.
  • Earn a Regents Diploma and also be awarded a Certificate of Attainment in Greek from Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece, upon graduating from our Greek School program.

In addition, with more than 150,000 English words of Greek origin, students learning the Greek language enhance their understanding of English, the sciences, literature, the classics, and the New Testament.  This knowledge better prepares them for successfully passing college-entrance exams.  

How Successful Is Our Greek School Program?

Students who complete the 6th grade graduate from Greek School, where graduation rates have been constant at 100%.  Students who graduate from Greek School have the option of taking the Regents Examination after a year of preparatory study, where passing rates for the Regents Examination have been constant at 100%.

Take a look at a video clip from our Greek School Graduation Ceremony:

https://www.facebook.com/StNicholasBabylon/videos/300066674237130/

 

All Afternoon Greek School Classes are held on Fridays from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. 

 

ADULT GREEK CLASSES

Our church offers Adult Greek Classes that are designed as an introductory course to the modern Greek language.  There are three level of classes offered:  Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced.

All Adult Greek Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, and 8:00 to 9:00 pm.

 

If you have any questions about our Greek School programs, please call Principal Evgenia Kotroni at (631) 704-2603 or the Church Office at (631) 587-1150.