Athens Schools 2024: New Teachers, Phone Bans, Economics Classes

More than 9,800 permanent teachers and over 18,500 substitute teachers have been appointed for Greek schools ahead of the September 11 start, with plans for 10,000 additional permanent positions in the coming year.

Changes hitting classrooms in Athens

The new primary and junior high curriculum introduces mandatory Basic goals alongside optional Additional ones, while a multiple-textbook system will roll out fully in 2026. Economics lessons will begin in 9th grade to build financial literacy, and first-year senior high students across Athens now receive career orientation support alongside the nationwide rollout. Strict rules already in place bar mobile phones entirely and trigger three-day suspensions for any student recording teachers or classmates without permission, with late arrivals now counted as absences.

These updates arrive as families in Athens navigate the usual back-to-school rush amid ongoing housing pressures and tourism peaks near the Acropolis. Local parents report coordinating with schools on the new attendance policies and phone restrictions, while teachers prepare materials for the flexible curriculum framework that allows some choice in learning targets.

University records also revised

Separately, Greece removed 308,605 inactive university students from official rolls in 2024, cutting the recognized student population in half, with 1.5 billion euros set aside for state universities through 2027. Athens families with university-age children are tracking how these record changes may affect access to funding and programs.

With the September 11 start date fixed, school communities are reviewing the updated rules on absences and recordings now. Families can check with individual Athens schools for details on the economics and career orientation additions, and the full multiple-textbook shift expected in 2026.