Article
A Forward Looking Expansion of Experimental Schools
Speaking with the tone of an enthusiastic education observer, I recount the Ministry of Education’s latest initiative to reshape the landscape of Greek schooling. Greece is preparing to welcome 13 new Experimental Schools across the 2026 2027 and 2027 2028 academic years, an announcement that marks another step in the country’s drive toward innovation in learning.
According to the Ministry, 9 of these new institutions will begin operating in 2026 2027, followed by 4 more in 2027 2028. This expansion continues the strategic effort to build an educational system responsive to modern challenges and future generations.
Exterior of the Greek Ministry of Education building.
Where the New Schools Will Open
The new Experimental Schools designated for 2026 2027 include institutions in Alexandroupoli, Chalandri, Nea Ionia, Tavros, Florina, Arta, Zakynthos, Corfu and Karditsa. Then, in 2027 2028, additional units in Tavros, Zakynthos, Corfu and Karditsa will join the network.
18th Kindergarten of Alexandroupoli
1st Day Gymnasium of Chalandri
5th Day Gymnasium of Nea Ionia
4th Kindergarten of Tavros
3rd Day Gymnasium of Florina
8th Primary School of Arta
1st Day Gymnasium of Zakynthos
7th Day Gymnasium of Corfu
5th Kindergarten of Karditsa
Set to begin in 2027 2028 are:
4th Primary School of Tavros
1st Day General Lyceum of Zakynthos
4th General Lyceum of Corfu
5th Primary School of Karditsa
A Network on the Rise
Across Greece, the Experimental Schools network currently consists of 120 units. Within the next 2 years, that number will reach 133. The expansion strengthens the country’s commitment to innovative educational environments, research driven programs and fresh pedagogical approaches.
Modern Greek school exterior representing innovative educational environments.
Coordinated Structures and Shared Councils
The Ministry’s decision also outlines interconnected school groups operating under shared Scientific Supervisory Councils known as EPES. These clusters link schools across regions including Alexandroupoli, Chalandri, Nea Ionia, Tavros, Florina, Zakynthos, Corfu and Karditsa. Each group is designed to streamline educational oversight and strengthen pedagogical collaboration.
A Change for Chalandri’s Council
The structure of the EPES in Chalandri is also updated. The shared council now includes the 1st Experimental Kindergarten, the 1st Experimental Primary School and the 1st Experimental Gymnasium of Chalandri.
A Vision of Schools as Beacons
Minister Sofia Zacharaki describes these schools as beacons of knowledge and guiding lights for both children and the broader educational community. She emphasizes that the expanding network represents a bold investment in experimentation, innovation and education that connects research with practice.
We strengthen the successful institution of Experimental Schools by adding 13 new units to the 120 already in operation across the country. These are schools that act as indicators of progress and beacons of knowledge. We invest in an education that dares to test new ideas and open pathways for tomorrow.
Her statement highlights the freedom these schools provide educators to develop new teaching approaches and the opportunities they give students to cultivate skills and talents. The systematic linking and unified supervision, she notes, further reinforces the vital pedagogical mission of these institutions.
