Our Greek School - Το Ελληνικό μας Σχολείο

The Center of Hellenic Education is the Greek School of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, California. Located in the heart of Bay Area and teaching the Greek language for more than 5 decades, the Center strives to provide a learning environment stressing both academic and social experiences through a curriculum that integrates Hellenic culture and Orthodox faith. All students progress through a set of comprehensive objectives based on national standards for teaching foreign languages.

Education in Greek language and culture is a necessity for children to develop and maintain a Greek consciousness while living in a multi-ethnic American homeland. The Center of Hellenic Education instills in its students a love and understanding of being Greek. It provides them the opportunity to develop their Greek-American identity, enrich their lives through recognition of their ancient heritage, and become our future cultural and political representatives.

2024/2025 Registration
Our Programs
School age program

A program designed to help students develop verbal and written language skills while engaging in cultural activities such as art, music, history and mythology. We offer two tracks:

  • Greek speakers (Greek as first language at home): Tuesdays, 5-7pm
  • Non-Greek speakers (English as first language at home): Thursdays 5-7pm
  • All students: Saturdays, 10am-12pm

Ages: 3-18 years

Adult Program

Three programs tailored for individuals who want to learn or refresh their knowledge of the Greek language. Vocabulary and the proper use of the Greek language will be taught through participating in conversations and group discussions relating to real life situations:

  • New Testament Greek: Tuesdays 6:30-9pm
  • Intermediate Conversational Greek: Thursdays 6:30-9pm
  • Beginner Conversational Greek: Saturdays 10am-12:30pm

Ages: 18 years and older

2024/2025 Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar

  • August 26 (Online) & 27 (In-person), 2024–1st Days of School
  • September 2, 2024 - Labor Day (NO CLASSES)
  • October 27, 2024 - OXI Day Celebration (AT SCHOOL)
  • November 25 - 30, 2024 - Thanksgiving Holiday (NO CLASSES)
  • December 21, 2024 - Singing Carols/Christmas Pageant (AT CHURCH)
  • December 23, 2024 - January 6, 2025, Christmas Holiday (NO CLASSES)
  • January 15 - 27, 2025 - Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • January 20, 2025 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (NO CLASSES)
  • January 26, 2025 - The Three Hierarchs/Greek Letter Day (AT CHURCH)
  • FDF Break – February, 13 - 18, 2025 (NO CLASSES)
  • March 30, 2025 - Greek Independence Day Celebration (AT SCHOOL)
  • Easter/ Holy Week Observance April 14 - April 20, 2025 (NO CLASSES)
  • Saturday, May 17, 2025 - Graduation Day (AT SCHOOL)

About Us
Goals

  • Prepare our students with the skills to effectively communicate in written and oral Greek
  • Develop our students’ understanding of Greek culture and history, from ancient to modern times
  • Broaden our students’ knowledge of Greek mythology, poems, literature and music
  • Increase our students’ awareness of the contributions the Greek language has made to the English language

School Board

  • Parish Clergy
  • Director: Maggie Gibbons
  • Members:
    • Sofia Kotsiri
    • Christo Matheou
    • Panagiotis Papadimitriou

Faculty

  • Peter Nanopoulos (adult classes - online)
  • Dimitra Gousi (children classes - in person)
  • Athena Hionis (children classes - in person)
  • Maria Stefanidou (children classes- in person)
  • Marianna Konstantopoulou (children classes- in person)
  • Nikolaos Kolliopoulos (children classes - in person and online) & (adult classes - in person)
  • Athena Frangides (children classes- in person)
  • Dimitra Charisi (children classes- in person)
  • Maggie Gibbons (children classes- in person)
  • Katerina Belesi (children classes-online)
  • Sofia Kotsiri (children classes - in person) (Volunteer)
  • Maria Maragkeli (children classes - in person) (Volunteer)