Private Education. There are vast naumber of private schools accross the island of Cyprus. These schools cater for International and home students. English is the first spoken language in private schools with lessons being tought in English and pupils encouraged to communicate in English.
Learning the Greek Language. For your children either option will bring the same results as long as you follow their progress and naturally, in the initial months/years, assist your children in this process. Should you decide for your children to attend the government schools it would be advisable in the early years to send them to extra private Greek school lessons in the afternoons, after normal school hours. There are many private schools throughout Cyprus so there would be no problem for you to arrange this for your child. As parents and new to Cyprus, you should also push yourself, both parents, to learn the Greek language. So many new residents to Cyprus do not make the effort or give up after a short period. The best advice being from Cyprus is this; make learning the Greek language your TOP priority. When you arrive here make sure you sign up and attend private Greek lessons and no matter how hard you find the course DO NOT GIVE UP. Also, in order to find a way to progress in the Greek language find a way to learn. Some people may work in ONLY a Greek speaking community or work place, some may mix, work and socialise with locals or give their time free (Charities) but at the same time, be submerged in ONLY the Greek language. It does not matter how you learn, the important point in the process is to find way to learn. One of the biggest problems is that the locals are all too happy to speak to you in English, it happens all the time.
Attending Cyprus Government Schools. If you are considering moving to Cyprus and you have children, their education will be of paramount importance. Many opt to place their children in private education and some look to the Cyprus government schools where lessons are taught in only the Greek language. The problem is the initial learning of the Greek language which is to say the very least, is very difficult. Young children cope better but it does mean for the first year in a Cyprus government school the children learn only Greek and no other subject. This can lend to boredom for the child and you may need to give your child 'some' other studies to take with them to school to kept them mentally and emotionally active. The plus point in this process, other than learning Greek is this; your child will make friends in your new community and be able to speak Greek with their newfound friends. Plus you will soon have a Greek speaker in your home that is a great value to you and your family. After the first year your child will be placed in a class of their Greek speaking/writing ability and will have all the lessons of that class.
We strongly recommend sending your children to the FREE of cost government schools in Cyprus. There are schools for all grades with specially trained teachers to respond to your child's needs.