The Greek Parliament is poised to vote on a Ministry of Education bill this Wednesday regarding the establishment of Onassis Public Schools.
The bill, already approved by Parliament’s Education Committee, has sparked widespread debate among political parties, educators, and parents about the involvement of a private foundation in public education in Greece.
The proposed agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Onassis Foundation outlines the creation of 22 Onassis Public Schools—11 middle schools and 11 high schools—across the country, in areas facing economic challenges. These schools, which are promised to provide enhanced educational opportunities, will operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, with financial and infrastructural support from the Onassis Foundation.
According to the Onassis Foundation, Onassis Public Schools schools will emphasize “The formation of integrated citizens. The provision of high-quality free public education with the aim of the all-round, harmonious and balanced development and cultivation of students.”
The schools will have various clubs that “will carry out innovative actions, remedial teaching and preparation for the National Exams.” The participation of students in the clubs will be mandatory for at least 10 hours per week.
The Onassis Foundation has committed €160 million over 12 years for infrastructure upgrades and operational costs, including additional pay for teachers and extracurricular activities. While the state will cover basic expenses and salaries, the Foundation will supplement staffing for cleaning and custodial needs and fund teacher training programs both domestically and abroad.
Deputy Minister of Education, Zetta Makri, assured that the state will retain control over key aspects of the schools, including the timetable, teacher selection, and overall school governance. She stated, “The state will have a majority on the steering committee, ensuring adherence to public education standards.”
However there has been uproar about the privatization of public education. The proposal has met strong resistance from educators and parents, particularly in Kozani, where one of the schools slated for conversion is located. Teachers at the 3rd General Lyceum of Kozani criticized the lack of transparency in the process, stating that they learned about the decision through media reports rather than official channels. “No consultation was held with teachers or parents, raising serious concerns about the democratic nature of the process,” they said in a public statement.
Opponents fear the Onassis Public Schools schools will exacerbate inequalities in public education by diverting resources and attention away from traditional schools. Teachers at the Kozani school warned of a “gradual weakening of public education,” arguing that turning select schools into model institutions risks alienating students and teachers at non-Public Onassis School schools. They added, “No parent or teacher can be happy if neighboring schools are left to deteriorate while others receive upgrades.”
The announcement has also raised logistical concerns, including the potential overcrowding of nearby schools, loss of teaching positions, and increased travel times for students displaced by the changes.
The Onassis foundation announced some changes to the plan: A locality criterion will prioritize students living near the Onassis Public Schools schools; siblings of enrolled students will have preferential admission for the first two years, even if they fall short of the required entrance scores; and that teachers and administrators currently employed at schools transitioning into an Onassis Public School will retain their positions for two years.
The Ministry of Education maintained that the first six Onassis Public Schoolsschools are expected to open in September 2025, with locations including Kolonos, Kypseli, and Peristeri in Athens, as well as Xirokrini and Evosmos in Thessaloniki, and regional cities like Kozani, Rhodes, and Heraklion.
“These schools will multiply educational opportunities, strengthen local communities, and create an environment for students to thrive,” the Onassis Foundation stated.
But critics argue that the Onassis Public Schools initiative reflects broader structural issues in Greece’s education system. They argue that reliance on private foundations for public education undermines the constitutional guarantee of equal access to quality schooling. “The state’s decision to delegate public education responsibilities to a private foundation signals its inability—or unwillingness—to meet its obligations to all students,” said a representative of the Kozani teachers’ association.
The Federation of Secondary Education Officials (OLME) has organized a protest rally outside Parliament on Wednesday, alongside a three-hour work stoppage for teachers. Kozani’s local teachers’ association (ELME) and the 3rd General Lyceum’s staff have also staged demonstrations, calling for greater consultation and clarity about the proposal’s long-term implications.
The Ministry, however, maintains that the partnership with the Onassis Foundation builds on successful precedents, such as the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, and represents an opportunity to modernize and elevate Greek education.
The bill is likely to pass Wednesday.