Back to School for the 20 Onassis Public Schools

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Onassis Public Schools demonstrated what can happen when public secondary education gives students the space to experiment, collaborate, and discover what truly interests them. Through Clubs and Clusters, students explored fields beyond the boundaries of the standard curriculum, took initiative, and transformed their ideas into collective projects.

At the same time, as part of the school upgrade program funded by the Onassis Foundation, both educational facilities and teaching resources were significantly enhanced. School buildings were renovated and upgraded with high-quality materials, while teachers gained access to new, state-of-the-art equipment that expanded teaching possibilities. Educators also participated in additional professional development programs and developed new collaborations. The knowledge and practices that emerged during this first year now serve as a valuable foundation for the future development of the Onassis Public Schools, as well as for public education more broadly.

Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and Antonis S. Papadimitriou, President of the Onassis Foundation, attended the blessing ceremony marking the beginning of the school year at the 9th Daytime Middle School (Gymnasio) of Heraklion and the 10th Daytime General High School of Heraklion, together with Alexis Kalokairinos, Mayor of Heraklion. They had the opportunity to meet and speak with students, parents, and teachers, and to tour the upgraded facilities.

The President of the Onassis Foundation stated: "Today marks a new beginning for the Daytime Middle School (Gymnasio) and the Daytime General High School (Lyceum) of Heraklion and another important step forward for the Onassis Public Schools. Following a successful first academic year and with the addition of eight new school units, the network now includes 20 middle and high schools across Greece.

With a steady commitment to supporting public secondary education and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, we are strengthening schools that have their own history, their own people, and deep ties to their local communities. Improvements to infrastructure and technological and educational equipment are only the starting point. What matters most is what takes place every day in classrooms, laboratories, Clubs, and Clusters, and the opportunities given to students to develop a love of learning, discover their talents, strengthen their skills, work together, and build confidence. Teachers are the backbone of this effort, and as a Foundation we support them through additional professional development opportunities and modern educational tools. I encourage every student to make the most of every opportunity, to never be afraid to try something new, and to keep their curiosity alive, knowing that we will continue to stand by them with confidence in public education and in the potential of every student and every teacher.”