Anatolia College

"Anatolia College is a private, non-profit educational institution with a history that spans nearly a century and a half, making it one of the most storied international schools in the region."

Originally founded in 1886 in Merzifon, in what was then the Ottoman Empire, the school eventually relocated to Greece and established its current home in Pylaia, a pleasant residential suburb of Thessaloniki. That remarkable journey across time and geography has shaped an institution with deep roots, a strong sense of purpose, and a genuinely international character that continues to attract families from across Greece and around the world. The college operates as a multi-division institution, encompassing an elementary school, a high school, and several specialized programs, as well as ACT — the American College of Thessaloniki — which serves as its tertiary division. This breadth means that families who choose Anatolia can often follow a single educational path from the earliest years of schooling through to university-level study, offering a continuity of community and values that many parents find reassuring. As of 2021, Anatolia College holds the distinction of being the only school in Greece to offer a full boarding program, making it an especially relevant option for expat families, relocating professionals, and students who may be joining from abroad or living at a distance from Thessaloniki. Academically, the high school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) alongside the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), providing students with a rigorous, internationally recognized framework that prepares them well for university admission worldwide. The IB curriculum's emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and independent inquiry aligns naturally with the diverse, cosmopolitan community that Anatolia has cultivated over its long history. Families relocating from other IB schools abroad will find a familiar academic structure, while those new to the IB will benefit from a school that has genuine experience delivering it. Instruction at Anatolia takes place in both English and Greek, with other languages also part of the program, reflecting the school's dual identity as an institution that serves both the local Greek community and an internationally mobile population. This multilingual environment can be a genuine asset for children navigating transitions between countries and school systems, and it helps integrate expat students into the broader community while maintaining the English-language instruction many international families require. The campus in Pylaia places students in a quiet, suburban setting on the outskirts of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city and a vibrant cultural and commercial hub with good international transport connections. The location offers the benefits of a calmer, campus-style environment while keeping the city's amenities, cultural life, and international airport within easy reach. What ultimately distinguishes Anatolia College is the rare combination of deep historical roots, genuine international programming, a boarding option, and a campus that serves students from elementary age through higher education. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking stability, academic rigor, and a welcoming international community in northern Greece, it represents a compelling and well-established choice.