Must I send my child to school?
Yes: education is compulsory from age 4 to 15. It covers the two-year pre-primary (from 4), primary and lower secondary (to 15); pre-primary is mandatory for children turning 4 by 31 December. Two-year compulsory pre-primary was enacted (Art. 33, Law 4521/2018) and applies nationwide from 2020-21. Parents/guardians must enrol and ensure attendance up to 16. Homeschooling is prohibited, except for serious health/disability cases, and even then under school supervision. In short: yes, compulsory 4–15, with no free homeschooling.
📋 The rules
- Compulsory from age 4 (two-year pre-primary) to 15
- Pre-primary: children turning 4 by 31 Dec
- Parents: duty to enrol & ensure attendance to 16
- Homeschooling: prohibited (except health)
- Two-year pre-primary: nationwide from 2020-21
🔓 Exceptions
- Home tuition for health/disability (the only lawful route)
- Recognised private/foreign schools: satisfy the duty
- Serious cases: school supervision
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The old €59 fine (Art. 458 Penal Code) for non-attendance was abolished (Law 4619/2019). Non-enrolment/truancy is now handled via referral mechanisms (Law 1566/1985, PD 161/2000), while serious neglect can fall under the general criminal provision on child neglect. Beware myths: "€59 fine for not sending your child to school" — outdated (abolished in 2019); "school starts at 5/6" — outdated (4 since 2020-21); "homeschooling is allowed" — wrong in Greece (except health/disability; confused with France/UK/US). To stay compliant: enrol the child in pre-primary/school in good time and ensure regular attendance.
📎 Official sources
- Law 1566/1985 — education structure →
- Law 4521/2018 (Art. 33) — two-year pre-primary →
- Ministry of Education →
❓ Frequently asked
From what age is school compulsory?
Education is compulsory from age 4 to 15. It includes the two-year pre-primary, primary and lower secondary. Pre-primary is mandatory for children turning 4 by 31 December. It's outdated that school starts at 5 or 6.
Is homeschooling allowed?
No, as a rule. Homeschooling is prohibited in Greece, except for serious health or disability cases, and even then it's done under school supervision. It's a myth, imported from other countries, that you can freely educate a child at home.
What's the fine for not sending my child to school?
The old €59 fine was abolished in 2019. Non-enrolment or unjustified absence is now handled through referral and monitoring mechanisms, while serious neglect can fall under the general criminal provision on child neglect. The €59 fine is a myth.
Who is responsible for attendance?
Parents or guardians are obliged to enrol the child and ensure regular attendance up to 16. The responsibility for minors' education lies with those exercising parental care, who must see to school attendance.
Does a private or foreign school satisfy the duty?
Yes. Attendance at a recognised private or foreign school satisfies the education duty. What's prohibited is free homeschooling without a school. In any case, the child must attend a recognised educational framework.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
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