Thessaloniki school search: Anatolia, Pinewood and DST compared

The useful distinction in Thessaloniki is not simply local versus international. It is between a Greek school with an international upper-secondary route, an English-medium American school, and a German official overseas school. Age, language and the qualification required after graduation will usually narrow the list quickly.

Three routes with different starting points

Anatolia College is a Greek co-educational school from primary through upper secondary. Its regular programme leads through the Greek system. After Grade 10 or Α΄ λυκείου, students can instead apply to the English-language IB Diploma programme run jointly with Pinewood. Anatolia also offers boarding, so it can serve pupils living beyond a practical daily commute.

Pinewood American International School follows an American route in English from early years through Grade 12. Older students can take the joint IB Diploma. Boarding is available in Grades 7–12. This is the clearest option for a child arriving from an American or English-medium international school, but secondary applicants need enough English: the published thresholds are A2 for Grades 6–8 and B1 for Grades 9–12.

Deutsche Schule Thessaloniki is a recognised German school abroad. It runs from kindergarten to the German International Abitur and also supports the Greek apolytirio. German is not required for kindergarten, but the language becomes a decisive admissions issue later. Entry to Grades 8–10 includes testing in German, English and mathematics.

Eligibility and admissions questions

Greek-only citizens applying to Pinewood through Grade 9 need an exemption from the Ministry of Education. Pinewood says this normally takes about four to six weeks and starts after preliminary acceptance, often from June. Families affected by the rule should ask which documents the school needs before relying on a place.

Pinewood accepts applications throughout the year when space exists. As of 4 September 2026, however, its special educational support capacity is full and relevant applications are on hold. That is a current capacity notice, not a judgement about a child’s suitability; ask whether it has changed before applying.

Anatolia’s ordinary 2026–27 IB application window closed on 24 April 2026. Late consideration depends on space in the programme and subject groups. A future cycle should not be inferred from those dates. For the Greek programme, use the school’s grade-specific admissions page and calculator because the process varies by entry year.

DST divides pupils into different routes during Grades 5–9. Ask where a transfer pupil would be placed, which leaving qualifications remain available from that point, and how much German support is realistic. A successful test result is only one part of that planning.

Understand the fee evidence

Pinewood’s 2026–27 annual tuition is €6,990 in Pre-K, €8,160 in Kindergarten, €13,360 in Grades 1–5 and €14,120 in Grades 6–12. The joint IB costs €14,300. New Grades 1–12 pupils also pay a €3,000 capital contribution. Bus service is €1,100 and boarding €11,900; some learning support is extra.

Anatolia publishes class-specific tuition through its calculator. Its 2026–27 boarding charge is €11,030. Deposit and payment-stage figures are not substitutes for the annual tuition total, so enter the correct grade and programme before comparing it with Pinewood.

DST’s live fee PDF is still labelled 2025/26. It lists annual tuition of €4,410 for kindergarten, €4,607 for Classes 1–9 and 12, and €4,907 for Classes 10–11, plus enrolment charges. Treat these as the previous cycle until the school issues a 2026–27 schedule.

Plan the daily geography

Anatolia and Pinewood are both on John Kennedy Avenue in Pylea. DST is farther along the Thermi road. Sharing a district does not make transport identical: ask about the stop list, boarding-week pattern and after-school return arrangements before choosing housing. Do not rely on an off-peak map estimate.

For a younger child, compare the language used throughout the day and the likely duration of your stay. For an older student, ask which subjects can continue without loss and which diploma will be recognised at the intended university. The Greece country guide explains the national context; the school-choice guide helps structure visits.

Friendly orientation, not formal admissions advice. Always confirm dates with the school.