Do we need an English medium school for our child to be truly bilingual?

Not necessarily. Many children become confidently bilingual with Greek as the main school language and strong English lessons, especially if they use English through media, travel or family.

Will my child lose Greek if they attend an English medium school?

They might, if Greek is limited to casual conversation. Protect Greek by choosing serious Greek language and literature, pathways to exams where appropriate, and keeping Greek alive at home.

Is it confusing for a child to read and write in two alphabets?

Children can learn two systems when teaching is structured and progress is monitored. Confusion usually comes from rushed teaching or unmet learning needs, not bilingualism itself.

What age is best to start bilingual education in Cyprus?

Younger children often adapt more easily, especially in play-based primary settings. Starting later can also work with targeted language support and realistic expectations. Continuity matters most.

How can I tell if a school’s “bilingual” promise is real?

Ask about weekly hours, which subjects use which language, and what written work students produce in both. Check if older students can take exams or complete projects in both languages.

We use a third language at home. Should we aim for two school languages as well?

It depends on your capacity and your child. Many families keep the third language at home while using Greek and English for school and the community. Avoid overloading with three academic languages at once.

Raising a Bilingual Child in Cyprus: How Private Schools Can Help or Hurt

1. What “bilingual” really means for your child

Most bilinguals are stronger in one language in some areas and stronger in the other elsewhere.

Real examples:

A child may speak Greek very well at home but only read and write comfortably in English.
Another child may read Greek confidently but only use English for school subjects and online content.

Using two languages regularly can help attention and problem solving. Strong literacy in the first language supports literacy in the second.

When you look at schools, you are deciding:

In which language your child will learn to read and write first
Which language will be used for maths, science and exams
Whether the home language will be valued, supported or quietly sidelined

2. Common language models in Cyprus private schools

Most private schools fit into a few language patterns. Labels are not enough - you need the real picture.

Greek medium: core subjects in Greek; English is strong as a subject but Greek leads.
English medium/international: most subjects in English; Greek taught at different levels; other languages often optional.

Clear plan for language of instruction

Year-by-year clarity on which subjects run in Greek and which in English
When (or if) English becomes the main language for science or maths
How Greek is maintained for reading, writing and formal communication

Serious teaching of both main languages

Several hours per week in each language, not a token lesson
Reading and writing in both languages, not only speaking
Age-appropriate books and materials in both languages
Teachers trained to teach Greek or English as an additional language

Support for learners who are not yet fluent

Small group or pull-out support for language learning
Extra help in core subjects while they catch up
Adapted homework expectations for new arrivals
Respect for the child’s existing language as an asset, not a problem

Ignoring or devaluing the home language

Advice like “stop using Greek at home so English improves faster” is a red flag. Cutting the home language can harm both literacy and family connection.

Treating the second language as decoration

One language used only for songs or a short weekly lesson
Little or no writing or reading in that language
Older students unable to use it for serious subjects or exams

Overloading children without support

Being dropped into demanding English-medium classes with no scaffolding - or heavy homework in two languages with no adjustments - often leads to stress and “I’m bad at everything” panic.

Mostly Greek at home, long term in Cyprus

Strong Greek reading and writing as the foundation
Serious English teaching beyond basic grammar
Possibly another foreign language later for extra options

Expat or international family, home language mainly English

English-medium schooling gives stability if you may move
Greek still matters for daily life, friendships and local culture
Structured Greek for non-native speakers protects future options

Mixed families and third languages

Keep the third language at home through conversation, books and visits
Choose a school with strong Greek and solid English for community and future study
If possible, pick schools that offer the third language as a subject in your city

Protect deep family communication in at least one shared language instead of chasing three half-developed languages.

About language of instruction

In primary years, which subjects are taught in Greek and which in English?
Does this change in secondary school and how?
Are there separate groups for native and non-native speakers in Greek and English?

About hours and progression

How many hours per week are dedicated to Greek language and literature?
How many hours per week are dedicated to English language and literature?
When do students start a third language and how far can they take it?

About reading and writing

When do children start learning to read and write in each language?
Do students write essays, projects and exams in both languages or only one?
How does the school support children who are strong speakers but weaker readers or writers?

About support

How do you support children who join with little or no Greek?
How do you support children who join with little or no English?
Do you have staff trained in teaching Greek or English as an additional language?

Good schools answer clearly and honestly, without vague promises.

Home habits make a big difference, whatever school you choose.

Keep speaking the language you are strongest in, especially for emotions and complex topics.
Provide books, audiobooks and simple magazines in both languages.
Encourage daily reading for pleasure in at least one language.
Let children write messages, lists or notes in both languages when they are ready.

Enjoyable reading and writing in the first language usually transfer to the second over time. Keep the home language valued.

Raising a bilingual child is a long journey, not a one-time registration decision.

Understand the real language model of each school
Match that model to your family situation and future plans
Ask specific questions about teaching, support and literacy
Keep both languages alive and respected at home

Do this, and your child can stay connected to Cyprus while ready for study or work in a wider world.

Raising a Bilingual Child in Cyprus: How Private Schools Can Help or Hurt

1. What “bilingual” really means for your child

2. Common language models in Cyprus private schools

3. How private schools can support bilingual development

4. How private schools can accidentally harm bilingualism

5. Matching school language to family situation

6. Questions to ask private schools in Cyprus about language

7. How parents can support bilingualism at home

8. Putting it together for your child in Cyprus

Questions parents ask most

More guides to explore

How to Choose the Right Private School in Cyprus

A-Levels vs IB vs Apolytirion: How to Choose the Right Curriculum in Cyprus

Find bilingual-friendly schools