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Historical Legacy of Greek Community School

Hellenic Greek International School (HGIS) draws its roots from the rich heritage of the Greek Community in Ethiopia, whose presence dates back to 1915. Established initially to serve members of the Hellenic Greek Community, the school has evolved into one of Ethiopia’s most respected and long-standing educational institutions.

The Greek Community School (GCS), part of this legacy, has endured through pivotal historical moments—including the Italian occupation (1936–1940)—and re-emerged stronger, reopening as an elementary school in 1941 and expanding to a semi-secondary school in 1944. By 1950, the school had moved to a permanent campus in Piazza, serving both elementary and secondary levels.

In 1957, the Hellenic Greek Community secured a 30,000 m² property in the Olympia area of Kirkos Sub-City, Addis Ababa. This site became the new home of the Greek Community School and Greek Club. Throughout the 1960s and beyond, the school continued to grow: a four-story boarding facility was completed in 1960, followed by the MOSVOLD Building in 1963, and an additional four-story school building in 1997.

A milestone in the school’s academic journey was the establishment of the English Section in 1985, offering an international approach to education. This initiative culminated in 2000 with the introduction of the Cambridge International Curriculum, marking a new era of academic excellence and global recognition.

Today, HGIS stands on the strong foundation laid by generations of community commitment, educational expansion, and cultural integration. It proudly operates under a modern, internationally-aligned framework, while preserving the historical identity and mission of the Greek Community in Ethiopia.

Cambridge International Curriculum at HGIS

HGIS follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (UK). This curriculum is renowned for its academic rigor, global recognition, and student-centered approach. It is designed to prepare students for life—helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.

Curriculum Stages Offered

1. Cambridge Early Years (Ages 3–6)

Holistic development with a focus on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, play-based learning, and social-emotional growth.

2. Cambridge Primary (Ages 6–12)

Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, and Global Perspectives.

Emphasizes core academic skills, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

3. Cambridge Lower Secondary (Ages 12–14)

Builds on primary learning with a focus on subject depth and preparation for the next stage.

Encourages analytical thinking and independent study habits.

4. Cambridge IGCSE (Ages 14–16)

Internationally recognized qualification with a broad range of subjects including sciences, humanities, languages, and technology.

Promotes strong academic discipline and global awareness.

5. Cambridge AS Level (Ages 16–17)

One-year advanced courses that provide the foundation for A-Level.

Allows subject specialization based on student strengths and future goals.

6. Cambridge A Level (Ages 17–18)

The "Gold Standard" in international education.

Globally accepted by top universities for admissions.

Encourages academic excellence, critical inquiry, and research-based learning

Impact on Students

The Cambridge curriculum at HGIS empowers students in the following ways:

- AcademicExcellence: Through structured, challenging coursework and international benchmarking, students achieve high academic outcomes.

- University Readiness: Graduates are accepted into prestigious universities worldwide thanks to the curriculum's international credibility.

- Global Competence: Students develop intercultural understanding and a global mindset.

- Independent Learning: Emphasis on inquiry-based learning fosters confidence, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Lifelong Learning: The curriculum cultivates a deep appreciation for continuous personal and academic development.

Faculty & Learning Environment

HGIS employs a dynamic team of qualified teachers getting training in Cambridge methodologies and use modern, student-centered instructional practices. Our campus includes state-of-the-art facilities such as a computer lab, science laboratories, a spacious library, and technology-integrated classrooms.

The School’s Vision, Mission Statement, Motto and Core Values

Vision Statement

To be a premier international school of holistic education for global citizenship.

Mission Statement

To provide world-class education that nurtures academic achievement, personal growth and intercultural competence for all students to make a positive global impact

Motto

Shaping the future !

Core Values

Excellence:- We are a school that strives to excellence in academic, sporting, and artistic pursuits.

Accountability:- We hold ourselves accountable for our own actions, admit when we failed our own standards, and always strive to be our best selves.

Compassion:- We are a school that grows children who care for one another, are concerned about the suffering of others, and want to act to make a better world.

Courage:- We are a school that boldly faces challenges and support each other through difficult moments in our learning and life.

Inclusion:- All students are welcome in our classrooms and their uniqueness is celebrated.

Integrity:- We are both honest and driven by a clear moral compass.

Multiculturalism:- We are a school that embraces the cultural diversity of our community.

Teamwork :- All of us are one team. We work together because we know that we can achieve more as a team than as individuals.

Engagement:- We tackle challenges willingly and persevere in order to succeed.

Innovative:- we promote the development of innovative ideas that address societal needs