Inside the Bilingual IB School That's Redefining Learning in Greece

Jan de Vries · 2026-11-02

What if a school didn't just teach subjects but celebrated every kind of intelligence? That's the question driving DES Interactive European School, a bilingual English-Greek institution in Varkiza, on the Athenian Riviera. Recently named Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica at the Hellenic Business Awards, DES is doing something genuinely different. And it's catching the attention of educators far beyond Greece. ### A Unique Blend of IB and Multiple Intelligences DES is the first bilingual school in Greece to combine the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes with Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. If that sounds like jargon, here's the simple version: instead of measuring everyone with the same ruler, DES recognizes that kids have different strengths—some are word-smart, others number-smart, music-smart, or people-smart. The school currently offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the Diploma Programme coming soon. ### More Than Just Classrooms Spread across four complexes in the southern suburbs, DES serves about 450 students and 150 staff. Since opening its first location in 2004, the school has grown into a tight-knit community representing nearly 30 nationalities. But what really sets it apart is how it uses its campuses. Learning happens everywhere—in gardens, outdoor spaces, and even through animal interactions. It's not just about textbooks; it's about connecting knowledge to the real world. > "At DES, innovation begins with a simple question: does this improve the way a child learns, belongs, or understands the world?" — Dr. Billie Konstantara, Founder & CEO That philosophy extends to the curriculum, where sport, music, art, literature, languages, and maths are all treated as primary subjects. Technology, robotics, creativity, and social responsibility are woven into the learning ecology, preparing students for a future where adaptability matters more than rote memorization. ### Small School, Big Impact As an international microschool, DES thrives on strong relationships. Teachers know every student by name and can respond quickly to their needs. High expectations are paired with close observation and differentiated teaching, ensuring each child is seen, understood, and challenged appropriately. The central values—intellectual curiosity, inclusion, responsibility, international-mindedness, and genuine care for the individual—aren't just posters on a wall; they're the foundation of daily life at DES. ### Looking Ahead With its recent award and plans to add the Diploma Programme, DES is poised to become a model for bilingual IB education in Europe. For families in the US considering an international move or simply curious about innovative schooling, DES offers a compelling case study in how to blend academic rigor with genuine care for the whole child. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about exams—it's about developing knowledgeable, ethical, and emotionally secure young people who can think independently and contribute meaningfully to society.