Inside the Greek School Fusing IB with Multiple Intelligences

Jan de Vries · 2026-11-02

### A Bilingual IB School That Puts Kids First What if a school could make every child feel seen—and excited to learn? That's the driving question behind DES Interactive European School, a bilingual English-Greek school in Varkiza, on the Athenian Riviera. Recently named Best Bilingual IB School 2026 – Attica at the Hellenic Business Awards, DES is rethinking what education can look like. Founded by Dr. Billie Konstantara, the school serves nursery through secondary students and has built a truly international community representing nearly 30 nationalities. We sat down with Dr. Konstantara to learn more about her vision. ### Blending IB Rigor with Multiple Intelligences DES is the first bilingual school in Greece to combine the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs with Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. That theory challenges the traditional idea of a single "general intelligence" by arguing that people have several autonomous intelligences that interact to help them solve problems. By merging the IB's inquiry-led, student-centered framework with this model, DES creates an environment where every student is distinct—and everyone loves to learn. Currently, DES is authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with the Diploma Programme coming soon. > "At DES, innovation begins with a simple question: does this improve the way a child learns, belongs, or understands the world?" — Dr. Billie Konstantara ### Four Campuses, One Mission Today, DES operates across four separate complexes in the southern suburbs of Athens. Together, they serve about 450 students and 150 staff. Since the first location opened in 2004, the mission has remained constant: inspire young minds through a curriculum built around them and their growth. That's why DES treats all subjects as primary—whether it's sport, music, art, literature, languages, or math. The campuses themselves are more than just places where teaching happens; they're an integral part of the curriculum. Children learn across classrooms, gardens, and outdoor spaces, with animal interactions and other unique experiences helping them connect knowledge with the natural world. Technology, robotics, creativity, and social responsibility are also woven into the learning ecology. ### Values That Go Beyond Results Teaching at DES is guided by core values: intellectual curiosity, inclusion, responsibility, international-mindedness, and genuine care for the individual child. These reflect a school that cares about more than just test scores. "Our goal is not merely to prepare students for examinations," Billie explains. "It is to develop knowledgeable, ethical, and emotionally secure young people who can think independently, collaborate across cultures, and contribute meaningfully to society." Every staff member works to ensure each child is seen, understood, and appropriately challenged. They set high but achievable expectations, paired with close observation, strong relationships, and differentiated teaching. As an international microschool, DES benefits from a small learning community where teachers truly know their students and can respond quickly to their needs. ### A Model for the Future? With its innovative blend of IB and Multiple Intelligences, DES is showing what's possible when education is designed around the child. Could this be the blueprint for schools everywhere? It's certainly worth watching.