File photo.
Official Ministry of Education data highlights a murky picture regarding children with special learning difficulties in Greek private schools. While public school parallel support approvals exploded by 567% – rising from 5,579 in 2016-2017 to 31,667 in 2025-2026 – private schools logged just 115 approvals, representing roughly 0.1% of their student body.
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki reported no documented cases of private schools refusing enrollment based on disability. Experts clarify that the true private school figure is significantly higher because families directly hire and pay support staff, and reporting to the ministry’s system remains optional.
While regulations prohibit discrimination, private school officials acknowledge challenges. Some perform initial student evaluations, accepting mild cases while directing severe cases elsewhere due to complex schedules. Meanwhile, union leaders criticize rising rejections and urge the ministry to establish an official registry of specialized support teachers.
