New York City has more connections with Greece than a lot of people realize. There are thousands of people with Greek heritage living in the area, as well as many historical events, making the area intertwined with Greek people and culture. With so many Greek connections, it's no wonder that there is such a demand for Greek classes across NYC. Students come from far and wide to take advantage of the resources and classes that can be found scattered across the Big Apple. In this article, we're going to take a look at some of the options you've got at your disposal if you're looking to improve in the Greek language. As well as some of the classes focusing on the language and learning Greek for beginners, there are also some advanced courses, and even those that allow you to study Greek culture as well!
| Institution | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Hellenic Paideia | Language school | Astoria |
| Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church | Religious institution | Manhattan |
| The Greek School of Plato | Weekend/evening school | Brooklyn |
| Greek American Institute (GAI) | Language institute | Bronx |
| Greek Cultural Center | Cultural center | Astoria |
| St. Demetrios School | Day school (Pre-K to 8th grade) | Astoria, Queens |
| Holy Cross Greek Afternoon School | Afternoon school | Brooklyn |
| The William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School | Day school | Flushing, Queens |
| Columbia University | University | Manhattan |
| CUNY (City University of New York) | University | Various locations |
| New York University (NYU) | University | Manhattan |
Where to Learn Greek in NYC
People who are looking to discover where to learn Greek will find that there are many places they can visit in New York. Learning Greek opens the door to one of the world’s richest cultural heritages—and New York City offers plenty of opportunities to start or deepen your journey. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore a new language or a heritage speaker reconnecting with your roots, these Greek classes in NYC provide excellent options for every learner.
Academy of Hellenic Paideia
Located in Astoria, the Academy of Hellenic Paideia offers structured Greek language courses for children, teens, and Greek language classes for adults. What makes this academy unique is its emphasis on both language acquisition and cultural immersion. Classes dive into modern Greek, ancient Greek, literature, and philosophy. Adult learners can choose between conversational modern Greek or more academic approaches to the language. With experienced instructors and deep community involvement, the Academy provides a holistic education grounded in Hellenic values.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-267-7267
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
At the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Manhattan, learning Greek is part of a broader communal and spiritual experience. Their Greek language program welcomes students of all ages and fosters learning in a supportive, faith-rooted environment.
Adult greek language classes are often small and engaging, incorporating language instruction with celebrations of Greek Orthodox traditions, cultural holidays, and community events. It’s a great choice for those who value learning in a tight-knit community with shared heritage.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 212-724-2070
The Greek School of Plato
The Greek School of Plato, based in Brooklyn, offers weekend and evening Greek classes with a strong emphasis on both linguistic and cultural education. This Greek school for adults focuses on everyday Greek conversation, proper pronunciation, and reading comprehension. What sets this school apart is its rich extracurricular offerings, including dance, music, and cultural field trips. This school blends language with lifestyle, making it a vibrant space for learning and connecting to Greek identity.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-621-2775
Greek American Institute (GAI)
The Greek American Institute in the Bronx has been a trusted name in Greek education since 1912. It offers structured Greek language classes for adults of varying levels—from total beginners to those seeking advanced instruction.
GAI's curriculum is supported by highly experienced faculty and often includes cultural components such as history and theology.
With over a century of experience, it’s one of the most traditional and academically rigorous places to study Greek in NYC.
Students here benefit from personalized attention, ensuring that lessons are tailored to their pace and learning style. The integration of cultural studies into the language program helps learners gain a deeper appreciation of Greek heritage, making it a holistic educational experience.
Whether you're looking to converse fluently or explore the richness of Greek literature, GAI offers a comprehensive and rewarding learning journey.
Contact Information:
📞 Phone: +1 718-728-1754
Greek Cultural Center
The Greek Cultural Center in Astoria offers flexible Greek language classes that emphasize creativity and cultural expression. Courses are typically led by native Greek speakers and include interactive lessons using film, music, and theater. This is a fantastic option for those interested in Greek arts, literature, and cultural exchange. The Center frequently hosts performances and workshops, making it a dynamic learning space beyond the classroom. Whether you're learning for travel, cultural pride, or academic pursuit, these Greek language classes in NYC make it possible to dive deep into a language with centuries of history—right in the heart of one of the world’s most diverse cities.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-726-7329
In 2000, 80,145 people in New York City reported having Greek ancestry. New York City, specifically Astoria in Queens, is home to a large concentration of Greek Americans, often referred to as "Little Greece."
St. Demetrios School
Located in Astoria, Queens, St. Demetrios School offers a Greek Orthodox education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It provides a curriculum that includes Greek language instruction, Greek culture, and religious studies alongside standard academic subjects.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-728-1754
Holy Cross Greek Afternoon School
To learn Greek cultural lessons as well as the language, Holy Cross Greek Afternoon School is an option in Brooklyn. The school, affiliated with the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Brooklyn, offers Greek language classes for children and adults on weekday afternoons. The school focuses on teaching Greek language, culture, and traditions.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-747-3803
The William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School
Located in Flushing, Queens, this school offers education from pre-kindergarten age with a focus on Greek language, culture, and Orthodox Christian values. It aims to provide a well-rounded education that includes rigorous academic standards alongside Greek language instruction.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-357-5583
Greek American Institute
This is a Greek school based in the Bronx. With a tradition of over 100 years of teaching, they can nurture childrens’ development and help them to learn the Greek language and culture along with the approved New York State curriculum. They also align with Archdiocese religion standards and Greek Language Standards, meaning students leave with an ability to speak modern Greek.
Contact Information:
- 📞 Phone: +1 718-823-2393
Greek Courses at Universities
Though this isn’t the route for beginners, those who are looking to reach an advanced level of Greek language skills may go through the traditional education system all the way to achieving a college degree.
Several New York City universities and institutions offer Greek language courses, including both Ancient and Modern Greek. The Hellenic Centre offers Modern Greek courses, while universities like New York University (NYU) and Columbia University provide courses in both Ancient and Modern Greek, according to their websites. Additionally, New York University, Columbia University, and other institutions may have courses related to Greek studies in broader humanities or classics departments.
- Columbia offers courses in the Greek language and Modern Greek Studies. These courses cover both language instruction and the study of ancient Greek texts in translation.
- CUNY offers modern Greek courses as well as offering Greek: An Intensive Course. Students master the language through this summer course offered by their Latin and Greek Institute.
- NYU has a course in Hellenic studies. While useful, this will not cover all of the aspects of learning the Greek language.
It is important to realize that the Greek courses at universities may not be wholly focused on the language. They often are a more well-rounded overview of Greek culture and don’t just explore language. They may not be the best way of learning Greek for beginners. If you are in a different area from NYC, like in Boston, maybe, you can check out a local area that offers courses and classes for Greek language learning in Boston.
On top of this, not everybody is looking to focus on Greek as a full-time pursuit such as a university course. Far more people want to learn the language for a trip or as a way to expand their connection with the huge Greek community in New York.
Greek Connections in NYC
It surprises some people to learn that there are Greek language schools and courses they can undergo in the city of New York. The history of Greeks in New York is long. The early 20th century brought about a significant influx of Greek immigrants to the United States, including New York City. Many Greeks arrived in search of economic opportunities, fleeing poverty, political instability, and wars in their homeland.
Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, served as the primary entry point for millions of immigrants to the United States, including Greeks.
New York City, being a major port of entry, naturally attracted immigrants from various parts of the world, contributing to the diversity of its population.
Between 1890 and 1921, it is estimated that approximately 421,000 Greeks immigrated to the United States, and this trend continued for a long time.
Once in New York, Greek immigrants tended to settle in neighborhoods where others from their homeland had already established communities. Astoria in Queens, for example, became known as "Little Greece" due to its large Greek population. Even to this day, it is full of Greek bars, restaurants, barbershops, and other nods to the culture. These close-knit communities provided support networks for new arrivals, making the transition to life in America easier, and now there are many third and fourth generation Greeks in the city.
Some of these people are looking for online Greek classes or even a Greek school to learn their roots as well as the language of their ancestors. Of course, there’s also a big appetite among would-be travellers to learn Greek. While you can get by in most of Greece only speaking English, plenty of people want to enjoy an authentic experience.
Adult Greek Language Lessons and Online Classes
Though those who want to learn modern Greek may start young and go to a Greek school in New York, this is a decision for parents to make. If you reach adulthood and want to know where to learn the Greek language, then you must have options, too. The Academy of Hellenic Paideia is another option within New York, and students can partake in weekly two-hour lessons to learn Greek with other speakers of all levels of ability. This is one of the options for adults to take Greek classes in NYC.
Μια νέα γλώσσα είναι μια νέα ζωή (Mia néa glósa íne mia néa zoí) - A new language is a new life.
Greek Quotes and Proverbs.
The way many people take Greek language classes in NYC is to opt for one-to-one tuition, either in-person or online. There are group sessions offered by some companies, such as The Greek Institute. These are online group lessons that are carried out via Zoom.
With a one-to-one way of learning Greek, there are many benefits.
- One-to-one tutoring allows for personalized instruction tailored to the learner's specific needs, goals, and learning style. The tutor can customize the lesson content, pace, and focus based on the student's strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
- Online tutoring offers flexibility in scheduling sessions, allowing learners to arrange lessons at times that suit their schedule.
- In a one-to-one setting, learners have more opportunities for speaking and listening practice, which are essential skills for language acquisition. Greek can be a complex language with nuanced pronunciation, so it is important to take this time to practice.
- Whether the student is going to Greece or needs to improve grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, or conversation skills for school or university, the tutor can focus on specific areas for improvement. This targeted approach can lead to more efficient progress and mastery of the language.
Learn Greek in New York with Superprof
Perhaps the most convenient way for people to learn the Greek language is with tutors from Superprof! We can connect you to tutors in your local area, meaning that students have the choice of either face-to-face lessons or lessons that take place online. Once students discover where to learn Greek, they can choose a time and place for their lessons and build a connection with the tutor. Our Greek tutors have experience with helping people of all ability levels, from beginners to those studying Hellenic-related subjects at university or reading Ancient Greek texts. So, whatever you want to achieve, whether it is reading the works of Plato or just having a conversation on your Greek vacation, we have you covered. Get started today and find a tutor in your local area.
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