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American Farm School

Secular, Founded 1904

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
Non-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglish

The American Farm School is an independent, non-profit educational organization founded in 1904 in Thessaloniki, Greece, serving the needs of Greece and the Balkans. It provides holistic, experiential education across all levels, from pre-primary to post-graduate studies, with a focus on agriculture, environment, and life sciences.

Teaching approach

The school is guided by the vision of its founder, Dr. John Henry House, who believed that education should address the whole person: the mind, the hands, and the soul. It promotes a culture of innovation, integrity, collaboration, excellence, respect, and sustainability. The institution is committed to the coexistence of theory and practice, aiming to inspire future leaders to care for a sustainable planet.

Programmes

The school offers a comprehensive educational pathway including Pre-K, Kindergarten, Elementary School, Haseotes Middle School, General High School, Vocational High School, the Private School of Higher Vocational Training (ISAEC), and Perrotis College (undergraduate and graduate studies). The curriculum integrates experiential learning, STEM, digital literacy, and environmental education, utilizing the school's farm as a core pedagogical tool. Specialized vocational training is provided in fields such as food technology, agricultural management, culinary arts, and logistics.

Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in social life and professional careers in science, agriculture, food industry, and other sectors. The school emphasizes the development of responsible global citizens who are capable of implementing economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible practices. Alumni frequently achieve national and international recognition in academic and professional fields, including distinctions in science competitions and agricultural awards.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school provides a mental health and counseling service staffed by a child psychologist and a special educator. This includes weekly counseling sessions for students, parents, and staff, as well as workshops for parents. The school also employs a nurse, provides weekly pediatric check-ups, and maintains private insurance coverage for students in case of accidents.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The admissions process varies by educational level but generally involves an initial expression of interest, an informational meeting with the school and relevant department heads, and a visit to the campus. For the Primary and Pre-Primary levels, this includes a meeting with the child, while secondary and post-secondary levels may involve specific application forms and assessment procedures. The school maintains a non-discriminatory policy regarding gender, religion, nationality, disability, or other protected statuses.

Calendar

The academic year for the Elementary School runs from September 11th to June 15th. The school observes official holidays as designated by the Ministry of Education.

Facilities

LibraryScience labsSTEM labPlaygroundDining hallBoardingGymnasiumSports field

About the campus

The campus features a large-scale Educational Farm, which includes a herd of Holstein–Friesian cows, a poultry unit for Omega-3 egg and poultry production, greenhouses, nurseries, vineyards, and olive groves. The Elementary School building is equipped with smart boards, iPads, and Wi-Fi, and the campus includes a library, a chapel, and specialized research laboratories. The Pre-K facility is a 1,500 m2 bioclimatic building designed for natural lighting, featuring classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, and an independent dining area.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a 'Zone of Activities' (clubs) operating Monday through Friday from 14:30 to 16:30. Offerings include sports (football, basketball, track and field, cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, Judo), robotics, theater, entrepreneurship (for 5th and 6th grades), and language clubs. Additionally, the school implements a 'Dogs in Learning Program' to support social-emotional development.

  • Jeff Lansdale, Ph.D.President

    Dr. Jeffrey Lansdale has 45 years of experience managing development and education programs globally, including 35 years in Honduras. He previously served as President of Zamorano University and is currently the President of the American Farm School. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University, master’s degrees from California Polytechnic State University and the School for International Training, and a B.A. from Stanford University.