The Academy of Aristotle was established in 1992 as “Hellenic-American Academy of Aristotle.”  Two educators, Zissis Papanikolaou and Dimitrios Nikolaidis, supported by a group of parents who shared their vision, laid the foundation of the organization as a non-profit and independent entity.  The founders’ mission is carried on by today’s leadership of the Academy in its new venue, at Saint George, Media.  The governing of the school, in both the academic and the administrative aspects, is the responsibility of the Director, the School Board and the Parents. Parents are our partners in the education of their children.  Their support of the schools philosophy and objectives is very important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE ACADEMY

 

The Academy’s objectives are periodically evaluated and modified according to its students’ needs and include:

 

1.      The systematic teaching of the Modern Greek Language.

2.     The teaching of Hellenic history from ancient to modern times, with emphasis on Hellenic civilization, art, geography, and contemporary life and national issues.

3.     The cultivation of a national as well as religious identity within our students.

4.     The teaching and preservation of Hellenic traditional dances, songs, and customs.

5.     The cultivation of the athletic and Olympic spirit.

 

 

 

 

In addition to our academic program, over the past eleven years the Academy has organized numerous cultural events, which have enriched the cultural life of our members and the Philadelphia community.  Some of these events are listed below:

 

 

Historical Tribute to Cyprus

Historical and Musical Tribute to Smyrna

Cultural Tribute to Thessaloniki

Educational Lectures and Speeches

Educational Seminars

National Holiday Celebrations

Christmas celebrations

Tribute to the poet Odysseus Elytis

Tribute to the poet George Seferis

Tribute to the poet Constantine Cavafy

Tribute to the poet Kostis Palamas

Poetic - Musical Tribute to Yannis Ritsos

Tribute to composer Manos Loizos

Tribute to composer Manos Hatzidakis

Tribute to the Greek Cinema

Theatrical Plays by Angelos Vlahos

Drug Seminars

Educational School Trips

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Greek Language program is divided into three “phases.”  Each phase consists of three or four levels of instruction, carefully designed to provide a high quality education meeting the needs of every student.   Placement of the students in each level is guided by their age and by their knowledge of the language.

 

            The Academy annually evaluates and enhances its curriculum, instructional material, and teaching methods.

 

Phase 1 – Preparatory Studies

Includes KINDERGARTEN and Levels 1-4

 

Educational Objectives:         In this phase the student is exposed to a variety of learning activities and games.  The education is interactive and designed to contribute to the development of perceptual, motor, verbal and listening skills, as well as the development of concentration, self-control, and social growth.  After the completion of this phase the student should be able to:

 

ü      Read a basic Greek text

ü      Participate in everyday conversation

ü      Write simple sentences

ü      Construct small paragraphs

ü      Recite Greek songs, poems, and prayers

ü      Recite the Greek National Anthem

ü      Perform 5-6 Greek dances

 

Lessons:                    

¨      Greek Language                 –          2 hours

¨      Oral Conversation              –          1 hour

¨      Writing                               –          1 hour

¨      Greek Dances                    –          ½ hour

 

 

 

Phase 2 – Foundation Studies

Includes Levels 5-7

 

Educational Objectives:         After the completion of this phase the student should be able to:

 

ü      Read Greek texts fluently

ü      Comprehend texts of average complexity

ü      Actively participate in everyday conversation

ü      Construct paragraphs on any given subject

ü      Utilize basic concepts of Grammar

ü      Discuss significant events in Greek History

ü      Discuss significant religious events

ü      Perform 10 Greek dances

 

Lessons:                    

¨      Greek Language                 –          2 hours

¨      History/Mythology  –          1 hour

¨      Religion/Geography            –          1 hour

¨      Greek Dances                    –          ½ hour

 

Phase 3 – Advanced Studies

Includes Levels 8-10

 

Educational Objectives:         In this phase the student has the opportunity to study Greek Civilization, and Heritage in depth.  Students are exposed to a variety of learning materials, such as videotapes, slides, overheads, newspapers, journals, computers, and methods, such as lectures, discussions, critical evaluations, and educational trips.  After the completion of this phase the student should be able to:

 

ü      Read and comprehend literary texts

ü      Actively participate in everyday conversation

ü      Express ideas and opinions in writing

ü      Possess and apply the fundamentals of Grammar

ü      Recognize the significance and the influence of Ancient Greek civilization in World History, from the concept of democracy to today’s Olympic Games

ü      Discuss significant national issues (e.g., Cyprus, Northern Epirus, Macedonia, Pontos, Asia Minor, Thrace)

ü      Perform Greek dances from all regions of Greece and be well-versed in Greek customs and traditions

 

Lessons:

¨      Greek Literature and Civilization                –          2 hours

¨      History                                                       –          1 hour

¨      Religion/Geography                                    –          1 hour

¨      Greek Dances                                            –          ½ hour