The people behind our school
Discover the story, the mission, the philosophy and the people behind Agnes Katsianos School of Foreign Languages — a school with more than four decades of dedication to knowledge and to its students.
What Agnes Katsianos School stands for
We are a school of foreign languages with a clear educational identity: academic quality, a human approach and genuine respect for the uniqueness of every student.
Academic quality
Over four decades of educational service, with methodology grounded in applied linguistics and internationally recognised qualifications.
Five languages
English, French, German, Spanish and Italian — every level, with specialised teachers in every department.
Learner autonomy
We teach language as a tool for thinking and self-expression — encouraging autonomy, creativity and natural communication.
Research & growth
Annual self-evaluation and research programmes. Our teachers act as teacher-researchers, open to continuous improvement.
Four decades of practice
From our founding to today, the school has accompanied thousands of students in their linguistic and personal growth.
- ●The 1980s
Founding
Dr. Agnes Katsianos and her husband Apostolos Katsianos founded the school, laying the foundations of a singular educational identity.
- ●Decades of practice
Thousands of students
Thousands of students have studied, grown and developed personally and professionally with our school by their side.
- ●Partnerships
University of Cambridge
Ongoing collaboration and training with the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. Contribution to revisions of the FCE and CPE exams.
- ●Today
Five language departments
English, French, German, Spanish and Italian departments — sharing one philosophy of autonomy and creativity.
Dr. Agnes Katsianos
Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics — Founder & Director of Studies
"The lucky students are those whose teachers recognise that they too are travellers — with many more miles still to walk."
Dr. Agnes Katsianos has worked as a teacher and teacher trainer for many years. She founded Agnes Katsianos School of Foreign Languages and has been the school's Director of Studies for more than four decades.
Academic background
- ▸Studied Teaching and Methodology of English as a Foreign Language at Aston University (Birmingham, UK).
- ▸MA in the Teaching of English Language from the same university.
- ▸PhD in Applied Linguistics, New Hampshire University, USA.
Cambridge collaboration & published work
She has taken part in various talks and events organised by the University of Cambridge in both the UK and Greece, and has contributed to revisions of the format of the First Certificate in English (FCE) and Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
She is the author of Fit for Proficiency and many supplementary booklets supporting both her students and her teachers. She has contributed proposals and editorial advice to many school and grammar books.
Research and learner autonomy
Throughout her career, Dr. Agnes Katsianos has been committed to helping her students become autonomous and independent learners through a wide range of activities.
A dedicated and reflective educator for many years, she is keenly interested in the research and theoretical foundations related to learner autonomy. Her doctoral thesis focused on teachers' views regarding their students' capacity for autonomous learning. According to her supervisor, Dr. Christine Niakaris, her approach was not merely the product of structured research but "was guided by her love for teaching."
"It is wonderful to watch your own teachers grow into teacher-researchers at your school, open to new ideas, progressing wherever and whenever they can, and humble enough to say 'I could do this better.'"
The role of the Director of Studies
In her view, the role of the Director of Studies is even more important in this new era of English language teaching. She is the one who guides teachers on the road to self-assessment and encourages them to become more self-reliant and resourceful. Those efforts, she says, are recognised by colleagues and students alike — contributing to the school's wellbeing and success.
Dr. Maira Katsianou
PhD, Athens Medical School — Academic Consultant of Agnes Katsianos School
Languages
Fluent English, French and Italian; working knowledge of German.
Research interests
Neurolinguistics, neurodegenerative diseases, brain and cranial development, neuro-linguistic programming.
"Enthusiasm in the classroom, love for the children and the colleagues, and research! Every student — and every student's brain — is unique. Every child has their own way of learning. We only need to find it!"
Dr. Maira Katsianou was born and raised in Athens in a family of educators. She completed her secondary education with top marks at the American College of Greece (Pierce College), and was admitted via the national exams to the Chemistry Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, from which she graduated with distinction.
Postgraduate & doctoral studies
- ▸MSc in Molecular Medicine — Brunel University, London, UK.
- ▸MRes in Clinical and Translational Medicine — University College London, with honours.
- ▸PhD in Biological Chemistry, Athens Medical School — research on infant cranial development. Completed her thesis with the highest grade.
- ▸Through entrance exams (ranked first among candidates) she joined the English Language and Literature Department of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, graduating with distinction.
At Agnes Katsianos School
She has worked as an English teacher for many years with extensive experience. She has completed methodology courses in the teaching of English as a foreign language, taken part in a wide range of teacher development projects, and teaches at Agnes Katsianos School.
She is a member of the school's research teamas a TESOL teacher in certificate classes, and is the coordinator for the design and organisation of educational materials.
Why we exist
Our mission is to nurture not only language knowledge, but also autonomy, personality and life skills in our students.
Our School Philosophy
The philosophy of Agnes Katsianos Language School combines academic rigor, personal development, educational innovation and a meaningful learning experience.
Our Vision, Our Values
At Agnes Katsianos Language School, we don't just teach English – we nurture life skills, empowerment, and personal growth. Our philosophy is based on Sociocultural Theory, placing students in active learning roles.
Our Educational Path
Our students begin at age 5-6 in the Pre-Junior Class and complete their journey with the Proficiency Certificate at just 13–14 – an impressive achievement that opens global doors.
Our Teachers – Teaching with Purpose
Teaching is delivered by British and Greek educators who are constantly evolving as reflective practitioners. With insight, collaboration, and renewal, they inspire and empower.
Personal Development, Innovation and Digital Tools, Artificial Intelligence
Through peer teaching, debates, presentations, festivals, and GPT research, students discover their strengths. Technology meets creativity at every level. We use Padlet, Lumen, Kahoot, GPT for research, flipped classroom, and modern tools that make learning dynamic and fit for the 21st century.
Artificial Intelligence & GPT in Education
Our students are not passive users of technology — they become active interlocutors who examine, evaluate and present with responsibility. AI brings a new dimension to assignments, presentations and projects, cultivating 21st-century skills: creativity, innovation, collaboration and linguistic precision.
Certifications & Academic Success
Our students excel in Cambridge and Michigan exams, earning their Proficiency at an early age. Many continue their studies at top universities in the USA and the UK.
Proud Alumni Network
Our school has a unique and distinguished profile, proudly counting thousands of alumni who have excelled worldwide.
Get to know our school better
This page is just the introduction. Continue on to the detailed pages about our teaching team, our teaching method and our classes.
