Founded in 1908, The American Academy Larnaca is one of the oldest educational institutions in Cyprus, offering English-language education through its Junior and Senior Schools. With a student population of approximately 1,240 and a long-standing academic tradition, the school combines the English National Curriculum with internationally recognised qualifications and a strong emphasis on student development.
The institution serves students from nursery through to secondary education and maintains a diverse student body, particularly within the Junior School, where international enrolment represents approximately half of the student population.
History and institutional development
The American Academy Larnaca was established in 1908 and has operated continuously for more than a century, building a reputation for academic achievement and community engagement.
The Senior School forms the historical foundation of the institution, while the Junior School was established in 1979 to expand educational provision for younger age groups.
Over the decades, the school has evolved into a large educational community while maintaining its emphasis on discipline, academic rigour and student support.
Governance is overseen by a Board of Directors elected through the The American Academy Alumni Foundation, reflecting the school’s long-standing alumni network and institutional continuity.
Today, the school describes its mission as encouraging students to realise their full potential while developing into compassionate and well-rounded individuals.
Academic structure and curriculum
The academic programme follows the English National Curriculum while remaining aligned with the requirements of the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth.
Students graduate with GCSE and A-Level qualifications alongside the Apolytirion recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Senior School students complete up to 10 GCSEs and four A-Levels, providing pathways to universities in Cyprus and internationally.
The Junior School also follows the English National Curriculum for all subjects except Greek, which is taught through separate pathways for native speakers and students learning Greek as a second language.
The school operates as a registered examination centre for Edexcel, AQA, Cambridge and IELTS examinations.
English is the primary language of instruction, while Modern Greek is taught as a core subject. French and German are available as optional languages from Year 2 onwards.
Admissions process and fees
Admissions are open to both local and international students and include different assessment procedures depending on the applicant’s age group.
For Senior School entry, Year 1 applicants complete entrance examinations in either Greek and Mathematics or English and Mathematics, depending on language background. Older students may be required to complete placement examinations or submit IGCSE results.
Junior School admissions for younger children involve play-based assessments conducted by specialist teachers, while older primary students complete computerised cognitive ability tests.
Mid-term entry applications are accepted and students relocating from abroad may also apply.
Scholarships are available for academic achievement, while bursaries are offered to students with financial need.
Annual tuition fees currently range between:
Junior School: €3,560 to €5,680
Senior School: €6,950 to €7,380
Extracurricular activities and student development
The school offers a broad extracurricular programme aimed at supporting academic, creative and social development.
Senior School students can participate in more than 40 clubs and activity groups, including chess, computing, STEM, fishing, Duke of Edinburgh programmes and Formula 1 in Schools initiatives.
The Junior School operates an after-school programme until 15:30, including sports, crafts and academic development activities.
Sports programmes include basketball, handball, volleyball, football, tennis, cross country and athletics.
Music education includes school choirs and orchestra participation, while performing arts remain a strong component of student life through concerts, theatre productions and school performances.
All Junior School students participate in performing arts as part of the curriculum.
Facilities and learning environment
The school provides modern educational and athletic infrastructure across both campuses.
Senior School facilities include eight science laboratories, four computer laboratories, art rooms and music facilities.
At the Junior School, classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards to support digital learning.
Sports facilities include indoor and outdoor infrastructure designed for multiple disciplines and athletic activities.
The school does not currently operate boarding or transportation services.
Student wellbeing and pastoral care
Student support is delivered through structured pastoral and academic guidance systems across both schools.
Heads of Year and Heads of Keystage work alongside the school’s educational psychologist to support students academically, emotionally and socially.
A dedicated SEN team provides assistance for students with specific learning needs, while the Academic Counselling Team supports Senior School students in academic planning and subject selection.
Formal assessments are conducted regularly to monitor student progress throughout the academic year.
The school states that its educational approach aims to combine academic achievement with personal growth, responsibility and community values.
Key considerations for parents
The American Academy Larnaca may appeal to families seeking a long-established English-language school with internationally recognised qualifications and structured academic progression.
Its combination of British curriculum standards, strong extracurricular participation and pastoral care systems provides students with preparation for higher education both locally and internationally.
The school’s long institutional history and active alumni community also contribute to its established reputation within Cyprus’ educational landscape.
Contact and how to apply
Parents can begin the admissions process by contacting the school directly.
The American Academy Larnaca
Address: Grigori Afxentiou Avenue, 6011 Larnaca, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 24 746351
Website: The American Academy Larnaca
Email: info@academy.ac.cy
The American Academy Larnaca
Address: Markou Drakou Street, 6011 Larnaca, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 24 746364
Website: The American Academy Larnaca Junior School
Email: aajuniorschool@academy.ac.cy
