Greece will soon launch one of Europe’s first nationwide programs that combines teaching with artificial intelligence. Beginning in December 2025 for teachers and March 2026 for students, the country will roll out a pilot program called “AI in Schools,” designed to introduce ChatGPT Edu, the education-focused version of OpenAI’s chatbot, into high school classrooms.
The initiative positions Greece among the first nations in Europe to formally integrate generative AI tools into its public education system — not as a replacement for teachers, but as a companion for learning, creativity, and digital literacy.
Led by the non-profit organization The Tipping Point in Education and funded by the Onassis Foundation, the project aims to train educators and students in how to use AI safely, responsibly, and effectively within a classroom.
Where innovation meets education
The pilot program will begin in 20 high schools across the country — 14 model and experimental schools and six Onassis public schools. These institutions will act as early testbeds for how AI can support teachers in lesson planning, research, and personalized learning.
For educators, the introduction of ChatGPT Edu offers both opportunity and challenge: how to balance the power of large language models with the human dimensions of teaching — curiosity, empathy, and context.
Participants will receive tailored training to explore the full capabilities of OpenAI’s education models. The approach focuses on practical integration, enabling teachers to experiment with AI-driven lesson design, creative writing support, and administrative automation under strict supervision and ethical guidance.
Four stages of transformation
The rollout follows a four-phase plan, starting with professional development for teachers and culminating in full classroom use by the 2026–27 academic year.
- Teacher Training (October–November 2025): Selected educators undergo intensive workshops on how to use ChatGPT Edu and apply AI to teaching practices.
- Pilot Implementation (December 2025–February 2026): Teachers begin experimenting with the system in daily school operations.
- Student Participation (March–June 2026): Under teacher supervision, students start using the platform for projects, group work, and creative assignments.
- Full Integration (2026–2027): Both teachers and students use the tool as part of everyday instruction and school administration.
At every step, the emphasis is on critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, rather than automation. Teachers remain at the center of the learning process — not as passive facilitators of technology, but as designers of the learning experience.
The role of ChatGPT Edu in Greece
ChatGPT Edu is a dedicated educational platform developed for schools and universities. It provides a closed, ad-free environment with institution-level account management, allowing administrators to define roles and permissions for teachers and students.
Educators can create custom learning assistants (Custom GPTs) tailored to specific subjects, grade levels, or teaching goals. For instance, a physics teacher could design a GPT that simulates laboratory experiments, while a language teacher might use one to guide essay development or debate preparation.
Privacy is central to the platform’s design. User data are not used to train models, and all interactions are encrypted and GDPR-compliant. The system allows age-appropriate access controls, and participation in the pilot is entirely voluntary, based on informed consent.
A framework built on trust and transparency
The Greek Ministry of Education has established clear data protection protocols and formal agreements with OpenAI prohibiting any data sharing or commercialization. A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is being conducted under the supervision of the ministry’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure full regulatory compliance.
The program’s philosophy centers on responsibility and transparency — not simply teaching students to use AI, but helping them understand it. According to the Onassis Foundation’s planning team, the goal is to equip teachers first, so they can, in turn, empower students to navigate AI thoughtfully and ethically.
“Educators are the architects of learning,” the foundation’s team emphasized. “By giving them the tools and understanding to guide students, we’re shaping not just digital skills, but responsible citizenship in the age of AI.”
A vision for the future of learning in Greece
“AI in Schools” represents more than a pilot — it is a strategic vision for the future of education in Greece. By introducing structured, research-based exposure to artificial intelligence, the program seeks to make Greece a European leader in educational innovation.
If successful, the initiative will expand nationwide, creating a new model for AI literacy, where technology enhances learning rather than replacing human judgement.
