American College of Greece

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The American College of Greece was founded in Smyrna, Asia Minor in 1875 and is the considered to be the largest American-sponsored educational institution outside the United States and the largest private institute of tertiary education in Greece, although officially it is not recognized by the state as a university due to the Greek Constitution's reference to the public character of education.

Founded in 1875 by American Christian missionaries as a primary and secondary school for girls in Smyrna, Asia Minor. The first baccalaurate degrees were awarded in 1969. Today it has 5 divisions: Pierce College, Deree College, Junior College, the Graduate School and the School for Continuing and Professional Studies.

1 Pierce College
2 Deree College
3 Junior College
4 Graduate School
5 External links

[edit] Pierce College

The first division of the college was founded in Smyrna (today Izmir) in Asia Minor in 1875 as a school for girls. It was relocated to Hellenikon, Athens after the catastrophe of 1922 by invitation of Eleftherios Venizelos, then Prime Minister of Greece.

During World War II the College premises were used as a hospital and through German occupation the school continued to operate in an underground manner using the homes of pupils and instructors as classrooms. After the War the College returned to Hellenikon, where it remained until it moved to its new campus in Aghia Paraskevi.

Today Pierce College operates a Gymnasium and a Lyceum, equivalent to the Greek public schooling system, and has 36 classes of 25-30 pupils each.

[edit] Deree College

The undergraduate division of the college was renamed Deree College in 1973 in honour of a generous benefactor from Chicago, William S. Deree (born Derehanis in Greece). Deree College is an American-sponsored, independent, coeducational, nonsectarian, and nonprofit educational institution accredited in the United States. It is not recognized by the Greek authorities, however by virtue of its accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) it's degree is recognized worldwide as equivalent to those provided by American universities. Moreover, the degree enjoys great acceptance within the job market and the College has been able to provide student visas for foreigners. Today, it has two campuses both located in Athens, Greece. There are two schools: School of Arts and Sciences, and School of Business Administration.

[edit] Junior College

This division offers Associate Degrees in Arts and Business through 2-year programs that may lead to the continuation of the student's studies at Deree College.

[edit] Graduate School

The newest educational venture of the College. It offers Master's in Business Administration, Accounting & Finance, Economics and Psychology, accredited by NEASC through Deree College.