Hellenic American Academy Celebrates 20 Years In Deerfield

DEERFIELD, IL — Hellenic American Academy is marking 20 years in Deerfield, a milestone for a school whose roots stretch back more than a century to Chicago's Greektown.

Founded in 1907, the academy moved to Deerfield for the 2006-07 school year, initially renting space on Lake Cook Road. In 2016, it moved to its current home at 445 Pine St.

Today, the academy serves families throughout the Chicago area through its Socrates Day School, Greek language classes and enrichment and cultural programs.

While Greek language and culture remain central to its mission, the school welcomes families of all backgrounds. About one-third of its day school students are not of Hellenic descent, according to the academy.

"Our Hellenic heritage is at the heart of who we are, but its timeless values and principles — curiosity, independent thought, respect and community — are universal," Executive Director Effie Gountanis said in a news release. "We are proud to share these values and inspire students to become global thinkers and compassionate leaders."

Academics And Cultural Education

Socrates Day School serves students from preschool through eighth grade, combining academics with Greek language and culture through a dual-language curriculum.

The program, recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, uses problem-based learning to encourage critical thinking, creativity and independent thought. The academy said small class sizes allow for individualized attention, with an emphasis on science, mathematics and the arts.

As part of its anniversary announcement, the academy highlighted several academic achievements:

• All current eighth graders are enrolled in Algebra 1.
• Middle school students scored in the top 20 percent nationally in reading and mathematics achievement.
• Education Insider Magazine named the academy a 2026 Top Language Private Day School.
• The school earned first place as a team in Division A’s private school sector at the 2025 Illinois Junior Academy of Science Regional Science Fair.
• Students earned five gold medals, one silver medal and two nominations for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge at the 2026 Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Science Fair.

Programs Beyond The School Day

In addition to its day school, the academy offers Greek language programs on Saturdays and evenings, along with enrichment and cultural programs.

Its mission is rooted in "axios," a Greek word meaning “worthy,” and emphasizes friendship, respect, trust and excellence.

As it marks two decades in Deerfield, the academy said it plans to continue its focus on academics, cultural education and community engagement.