30 Years of Little Beginnings

Celebrating 30 Years of Pinewood Pre-Kindergarten 
1996–2026

Last year, we celebrated 75 years of Pinewood as a school. This year, we celebrate something more intimate but just as remarkable: 30 years of the very first steps so many of our students have taken at Pinewood American International School.

Happy Birthday, Pinewood Pre-Kindergarten!

In 1996, Pinewood opened the doors of Thessaloniki's first and only English-speaking, American, truly international Pre-Kindergarten program, for 2 years in Pylaia (Pournari), and then right here on the same campus where we live, learn, and love today! That year, 18 little learners from 9 different countries walked in as our very youngest pioneers. Their families entrusted us then, as they entrust us today, with what matters most - their children.

Thirty years later, that same small, exceptional program welcomes children from 15 different nationalities! One of our original teachers from that very first year, Ms. Fay is still with us today — now as Assistant Principal — and we are so fortunate that she continues to shape the lives of so many children every day, with the same warmth and care. Although the world has changed, our little corner of it has only grown richer, while staying exactly what it was always meant to be:

Singular, Nurturing, and Genuinely International

Throughout the year, we'll be celebrating this milestone… with 30 classic children's books making their way into our classrooms, memories from members of our very first class (yes, we found them!), a very special 30th birthday celebration, and a few fun surprises we will keep under wraps for now!

We'll also be sharing a look back at where our first Little Learners are now. Spoiler: they've gone on to do some truly wonderful things.

Thirty years ago, we started something new. Today, we're still writing that story, one precious child at a time.

30 Years of Little Beginnings
30 Years of Big Dreams
30 Years of Pinewood Pre-Kindergarten!