About Us
The journey of Nostos
Nostos Hellenic Academy was born from the lifelong love and dedicated vision of Maria Kyriakantonaki-Bakola for the Greek language and culture. Drawing upon her deep Cretan roots and extensive experience in the Boston area, including her impactful leadership at Saint Nectarios Greek School in Roslindale, Maria envisioned a learning environment that transcends geographical boundaries through engaging online education.
Recognizing the profound value of direct interaction, Nostos Hellenic Academy is also proud to offer enriching in-person classes right here in the Boston area, providing a traditional and immersive learning experience for local students. Inspired by her own 'nostos' – her deep connection to Greece – and recognizing the need for continued Greek education for students of all ages and backgrounds, Maria's goal remains the same: to create a vibrant web of Hellenism, a space where all students can feel deeply connected to the beauty and significance of the Greek language and culture, regardless of their chosen learning format.
The goal of Nostos Hellenic Academy is to guide each student on their unique 'nostos' – their personal journey home to the Greek language – tailored to their specific needs and aspirations.
To create a vibrant web of Hellenism, connecting individuals from all walks of life to the beauty and depth of Greek language and culture, a vision embodied by the academy's lifelong dedication to Hellenic education and its unwavering belief in the power of effective and personalized learning.
Maria's own personal 'Nostos' – her deep connection to her homeland, Greece, and the enduring pull of its language and culture – served as a powerful inspiration in building this academy.
It is this personal yearning and love for her heritage that she hopes to share with every student at Nostos Hellenic Academy.
Why Nostos?
More than a language program — It is a connection to who we are.
Language — Building strong Greek language skills through meaningful, engaging instruction.
Culture — Connecting students with Greek history, traditions, literature, and identity.
Confidence — Helping students communicate naturally and feel proud of their progress.
Community — Creating a supportive environment where students and families feel connected.
Our Teaching Philosophy
At Nostos Hellenic Academy, we believe that learning Greek is more than learning a language — it is a journey of connection, identity, and discovery.
Our approach is centered around each student as an individual. We create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel confident to communicate, explore, and grow at their own pace.
Through personalized instruction, meaningful conversations, and culturally rich experiences, we bring the Greek language to life. Students do not simply memorize vocabulary and grammar; they discover Greek history, traditions, mythology, literature, and the stories that connect generations.
We believe that language learning should inspire curiosity, build confidence, and create a lifelong relationship with Greek culture. Whether a student is beginning their first Greek words or preparing for advanced proficiency, Nostos provides guidance, encouragement, and the tools needed to succeed.
How We Teach
Student-Centered Learning
Every student has a unique learning journey. We adapt our teaching methods to meet different ages, abilities, goals, and learning styles.
Communication First
We prioritize meaningful communication, helping students use Greek naturally in real-life situations while developing strong language foundations.
Culture Through Language
Greek language and culture are inseparable. Through stories, traditions, history, music, literature, and creative activities, students experience Greece beyond the classroom.
Personalized Support
Small groups and individualized attention allow students to receive the guidance and encouragement they need to build confidence.
A Community of Learners
At Nostos, students become part of a community that celebrates Greek heritage, embraces diversity, and inspires a lifelong love for learning.
Parents as Allies and Guides
The success of our method depends directly on our partnership with the family. In our educational model, parents are not passive observers; they become active teammates in the learning process.
We empower parents by providing them with specific tools and weekly assignments: clear instructions on how to integrate new vocabulary into the daily routine at home, and cultural missions that transform the house into a "Greek Center." In this way, the classroom extends into the home, strengthening the language not just as a subject, but as a vibrant and cherished part of family life.
Our Teachers
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Maria Kyriakantonaki-Bakola
Diector, GSL Instructor
The visionary Director of Nostos Hellenic Academy, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Hellenic education.
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Kelly Polychroniou
GSL Instructor
Kelly Polychroniou is the Head of the Modern Greek Language Program and a Master Lecturer at Boston University.
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Amalia Chaidouti
GSL Instructor
Amalia Chaidouti is a native Greek from Thessaloniki and now lives in Boston.
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Afroditi Falierou
GSL Instructor
is a student in the Business Administration program at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business in New York. Concurrently, she is pursuing studies in the Department of Primary Education at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.