History of Koraes School

In 1910, the second oldest continuously operating Greek Orthodox parish day school was established. The school was named in honor of Adamantios Koraes, the intellectual father of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The school became the focal point of the community preparing and transmitting the religious and cultural heritage to future generations. Greek was the only language of instruction until 1922. At this time, English was added to the curriculum as a language of instruction and public school accreditation was arranged.

In 1929, Father Petrakis organized the Koraes Mothers Society for the Koraes Elementary School, the Afternoon Greek School and the Sunday School. The group provided support and aid in the form of free textbooks, lunch programs and tuition payments for indigent children. During the Great Depression of the 1930's the Mothers Society's help was crucial in keeping these schools open Presvytera Petrakis served as president for the first decade.

Following the relocation of the parish to South Shore, the Koraes Elementary School along with the Afternoon Greek and Sunday Schools were housed in temporary quarters adjacent to the new church under construction. In 1948, Patriarch Athenagoras urged the parish to build a new school to encourage religious an ethnic education. His wish was granted when the doors to the new school and community center opened in 1965.

On May 21, 1976, precisely two years after construction of the fourth Church began, His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos officiated at the Thyranoixia (Door Opening) Ceremonies.

On Sunday, June 4th, 2006, Rev. Nicholas W. Jonas assumed the responsibility of the position of Pastor, with Fr. Byron remaining and focusing his attentions especially on our beloved Koraes Elementary School.

Perpetuating and fortifying the mission of our forefathers, education bridges lessons of the past to inspire the future. Koraes Elementary School continues to nurture the intellectual development, enhance a Hellenic ethnic cultural identity and inculcate the moral values of the Greek Orthodox Church for our youth. In addition the Afternoon program offers a curriculum in Greek language studies and our Sunday School and Camp Constantine cultivate the Orthodox way of life.

Faith, Family and Excellence in Education
Since 1910