Dr. Anastasios Koularmanis, Director of the Department of Greek Education, will publish a series of articles focused on Greek education, with a particular focus on several day schools.
Soterios Ellenas School, also known as SES, was a beacon of Greek education and community in the heart of Brooklyn from 1966 to 2005. Founded by the Greek Orthodox community of Kimisis Brooklyn, the path of the he school has been marked by dedication, generosity and a commitment to preserving Greek culture and language.
The roots of the Kimisis Brooklyn community date back to 1931, when it was initially known as the Greek Orthodox Community of Bay Ridge. Over the years, the parish underwent several moves before finally settling in its current location at 224 18th Street. In 1937, the Archdiocese of North and South America officially recognized the Kimisis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Community as a parish, strengthening its position within the Greek Orthodox Church.
As the 1960s approached, the Kimisis community took on a new responsibility: the creation of a parish school. Father Titus Siligardakis, a dedicated clergyman, played a central role in guiding the project. However, the completion of the establishment of the school would not have been possible without the generous contribution of Mr. Soterios Ellenas, a well-respected restaurateur within the community. In honor of his significant gift, the school was aptly named the Soterios Ellenas Parish School.
In 1966, with the support of the community and the kindness of Mr. Ellenas, the Greek-American school opened its doors to fifty-four enthusiastic students. From its inception, the school aimed to provide a stimulating and culturally rich educational environment.
In 1970, Father Titus was appointed to a higher position as Metropolitan of Rethimnos and Avlopotamou, Crete. His departure led Father Evdokimos Kokkinakis to take on the role of new parish priest and school of Kimisis. That same year, the community was recognized for its excellence in youth ministry, particularly its scouting program, created in the 1960s.
Over the years the school expanded, adding a new wing and a library in the mid-1980s. These developments were intended to improve the learning experience of a growing number of students and to further promote culture and the Greek language.
Despite its initial success, SES experienced a decline in enrollment over time. Ultimately, the board decided that creating a charter school would be a viable solution. In 2005, the school grounds were leased to the Hellenic Classical Greek Charter School (HCCS), the first charter elementary school to offer the Greek language in the metropolitan area.
Despite its closure, SES left an indelible mark on the community and laid the foundation for HCCS’ success. The Hellenic Classical Greek Charter School continues to thrive, providing a culturally rich education that includes teaching the Greek language to hundreds of children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Although Soterios Ellenas School no longer exists in physical form, its legacy lives on through the Hellenic Classical Greek Charter School. Both schools shared a common goal: to preserve and promote Greek culture, language and community. Today, HCCS continues to grow and expand, fostering an inclusive and stimulating learning environment for its students, transcending cultural boundaries.
As the Hellenic Classical Greek Charter School embraces the future with its continued expansion and educational efforts, it remains a testament to the enduring spirit and vision of Soterios Ellenas School and the Kimisis Greek Orthodox Community Brooklyn. The story of these schools illustrates the power of community support and the lasting impact of investment in education and cultural heritage.
