A diplomatic stoush has erupted after a school in Melbourne's inner north axed the teaching of Greek and Italian – the languages commonly spoken in its community.

Parents have accused Northcote High School of trying to rebadge itself as an elite state school after it announced it would phase out the languages, but retain French and Chinese.

The Greek and Italian consuls-general have now intervened, urging the school to reconsider its decision.

In an unusual move, the officials are organising meetings with Education Minister James Merlino to express their concerns about the curriculum changes.