International Schools in Yemen

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Yemen with fee information. It includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools and you will find the right school to prepare for International Baccalaureate, and other diploma in Yemen. Schools may follow the American or British curriculums.

Yemen Education

Developing the education system is a top priority for Yemen's government, but the country is still developing its infrastructure. The education system was once divided between north and south, but was merged after unification in 1990. The Ministry of Education (MoE) monitors standards and administration. The government offers compulsory free education program for children aged 6 to 14, but enrolment is only about 46%.

The system is based on the 9-3 (9 years of basic education from 6–14 years old, 3 years of secondary education) system. After primary education, students receive Intermediate School Certificate and may attend secondary school for three years.  In the first year of secondary school, students choose a scientific or literary path. Upon completing secondary school, student may continue to university. 

International Schools

Education standards at the public level remain below global standards and many international families choose to send their children to international schools. International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Yemen. There may be some local population, but the schools are geared for an international student body. Schools usually follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, or France. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools often provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrollment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular.

Accreditation

The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. Membership in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) is also helpful.

International Schools in Sanaʽa

American School
Address: P.O.Box 16003
Sanaʽa, Yemen
Tel: 967-1- 413 375 
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

The American School was founded in 1995 and follows the typical American curriculum for pre-school to grade twelve. The American School was the first English medium institution in Yemen officially accredited by the Yemeni Government. Curriculum covers mathematics, science, English, social studies, Arabic, and more with music and sports classes. Exams are administered in the ninth and twelfth grades.

Sana'a British School
Address: No 18, St 21 / P.O.Box 15546
Sanaʽa, Yemen
Tel: 967 1 203 950
Tuition Rates: Inquire at the school

Sanaʽa British School provides UK-based curriculum for students from 2–17 in Nursery through Year 11. Instruction is in English and Arabic and French are taught as second languages. students are prepared for the Cambridge IGCSE. Extracurriculars like sports and drama are offered. It is accredited by the MSA.