International Schools in Benin

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Benin 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 Benin. Some schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French or Indian education system.

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Benin. 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, France, Canada or Australia/New Zealand. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English, French, Spanish, German, or Japanese. 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. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

The education system in Benin is a work in progress. Public education is now free, but the overall adult literacy rate is only around 40 percent. Worse than that, only 25 percent of women in Benin are literate. There are only a few international schools that have been opened to meet the needs of international students. This will continue to grow as the country develops.

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. AISA is the Association of International Schools in Africa and a reliable resource for finding schools.

Cotonou

International Christian School of Benin
Address: PO Box 062457
Cotonou, Benin
Tel: (229) 33 94 31
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Classes are available between kindergarten and 12th grade. It is fully accredited by Council of International Schools and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Offers the IB Certificate.

New Covenant American School International (NCASI)
Address: C/334 maro militaire (st. michel) 08 BP 909
Cotonou, Benin
Tel: 22997640832
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

New Covenant operates Pre-School through Grade 12 (secondary) classes. It is based on the American and West African systems of education and backed by a partner institution in the United States of America. Students may take the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and other regional examinations like JSSE, SSSE, NECO, etc. Students also have the option of participating in our students exchange program to the United States of America.

Trinity Montessori School
Address: c206 Irede Akpakpa
Cotonou, Benin Republic
Tel: 229 97 621 895
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This is a bilingual school with all subjects taught in English and French languages. Students are prepped for the British, English and French International Examinations.

The Indian International School (IISB)
Address: Akpapa, Cotonou, Benin
Tel: 229-97974631
E-mail: IISB@IISBENIN.COM
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The Indian International School is open to students of all nationalities. Classes are open from playgroups till Grade 8 (grade 9 opening soon). It is a co-educational school using the English Language for students from the age of 2 to 14 years. French is taught to all students from Grade 1 and above. The Indian students are also taught Hindi whereas Non-Indian students are taught Spanish.

The English International School
Address: Haie Vive, 08BP0430, Cotonou, Benin
Tel: (+229) 21 30 12 74 / (+229) 21 30 32 65 / (+229) 21 30 92 87
Tuition Rates: Details of fees are available on the website

The English International School is a co-educational day school providing an international education for children from the age of two until university admission age. Located in Cotonou Benin, the school serves the international community using the British National Curriculum and offers IGCSE, AS, A-level, Primary Progression Tests and Checkpoints.

French School of Benin

Établissement français d'enseignement Montaigne (EFE)
Address: BP 679 - RP 01
Cotonou, Bénin
Tel: (229) 21.30.17.28
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

EFE is part of the network of 450 French schools abroad, controlled by the Agency for French Education Abroad (EFMA). It follows French curriculum from kindergarten to graduation from high school (ES series, L and S).