International Schools in Burundi

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Burundi 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 Burundi. Some schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs.

Burundi Education

Education in the Eastern African country of Burundi education has suffered from political unrest and civil war between Tutsi and Hutu groups. The education in Burundi has been greatly disrupted and it has been difficult to recruit teachers to provincial areas affected by fighting. Enrollment has been poor in the past, but is on the rise. Unfortunately, female enrollment is much lower than male. The country has suffered extreme teacher shortages and a lack of access to educational resources.

Currently, the literacy rate in Burundi is just under 60% and the country is ranked 174 out of 182 on the Human Development Rank. Education is compulsory for six years, between the ages of 7 and 13. The government attempts to provide for the costs of education through grade six.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Burundi. 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.

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.

Bujumbura

Gitega International Academy
Address:
Bujumbura, Burundi
Tel: (257) 22 21 0440
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

This school was newly opened as a private Christian coeducational boarding school. It serves grades 6 and 7 and has plans to expand. Instruction is in English. The school's curriculum is based on the Christian religion.