International Schools in Guyana

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

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

Education in Guyana

As a former colony of both the Netherlands and Britain, the system is modeled on the British education system. Guyana's educational system was one of the best in the Caribbean, but it has had issues with inadequate funding and the preference of the country's elite to send their students outside of the country. Reading literacy is at 92%.

The statutory age for beginning compulsory education is five years nine months, and students are required to attend school until age 16. Students are expected to write NGSA (National Grade Six Assessment) for entrance into high school in grade 7. CAPE exams, which are given in all Caribbean countries, offer three types of certification as A-levels are no longer offered.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Guyana. There may be some local population, but the schools are usually geared for an international student body. Schools 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 or French. Schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Schools also 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 & Membership

  • 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.
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-CASI) is a regional accreditation agency for US based schools.

Georgetown

Georgetown International Academy (GIA)
Address: 9/10 Delhi Street, Prashad Nagar
Georgetown, Guyana
Tel: 592-226-1595
Tuition Rates: $3,600 - 9,000 per year

Private, coeducational day school which offers an educational program compatible with the United States system for nursery through grade 12. The curriculum is based on the U.S. system with an understanding of Guyana and Caribbean geography and history. GIA is fully accredited by AdvanceED (SACS). A basic uniform is required.