13 Best Schools for Expatriates with Kids Traveling to Ghana
Moving to Ghana as an individual or a couple can be easy, however as soon as children enter the picture, foreigners are compelled to find good schools that can offer the very best of education for their children. Many expats living in Ghana find the educational system in Ghana outdated with educational facilities lower than what they might be used to in their home country. Because of this, many expats prefer to enroll their kids in international schools.
Many International schools are able to offer a great educational experience and provide your children with a unique learning experience. If you are going to be living in Accra which is the main capital, then you are going to have access to more international schools as compared to other cities. Kumasi will be the next best city that offers a variety of educational institutions for international expats.
Language in Schools in Ghana
As Ghana is an English speaking country, most of its education in public or private schools is offered in English. There are however some International schools that offer their curriculums in other languages such as French, Arabic and German. Expats from English speaking countries will mostly have no problem with language barriers in school or out of school.
Breakdown of the educational structure of most schools in Ghana
Early Child Education: (preschool or day-care)
Excellent for toddlers between the ages of 2 – 5. The programs studied instill a love for learning through visual and practical activities.
Elementary School (primary school)- 6 years
Providing children ages 6 – 12 years with literacy and numeracy skills, laying down the foundation for future academic success.
Junior Secondary/High School – 3 years
Prepares your children ages 13- 15 with a more challenging curriculum to broaden their knowledge and prepare them for higher education.
Senior Secondary School – 3 years
This level of education gives your children a head start with more learning materials and a much more challenging schedule. This helps them get into university colleges and prepares them with important skills to be career ready.
Tertiary Education (University/College)
Ghana has a vibrant tertiary educational system and is recognized for housing some of the top-ranked Universities in Africa. Offering a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in both public and private universities, while catering to diverse educational needs.
Types of Schools in Ghana
Public Schools- These are mostly Government owned and run institutions. Government schools are most desirable at the tertiary level as tertiary schools tend to have better infrastructure, curriculums and lecturers.
Private-Public partnerships- These types of schools tend to have both private entities (like churches and NGOs) and the Government coming together to fund the school’s day to day operations. These types of schools also use government curriculums but may have better infrastructure and systems because they receive extra funding from these private entities.
Ghanaian Private Schools- These are schools fully owned by private individuals and depending on the funding that goes into running the school, it may have a much higher quality of education compared to the first two options. Some private schools offer a very competitive educational experience. However, you should thoroughly do your research on whichever private school you are considering because some private schools have a much lower standard of education compared to public schools.
Private International Schools- Some International private schools offer curriculums from other countries or international curriculums like the International Baccalaureate (IB). This blog is going to focus on these types of schools as they are most preferred by many expats living in Ghana
Advantages of Studying in Private International Schools
Most of these schools teach the American (English National Curriculum) and British (Cambridge IGCSE and A-level) There are also Canadian, French and German schools. These curriculums prepare students for future opportunities to study abroad and for further career development.
International schools have a diverse range of opportunities for your child’s growth and development. These schools foster confidence in students through social events, school clubs and extracurricular activities that enrich your kid’s character development. These special programs all play a role in enhancing educational versatility for higher level education.
Even though International schools are more expensive because of the quality of education they provide, it is worth it, though, as these schools offer easy transitions for kids who have already begun their studies abroad.
Some schools offer an opportunity for your kids to acquire other foreign languages as a second language which will be an advantage in this global world.
Kids can interact with other students of similar backgrounds and cultures and also have an opportunity to interact with students of diverse backgrounds.
Parents can also network with other parents who are also expats living in Ghana.
Best International Schools in Ghana for Expatriates with Kids
Finding the perfect fit for your child’s education as an expatriate can be overwhelming with fear of missing out on the best schools, especially while you’re also juggling settling into a new culture and environment. If you are looking for the perfect fit for your child’s education as an expatriate in Ghana, here are the 10 best schools for expatriates with kids traveling to or living in Ghana.
American International School (AIS)
American International School is a highly regarded school for expatriate families seeking a world class school experience for their kids. Established in 2006, the American International School has become a longstanding institution, recognized as a top-tier expatriate school offering high quality American curriculum to a community of approximately 206 students. Here is a breakdown of some key details:
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- American
Ages- 2 to 18
Medium of Instruction- English
Dual Accreditation
American International School holds the prestigious distinction of being dually accredited by both the Middle States Association of Colleges and the Association of Christian Schools International. American International School, in Ghana, is also an authorized school for the IB Diploma Program
University /College Prep Focus
The school offers advanced Placement courses to allow them to earn college credits and increase their chances for university placements in some of the best International universities including Ivy League schools while still in secondary school.
Facilities
American International School has two campuses both located in Accra. It boasts of having ultra-modern facilities to enhance the learning experience for students of all ages. Their facilities include a science lab for each learning group, computer labs, a library, art studios, music rooms, sports facilities and age appropriate classrooms.
Courses
AIS follows the American standard curriculum which typically covers courses like; English Language Arts (Reading, Writing and Literature), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Elective courses like; Arts, Music, Physical Education and Foreign languages such as French and Spanish.
Fees
All tuition and fees are quoted in Ghana Cedi in compliance with the government directive. Parents can choose to pay the dollar equivalent of the fees at an exchange rate given by the school.
Request for Fees and Tuition Quote
Website- https://www.aisghana.org/
2. Al-Rayan International School (ARIS)
ARIS is one of the leading expat-friendly schools for expatriate children moving to Ghana, offering a fully integrated curriculum including IB programs for the holistic development of your children. They have ultra-modern facilities that give children practical learning experiences.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
Medium of Instruction- English, Arabic
Ages- 12 months to 18 years
Courses
If you want your child to be multilingual then ARIS is your best choice. With their several language courses like Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Hindi, and Ghanaian Local Languages, opening several doors of opportunities locally and internationally.
Fees
ARIS offers a competitive educational experience for their students so their tuition structure is designed to reflect their dedication to academic excellence, highly qualified faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. They offer tuition options for Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School. Check out more information on their tuition structure.
Campus Tour
You can schedule a tour of the school and its facilities which will be a great start to explore and decide if Al-Rayan International School is a great fit for your kids. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you might have regarding your child’s enrollment.
You can schedule a campus tour with the school here.
Facilities
Art room
Performing Arts Studio
Science labs
Design Studio
Library
Two infirmaries
Ultra modern classrooms
Gym
Basketball and volleyball courts
Football pitch
Website: https://www.aris.edu.gh/
3. Galaxy International School
Galaxy International School is an educational institution that offers a blend of globally recognized curriculums, including the Cambridge Curriculum like IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Levels. Galaxy International prepares students for success in international universities in Ghana and abroad. The school was established in 2001 to provide day and boarding facilities to children living in Ghana, children of foreign-based families, and Ghanaians living outside Ghana. A breakdown of some key details about the school are as follows:
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- Cambridge Curriculum
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 2 to 19
Facilities
Galaxy International has three campuses, with facilities like Science labs, a library, sports facilities and boarding facilities. It also has a preschool campus located at East Legon and a secondary at Ashaley Botwe. Galaxy offers both day and boarding options. Expat families have the option of choosing the learning environment that best suits their lifestyle.
Check out some of the facilities at Galaxy International School
Courses
Galaxy International offers courses like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Music, Foreign languages, Physical Education and Information Technology. If your child has an interest in science, Galaxy is a great option to consider. It has a vibrant science module and a modern science lab that will inspire your child to pursue a science course in College and embark on their scientific discovery.
Extracurricular Activities
Galaxy International School engages students with extracurricular activities to promote well-rounded development through activities like, sports, arts and crafts and school clubs.
Website- https://galaxy.edu.gh/
4. Lycée Français International Jacques Prévert d’Accra
This school prides itself in its educational excellence and cultural diversity to raise global leaders who can adapt to the changing world. The school started to educate the children of French nationals at the French Embassy and later quickly opened up to children of French-speaking embassy staff and other individuals who want to explore and experience French education.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- French
Medium of Instruction- English, French
Ages- 3 to 18 years
Courses
Lycée Français is a high-quality French education in both French and English ensuring a multilingual foundation for their students preparing them for a globalized world. They offer courses like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Music, Foreign languages like French, Physical Education and Information Technology.
Extracurricular Activities
The school offers various extracurricular activities as a way to build the creative minds and skills of students outside the classroom. Students can also join various school clubs such as chess, Afro Dance, photoshop, Robotics, ceramics, taekwondo, hockey, photography, sewing book club and many more. Check out all the extracurricular activities offered at Lycée Français
5. Ghana International School (GIS)
Established in September 1955, Ghana International School boasts a long standing reputation as the pioneer in international education in Ghana to students of all races and creeds. Their competitive curriculum makes international and local students more intelligent to achieve excellence throughout their educational journey. Some key details about G.I.S. are as follows:
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE and GCE Advanced level
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 3 to 18
Diversity and Social Inclusion
Being a nonprofit private institution, G.I.S. allows students from all backgrounds, races and creeds an opportunity to enroll. The school has had students from about 45 countries.
Multiple Accreditation
G.I.S.’s robust curriculum provides effective tutoring of students. It has multiple accreditations from the English National Curriculum and Cambridge International Examinations, IGCSE and GCE. It is also one of the first schools in Ghana to be accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) which makes G.I.S a very versatile Institution. The school is also an active member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).
Courses
They offer courses like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Music, Foreign languages like French, Physical Education and Information Technology.
Facilities
You can expect to find interactive whiteboards with projectors, a Science lab, a library, and outdoor and indoor sports facilities with courts for badminton, tennis, volleyball, table tennis, gymnastics, basketball and track and field.
Fees
Their fees are paid in Ghanaian cedis or the dollar equivalent. Fees are paid upon application once per year and are non-refundable. They might also request you to pay for an Annual Capital Levy which is used for school development and infringement maintenance. Get more information on their admission process here.
Website- https://gis.edu.gh/
6. Cornerstone International Academy (C.I.A)
This institution empowers its students by cultivating their unique talents and preparing them to thrive in the rapidly changing world. The school's mission is to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed, to make them future-ready and empower them to make a positive impact on the world.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 5 to 15
Campuses
Cornerstone operates three campuses; Edward campus and Antwiwaa campus, both run at an elementary level of education with classroom sizes of 18 students. The Masua campus is a middle school with a classroom size of 15 students. C.I.A. is suitable for expatriates looking for advanced educational schools that produce action oriented students. They are located in Accra and focused on the holistic development of their students
Facilities
• Spacious Homerooms
• Media Studies Centres (Library and ICT Laboratory)
• Playgrounds
• Football Fields
• Science Laboratories
• Art Galleries
• Music Rooms
• Dance Auditoriums
• Cafeterias
Campus Tour
They understand the importance of parents choosing the right school for their kids so they offer campus tours for parents who are considering enrolling their kids. Tours are done by their administrative officers every last Friday of the month from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Parents will have to book a slot by filling out a form through their online website or calling their administrators for reservations. Keep in mind it is on a first come first served basis.
Tuition And Fees
Due to C.I.A.'s limited classroom capacity, enrolment of students into C.I.A. is based on the availability of space. We recommend parents contact the administrative officers to enquire about openings for their child’s grade level before making any commitment. See more about their application and tuition fees here.
Website- https://www.cia.edu.gh/
7. SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International School
SOS-HGIC is home to students and staff from all corners of Africa offering holistic teaching and learning experiences. Established in 1990, SOS-HGIC is a long standing selective preparatory school in Ghana providing excellence to youngsters. They go beyond academics, fostering a spirit of social entrepreneurship and grooming future leaders equipped with problem-solving, compassion, and critical and analytical skills to become a driving force of change for Africa. The school’s mission is to embrace internationalism in its widest sense, with a commitment to uplift Africa, and active service to the community.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 15 to 20
Developing Change Makers
SOS prepares students to become well-rounded individuals in society through its leadership program and activities. Students can gain first experience to become assets in society.
100% College Acceptance Guaranteed
Aside from being a longstanding institution, it promises 100% College Acceptance for its students into universities across Africa and beyond. Enrolling your child into an Ivy League University is one step away from becoming a reality. The school has developed formal and informal relationships with universities in Ghana and abroad to ensure smooth transitions for their students graduating from their institution.
Facilities
The school has two campuses located in Tema. The academic campus sits in a serene area of community 6 near Valco flats. They have a hostel facility for boarding students located at Tema Community 10.
Other facilities include;
• Classrooms
• Library
• Computer labs
• Science labs
• Administrative offices
• Auditoriums
• Dining area
• Performing arts spaces
• Visual arts spaces
Check out some of the various school clubs at SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International School
Website- https://www.soshgic.edu.gh/
8. Canadian International College
Inaugurated in 2014, Canadian International College offers students comprehensive education with the Canadian style curriculum. This institution is a not-for-profit day and boarding school focused not only on academic excellence but also on care for the whole person – physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental. It guarantees expatriates with kids traveling to Ghana top-tier education and higher credits for university college placement.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- The Advanced Placement (AP) program
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- Day-care to Grade 12
College Focused
This school focuses extensively on preparing students for college by earning higher credits through their AP (Advanced Placement) courses in senior high school.
Fees
The school’s application fee and annual tuition fees vary depending on the grade of the student. They provide clarity on the financial aspects of your kids' education journey. Check out their application fees and fee schedule across different grades.
Facilities
Library
Science lab
IT lab
Boarding facility
Their day-care to grade 12 Level program provides a seamless educational journey for your children. Their hybrid learning environment for both online and in-person teaching offers convenience for expatriate families.
Website- https://www.ghanacic.com/
9. Lincoln Community School
The school aims to be the most exciting learning environment in Africa, where learning is challenging and joyful, designed by students and teachers together. Creativity is a core component of Lincoln education and they encourage their students to bring original ideas to life and construct new theories through the educational curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- America and International Baccalaureate
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 4 to 18 years
Multi-Cultural Environment
Embrace a vibrant expat community that fosters intercultural understanding with students from over 60 nationalities.
Fees
Lincoln Community School offers a competitive educational experience for their students so their tuition structure is designed to reflect their dedication to academic excellence, highly qualified faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. More information on application and tuition fees.
Website- https://www.lincoln.edu.gh/
10. German International School Accra (GISA)
With over 60 years of experience, German International School promotes a comfortable and fun learning environment for children of all classes such as sports, arts and crafts, excursions, school trips and much more. Aside from its German cultural influence, it provides students with opportunities to learn the German language, investing in their multilingual abilities, which can become an asset for them in the future. The school prioritizes the importance of acquiring several languages as foreign language skills are a prerequisite in today's professional world.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- German
Medium of Instruction- English, German
Ages- 1 to 18 years
Day Care Facility
You are guaranteed the best kind of security and a fun learning experience at their day-care facility making your work-family life balance more convenient for you. Children aged 1 - 3 years can attend the nursery and later switch to Kindergarten when they grow older. As part of their nursery program, they help children explore language, numbers, music, creativity and science, encourage their desire for movement and raise their awareness of healthy eating.
Read more about their Nursery Program and Kindergarten Program.
German as a Second Language
Students benefit from learning a second language for a much broader versatility and future opportunities and connections. At GISA, the German lessons are held in groups so students can progressively learn the German language, successfully taking part in the regular lessons and integrating well into the school.
Scholarship Opportunities
The school offers opportunities for students to obtain a scholarship when eligible. Scholarships could cover up to 40% of their annual tuition fees. Learn more about the scholarship guidelines here and see if your child qualifies.
Website- https://gis-accra.org/en/
11. British International School
This is an elite international school that caters to the needs of the diverse and quickly expanding global community by offering top-notch international education. They focus on the early years development stage, primary, and secondary education. Their approach to children's social, intellectual, moral, and physical development is highly individualized. They also offer excellent sporting and technological facilities, top-notch equipment, small class sizes, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities for their students. The school offers boarding options for its students as well.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels)
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 1 to 18 years
Courses
They offer courses like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Music, Foreign languages like French, Physical Education and Information Technology.
Facilities
• Large Classrooms (All Classrooms are air-conditioned)
• I.C.T Labs
• Science Labs
• Music Studio
• Art Studio
• Recording Studio
• Multimedia center
• Indoor lounge
• E.S.L / Child Support
• Astroturf Soccer Pitch
• Tennis Court
• Basketball Court
• Volley / Handball Court
Extracurricular Activities
The school offers various extracurricular activities as a way to foster education and creative learning outside of the classroom. Students can also join various school clubs such as investment, volunteering & charity, swimming, ballet, music, art, tennis and public speaking & debaters club.
Website- https://bisghana.com.gh/
12. Safari International School
Students are equipped with a well-rounded education to prepare them for future challenges. They have a bilingual system that helps their students pursue academic excellence, with premium value on physical wellbeing and etiquette through physical education and values and ethics programs. They teach their students the importance of building a harmonious community that acknowledges individual differences.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- Cambridge Curriculum
Medium of Instruction- English and French
Ages- 6 months to 11 years
Courses
Some of the courses they offer include English, Mathematics and Science, Art, Geography, History, ICT (Computers), Music, Physical Education, and Personal and Social Education. French is also taught as a second language from Year 3.
Facilities
They have two campuses, one located in the Airport residential area and another located in East Legon. The school provides an attractive and child-friendly environment which all contribute to the quality development of their students.
Teaching Methods
Teachers employ a variety of techniques to teach curriculum content, including games, casual conversations, science experiments, interactive, hands-on projects, theater exercises, and outdoor learning. Together with other, more structured techniques, these strategies are applied to continuous evaluations like spelling bees, quizzes, writing assignments, and exams. Teachers use a variety of resources to prepare and present their lessons in a way that will pique students' interests and inspire them.
13. Tema International School
Tema International School is a private institution that caters to students being raised to be future scientists, musicians, artists, sports stars, computer scientists and academics. Their acclaimed service-learning programs ensure the balance that students require to become outstanding and prepare them to navigate the professional world.
Details
Co-educational
Curriculum- America and International Baccalaureate
Medium of Instruction- English
Ages- 3 to 18 years
Courses
They offer courses like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Music, Physical Education and Information Technology.
Facilities
Large Classrooms
I.C.T Labs
Science Labs
Music Studio
Dance Studio
Library
Website- https://www.tis.edu.gh/
Conclusion
Many International schools are able to offer a great educational experience and provide your children with a unique learning experience. If you want to discuss your internationalization and diversification plans, book a consulting session or send me an email.
N.B. A consulting session is a discussion about your portfolio and objectives. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or investment advice.
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If you have any questions or concerns about moving to Ghana, please share them us in the comment section.
Safe travels!
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