Africa’s educational system has been steadily improving over the years, with their fees increasingly becoming more exorbitant. The learning environment and facilities these schools boast of may justify their expensive tuition fees with a majority of these schools being private schools.

Africa’s rise has been well documented over the past five years and the result of the continent’s resurgence is personified by a building boom in several capitals as well as a growing attraction as a business hub for several billion-dollar companies. This means the presence of some of the richest people in the world and their families. These rich families have no problem when it comes to the payment of these exorbitant fees, leaving majority of Africans in awe and disbelief.

These are the top schools in Africa’s major cities who cater to the children of the high and mighty.

1. International School of Tanganyika (IST), Tanzania – (Fees $32,000)

The International School of Tanganyika (IST), was established in 1963, as a private, coeducational, not-for-profit day school for students from age three to grade 12 (pre-university). The school includes two campuses, elementary and secondary, which are separated by about five kilometres. 

The school’s Facilities include: The elementary campus which consists of 46 classrooms/pull-out spaces for small groups, integrated ICT learning, a maker space, two music rooms, one art room, a multipurpose hall, a library, two covered courts, a swimming pool, a teacher’s resource room, a nurse’s room, a photocopying room, a store room for educational supplies, a uniform shop, a community room, and an athletic field. The secondary campus also consists of 27 classrooms, eight science laboratories, two design technology laboratories, a library, three art rooms, two computer rooms, an audio-visual theatre, a multipurpose hall/gymnasium, music and drama rooms including a Black Box Theatre, swimming pool, a covered court, and a sports field.

The current annual tuition fees are as follows: early childhood 1-2: $15,500; kindergarten-grade 5: $22,600; grades 6-8: $26,200; grades 9-10: $27,800; and grades 11-12: $32,000.  There is also a $1,000 annual capital fee per child. For new students, the current building fee charged to all new parents is $7,000, and the school also charges is also a $100 alumni outreach fee and a $500 returnable family deposit.

2. American International School, Nigeria– (Fees $31,228)

The American International School of Lagos (AISL) was founded in 1964. AISL is a private, coeducational school, which offers an American education for students of all nationalities in preschool through grade 12. The August to June school year is divided into two semesters. AISL is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) authorizes AISL to offer the IB Diploma Program.

AISL started with thirty students; we now have approximately 600 students attending. The school offers preschool through 12th grade, and their high school students graduate with a United States High School diploma, in addition they have the opportunity to earn the International Baccalaureate diploma. Their graduates attend, and are successful in, universities throughout the world. Students represent fifty-five countries while their staff represents fourteen countries. This diversity of their student body and staff, along with their varied ideas and backgrounds, is a hallmark of AISL.

Built in 1981, the 8.56-acre campus facility is located in a preferred residential area (Victoria Island) of Lagos. The facilities include 55 classrooms, three science labs, a music room, small theatre, technology lab, a library, dining area, an infirmary, administrative offices, two playgrounds, a gymnasium, tennis courts, a soccer field and swimming pool.

AISL’s offers a standards-based curriculum (American Education Reaches Out and Common Core) that focuses on helping students understand important concepts, demonstrate key skills/competencies, and develop character. In addition to the American High School Diploma, students also have an opportunity to earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma. AISL offers a challenging academic program (English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) that is complemented by specialist classes that includes band/music, art and design, multimedia, computer science, physical education/health, and financial literacy. While the medium of instruction is English, AISL offers French, Spanish and Arabic as modern languages. AISL administers the MAP assessment to students in Grades 2-9, the Morrisby Assessment to students in Grade 10, and the PSAT’s and SATs to students in Grades 10-12. AISL provides English language learning support and special educational needs support to (K-8) students. A robust after school athletics and activities program provides students with opportunities to pursue their interests and passions.

Annual tuition is as follows: PS and PK: $17,638; K-grade 5: $21,022; grades 6-8: $27,232; and grades 9-12: $31,228. The school also charges a capital improvement fee of $3,182 for all students and an application fee of $700 and a registration fee of $13,998 for first time students. The school changes an additional special assessment levy of $10,181 (IOC and US Consulate) and ELL/LS of $6,719 (as determined by AISL Admissions Committee).

3. International School of Kenya, Kenya – (Fees $31,142)

TheInternational School of Kenya (ISK) is a private, non-profit coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 12 as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program for students of all nationalities. Together, in 1976, the U.S. and Canadian governments established the school. The school year consists of two semesters extending from early August to December and from January to early June.

The primary focus of the curriculum is to equip students with the skills and dispositions that will empower them for the future. The curriculum draws from rigorous standards and benchmarks to provide a challenging program that meets the needs of the diverse student population and enables students to transition to the best schools and universities around the world.

 The IB Diploma program, including both standard and higher-level subjects, is offered in 11th and 12th grades. ISK also accepts students with mild to moderate learning needs and has opened an early elementary intensive needs program (Life Centered Education) in August 2019. Instruction is in English, with French, Spanish, and Swahili offered as modern languages for non-native speakers.

The school is located in a rural area on 50 acres of property approximately eight miles from Nairobi’s city centre. Facilities include an arts centre, a 547-seat theatre, an amphitheatre, a clay work area, a library, media centre and design and fabrication technology labs, four computer mobile computer laboratories, 1-to-1 devices from grades 3-8 and other iPad carts to support curriculum in different areas, a gymnasium, science laboratories, a cafeteria, a solar-heated swimming pool, five tennis courts, extensive playing fields, state-of-the-art classrooms, a multi-sports court and a health office.

Annual tuition rates are: PK: $16,243; K: $25,713; grades 1-5: $27,129; grades 6-8: $28,349; grades 9-10: $29,950; and grades 11-12: $31,142. Bus fees are $2,200. The application fee is $400. There is a one-time capital levy fee of $10,000 and an annual capital levy fee of $1,350.

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4. AL Farouk Language School, Egypt – (Fees $28,783)

Al Farouk Islamic School is a mixed school which was founded in 1986. The first building begun in 1986 and the school opened its doors for students on September 1^st, 1986 with an enrollment of 207 students. The first class to graduate from the school was in 1997. The school follows an Islamic curriculum and runs from KG to grade 12.

Since that time, thousands of students have passed through the open doors of the school to receive instructions in the rudiments of knowledge and the ideals of life and have gone forth in their service of Allah, country and society. Today the school has an approximate enrollment of 3000 from kindergarten to third secondary. When the school grew beyond its physical capacity, it was a must to build another school in New Cairo in the year 2000

The mission is to inspire and academically empower all students to become tomorrow’s leaders by: developing their unique gifts and potentials, providing an environment that fosters integrity and creativity and respect and ensuring that their students become successful, contributing citizens in a global community. The school’s vision is to prepare a distinguished generation religiously, ethically, scientifically to produce an inventor and evolver citizen who follows the modern spirit and looks forward to a better future.

5. Kampala International School (KISU), Uganda– (Fees$26,918)

Kampala International School is one of the most sought after on the continent. The International School of Uganda (ISU) is a non-profit, coeducational day school, established in 1967 offering an international education program for students from 2 to 19 years old. The school is authorized to offer three International Baccalaureate programs and is also accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools.

The curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, Diploma (16- to 19-year-old students), Middle Years (11- to 16-year-old students) and Primary Years (3- to 11-year-old students). The students are prepared at ISU for entry into American, British, or other international schools or universities.

 More than 4,500 schools worldwide use one or more of the International Baccalaureate Programs which offers transportability for students of international families. ISU is an inclusive school providing support for students in the areas of learning challenges, English-as-an-Additional-Language, and counselling services. In grades 6-12 ISU is a one-to-one Mac school with students providing their own device to support the integration of technology in the curriculum.

 In addition, the school has a comprehensive co-curricular program with a range of activities. The school belongs to a local sports league with other schools in Kampala and to the ISSEA International Schools Association competing in events at other schools throughout the year.

Facilities include: The lush 33-acre ISU campus is a garden for many indigenous plants and bird-life. The purpose-built campus is on the outskirts of the capital city of Kampala in a suburban setting and about five kilometres from Lake Victoria in the district of Lubowa. It includes access to the internet and wireless connectivity campus-wide, a state-of-the-art science centre, a library of over 25,000 volumes, design technology spaces, two sports fields, sports hall, track, two swimming pools, four tennis courts, and facilities for early childhood education including an outdoor garden. A new arts centre has been completed including specialized music rooms, a recording studio, drama rooms, visual arts rooms, and a 400-seat theatre.

Tuition rates are as follows: playgroup: $5,200; EC: $6,500; K: $17,900; grades 1-5: $19,400; grades 6-8: $22,600; grades 9 -10: $23,600; and grades 11-12: $27,700. New students in grades 1-12 pay a one-time capital levy fee of $6,000, and all students on entry pay a registration fee of $250.

6. Cairo American College, Egypt – (Fees $26,500)

Cairo American College (CAC) is an independent coeducational day school, which offers an educational program from pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 for students of all nationalities. The school was founded in 1945. The school year runs from the 3rd week of August to mid-June.

Cairo American College offers a rigorous educational program, which follows a general U.S. standards-referenced curriculum model. Starting in the 11th grade, students may elect to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma. School instruction is in English. World languages include Arabic, French, and Spanish. Arabic is taught in grades 1-12; French and Spanish are offered in grades 6-12. Instruction in English-as-a-Second-Language is offered in grades 1-10. Studies include the history and culture of Egypt, and technology is integrated into instruction school-wide. Cairo American College holds dual accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and the Council of International Schools.

Cairo American College is located on 11 acres in Maadi, a suburb about 10 km southeast of Cairo. The instructional and cocurricular programs take place in eight buildings, which include 14 science labs, two playing fields, playgrounds, an all-weather track, a heated swimming pool, and a multipurpose basketball/volleyball court. A 520-seat theatre houses the drama and dance classes, supplemented by music and art classes in separate buildings. Two athletic facilities encompass gymnasia, a weight room, classrooms, and office and conference spaces. Two state-of-the-art library/media centres serve the campus, one for grades pre-K-5 and one for the middle and high schools, as do multiple computer labs located throughout the school

Annual tuition in 2020-2021 is $12,000 for PK; $25,800 for grades K-5; $26,300 for grades 6-8; and $26,500 for grades 9-12. A $350 application fee is charged at the time of application for admission or readmission, and there is a one-time registration fee of $13,000. Other expenses per year are a $700 plant fee and a $300 capital fee. Per semester expenses include school bus service at $500 inside the Maadi area and $900 outside the Maadi area, and there is a $1000 admissions deposit.

7. Lincoln Community School, Ghana – ($26,276)

The Lincoln Community School (LCS) is a private, non-profit, college preparatory day school which offers educational programs from prekindergarten (age 4) through grade 12. The school, established in 1968, is located in the West African city of Accra.

The school is developing into a centre of excellence in the region, with strong professional development programs for its teachers and serving as a regional site for teacher workshops. The school year comprises four academic quarters, with the first beginning mid-August and the last ending in mid-June. LCS is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools, and is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School.

The school is international in both population (60+ nations represented) and philosophy, with an emphasis on inquiry and problem solving. It is designed to be appropriately challenging, and to allow a smooth transition into other international schools.

LCS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorized to offer all three levels of the IB Program. These three levels of the IB Program guide the curriculum: the Primary Years Program (PK–grade 5), the Middle Years Program (grades 6-10), and the IB Diploma Program (grades 11-12). Elective courses are offered in art, music, drama, design/STEM, and technology. The school offers English language support for students in grades 1-6 who are beginning their English language development and can support middle and high school students who are at intermediate or advanced levels. Learning support services for students with mild to moderate learning needs are provided, but families who may need additional support are advised to consult with the admission office about the services provided to ensure a good programmatic fit for their child.

The school has recently completed the construction of an ultra-modern elementary school block which will be occupied when on campus learning resumes in January 2021. School facilities are air conditioned with 74 classrooms including four art rooms, five science labs, four design/STEM labs, four music rooms, one dance room, elementary, middle and high school libraries, learning support classrooms, and an early childhood suite. All classrooms are equipped with wireless projectors and/or interactive projection panels. There are four multi-purpose halls and three health clinics.

Sports facilities include a fitness room, a field, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, an open-air gymnasium/multi-purpose hall (court) with a stage, and dressing/locker room facilities. Elementary playground space includes two basketball courts, four-square areas, and sandy areas with recreational equipment. Electric power supply to the school is from the public mains and is augmented by solar panels. The school also has a biofilm system to facilitate the horticultural services.

In the 2020-2021 school year, annual tuition rates are as follows: PK: $15,084; K: $21,537; grades 1-5: $22,202; grades 6-8: $23,691; grades 9-10: $25,101; and grades 11-12: $26,276. There is a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $1,500 for PK and $6,500 for grades K-12. There is a capital levy fee for all students of $2,000 per year.

8. International Community School of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire – (Fees $23,400)

The International Community School of Abidjan (ICSA), founded in 1972, is a non-profit, independent, coeducational day school offering an American-style curriculum from prekindergarten through grade 12 for children of all nationalities.

ICSA students are the dependents of the diplomatic, business and international business communities in Cote d’Ivoire. The school year that typically extends from late August to mid-June is divided into two semesters

ICSA is located on a 13-acre site in the Riviera III section of Abidjan. The school facilities consist of one large library, three computer/DT labs, three science labs, two multipurpose rooms, two art and music rooms, over 30 classrooms, a canteen, sports fields for soccer and softball, and two covered basketball courts. All rooms on campus are air-conditioned. ICSA has an eight-lane 25-meter pool and a small learn-to-swim pool.

The tuition rates for the 2020-2021 school year are as follows: prekindergarten: $12,500; kindergarten: $15,500; grades 1-5: $20,900; grades 7-8: $22,300; and grades 9-12: $23,400. There is a one-time capital development fee of $5,500 per new student. An annual registration fee of $1,200 is also charged.

9. Hilton College, South Africa – (Fees $22,596)

Hilton College in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands retains its title as the most expensive school in the country, with its annual fees (which only allows for boarding) at R331,550.

Aside from the prestige, tradition, and beautiful facilities and grounds, the fees generally cover tuition, board, games, ordinary medical attention, the use of the sanatorium, library and laundry. It also includes basic entertainment which is arranged for learners, and transport for sporting and other events.

The school of choice for Cairo’s elite and its expatriate community. The school endeavours to celebrate and inspire every one of their 590 diversely talented young men. Boys from across South Africa and the globe attend the school to immerse themselves in a rare, intentional blend of experiences that inspire self-knowledge, expansion and generosity. It offers a unique learning approach to outreach initiatives, and extraordinary 1,600-hectare estate, as well as opportunities to take the stage and excel on the sports field. Their environment encourages singular stories of triumph, distinction, determination, compassion, courage and passion.

10. American International School, Lusaka Zambia– (Fees $22,070)

The American International School of Lusaka (AISL) is an independent, coeducational day school that offers a robust educational program from preschool through grade 12. The school was founded in 1986. The school year begins in early August and ends in mid-June.

AISL is accredited by three international institutions; The Middle States Association (MSA), The Council of International Schools (CIS), and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

 AISL offers a fully accredited U.S. and international curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools.

 In addition, AISL is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering all three of the main programs: the Primary Years Program (early learning – grade 5), the Middle Years Program (grades 6-10), and the Diploma Program (grades 11-12). AISL offers students the opportunity to pursue all core academic subjects through the primary, middle and high school years to the highest levels demanded for college admissions.

The school is housed on a 25-acre site, which includes well-equipped, spacious classrooms; a large library; a media centre with state-of-the-art IT facilities; specialized rooms for science, computers, art, and music; a separate early learning centre; a performing arts centre with 400-seat theatre; a fully covered basketball court; a gymnasium; three swimming pools; three soccer/softball playing fields (one enclosed by a running track); and six tennis courts. The newly-renovated Primary School features well-appointed, air-conditioned classrooms.

Annual tuition rates are as follows: Early Learning Centre $6,000; Kindergarten-Grade 5: $16,920; Grade 6-10: $19,430; and Grade 11-12: $22,070. The school also charges a one-time admission fee of $7,000 and an annual capital levy of $750.