Comparing 5 schools side by side in USD.
ISD sits on an eight-acre campus in Dakar's Mermoz neighborhood, near the Corniche. Mailing address: BP 5136, 10700 Dakar Fann, Senegal.
Pre-Kindergarten (age 3) through Grade 12.
Independent, non-profit, co-educational day school.
Diverse community of over 111 nationalities.
Learning Support, Language Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, and Counseling; English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English Language Learner (ELL) programs; Educational Psychological Assessment.
Academic year runs from mid-August to mid-June.
The school does not provide a bus service for families.
The school is a day school; no boarding is offered.
There is no school uniform.
Kanaicha provides the school canteen; lunches and snacks can be ordered online or at the school entrance using Wave or Orange Money, with Grab & Go options available.
ISD has House groups for teamwork in the secondary program.
ISD is independent and non-profit; governance is by a Board of Trustees.
ISD offers an IB continuum: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Pre-K3 to Grade 5; Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6 to 10; and Diploma Programme (DP) for Grade 11 and 12. All programs are taught in English, and the school celebrates multilingualism within the community. In Elementary School, learning is inquiry-based under the PYP, with Language Arts, Math, Art, Music, PE, Technology, and daily French classes. In Secondary School, ISD offers IB MYP for Grades 6–10 and DP for Grades 11–12, complemented by co-curriculars in music, visual arts, theatre, sports, and community engagement. ISD emphasizes small-class learning, with typical class sizes of 12–20 students, and Grades 1–5 capped at 22 students per class.
Small class sizes: 12–20 students per class, with Grades 1–5 capped at 22 students.
ISD offers Social and Emotional Learning through its Counseling team and a dedicated Student Support Department. The department includes Learning Support, Language Acquisition, Counseling, and Educational Psychological Assessment. Counselors work with teachers to support students' behavioral, mental health, and social-emotional needs. Counseling is available at elementary, middle, and high school levels. The program fosters a safe, welcoming environment where students can express themselves and participate in learning.
ISD offers Learning Support and Language Acquisition services, and Educational Psychological Assessment. The school is well-resourced to support a managed number of students with mild to moderate learning differences and can support higher levels of need on a case-by-case basis, depending on interventions and available resources. The approach emphasizes inclusive teaching with tailored instruction and targeted strategies to help each student succeed.
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English Language Learner (ELL) program is fundamental to academic success. Developing English enables students to confidently participate in all subjects and connect with the school community.
ISD provides mental wellbeing support through its counseling program. Elementary, middle, and high school counseling are available, with staff including a Mental Health Counselor. Counselors work with students to address behavioral, mental health, and social-emotional needs and to support transitions between grades.
The Board-endorsed Child Protection Policy reflects the highest international standards and guides staff and families in safeguarding the health, safety, and emotional security of every child. The Child Protection Officer is Tracy Yates.
ISD offers Pre-K through Grade 12 in English and is an IB World School. ISD has a rolling admissions policy and begins accepting applications for the next school year on January 1. Applicants submit an online application via OpenApply with the required documents (official records for the past two years, a confidential recommendation form, high school transcript for Grades 9–11, immunization/health records, a copy of passport or birth certificate, and one passport photo) and a $250 application fee. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. An Admissions Committee, including the Principal, Counselor, English as an Additional Language teachers, Learning Support, and a grade-level teacher as needed, reviews each application; the Principal makes the final grade placement and admissions decision. All applicants complete an academic screening in math, reading, and writing; learners with English as an Additional Language are screened by the ELL specialist and may be asked to meet with the Principal or attend Visit Day. In some cases, a provisional admission may be offered to better understand a student's learning background. After acceptance, students can start classes soon after screening and interview; the formal acceptance letter and enrollment contract are emailed, and the contract must be signed and returned within two days to receive an invoice for fees.
When a grade level is filled, a wait list is established. As vacancies occur, students are placed in classes according to priority: 1) children of ISD faculty and staff, 2) children of US citizens employed by the US Government in Senegal, 3) siblings of currently enrolled students, 4) children of diplomatic and international organizations and businesses, 5) applicants transferring from other English-speaking international schools, 6) students currently enrolled in a local school. If there are more candidates in a category than spaces, admissions are first come, first served based on the date of receipt of the completed application (including the $250 application fee). Being on the wait list is not a guarantee of space.
Ouakam district, Dakar, Senegal. Address: Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop, BP 3222, Dakar, Senegal. The main entrance is on Route de Ouakam, near the TOTAL station.
Primary (ages 6 to 11) and Secondary (ages 11 to 18) with an American International Section.
French international school (AEFE network, directly managed).
The school welcomes children of all nationalities. It offers a multilingual and multicultural education.
The secondary offers three tutoring programs: general tutoring for 6th and 5th grades; peer tutoring for 4th grade; and the 'Mieux Réussir' program for 3rd and 2nd years with teacher-led sessions.
France (affiliated via the AEFE network).
Public hours run 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, with Wednesday hours 7:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Hours may change during school holidays; consult the calendar.
Bus service provided by external operator GIE ATOS MERMOZ; routes serve many points in Dakar; service is paid.
School meals are provided by an outsourced service provider, Ambiance Restauration Sénégal. Meals are prepared on site, cooked, and served to all students and staff. Snack options are also available in the secondary. Payments are made via a prepaid badge system. Menus are available and published on Ambiance Restauration Sénégal's channels.
Maison des Élèves (MDE) is a student association to develop student responsibility, creativity, and teamwork. It helps contribute to the school's cultural life and organizes events like the Bal des Lycéens and clubs (extracurricular activities) such as video, graffiti, theatre, music, and chess.
The school is an AEFE direct-managed establishment (EGD) within the AEFE network, approved by the French Ministry of National Education. The Regional Institute of Formation for the West Africa Zone (IRF ZAO) is located at the school. Governance includes the Conseil d'Établissement, the Conseil de l'École, and student bodies CVL (Conseil de Vie Lycéenne) and CVC (Conseil de Vie Collégienne); the Association of Parents of LFJM (APE TERANGA) represents parents and participates in governance.
The school follows the official French program and is AEFE-affiliated. The curriculum covers from CP to Terminale, with Primary from CP to CM2 and Secondary from 6th grade to Terminale, and a Section Internationale Américaine across the curriculum leading to the Baccalauréat Français International. The school promotes multilingual education, teaching French alongside English, Spanish and German, with a Parle Anglais program in the middle years and a European English section in the lycée with a DNL option. Optional and specialized offerings include a Théâtre option, Latin, and a range of specialty subjects in Première and Terminale for the general and technological tracks. The lycée also provides complementary programs such as Prépa Scientifique, Prépa Sciences Po Paris, and Prépa Arts to support high-achieving students.
The International Section allows students to pursue the Baccalauréat Français International and prepares them for higher education in France or elsewhere. During terminale, students dedicate a substantial portion of their time to building a higher-education project through Parcoursup, the national platform for pre-registration to higher education in France.
Prépa Scientifique, Prépa Sciences Po Paris, and Prépa Arts offer enrichment and targeted preparation for selective higher-education pathways.
The school provides a pleasant and serene environment that supports student well-being and helps them flourish in learning. This calm atmosphere is described as fostering a conducive climate for growth and achievement.
The school hosts events focused on dyslexia (DYS) and other atypical learner needs to promote awareness and inclusion.
The school runs the American International Section (SIA), a bilingual program in English and French from primary through secondary, in addition to the French program. The SIA aims to achieve expert language proficiency and intercultural competence, with English used as the language of instruction in literature and history-geography, and it integrates English-speaking international students into the French education system by providing instruction in their mother tongue. The SIA leads to two official exams: Diplôme National du Brevet International and Baccalauréat Français International (BFI). The organization of instruction provides English hours across levels: CP–CE2: 4h; CM1–CM2: 4h English language & literature + 2h history-geography; 6ème–3ème: 3h LV1 + 4h English language & literature + 2h histoire-géographie; 2nde: 2.5h LV1 + 4h language & literature américaine + 2h connaissance du monde; 1ère: 2.5h LV1 + 2h connaissance du monde + 2h approfondissement culturel et linguistique + 2h histoire-géographie; Terminale: 2h LV1 + 2h connaissance du monde + 2h approfondissement culturel et linguistique + 2h histoire-géographie.
A conducive and serene school environment supports student well-being and enables them to thrive in their studies.
Throughout the year, awareness and prevention activities ensure a caring school environment where every student feels safe and respected. The school also hosts events addressing dyslexia (DYS) and other atypical learner needs to support inclusion.
New enrollments for the 2026-2027 school year are open. Registrations are online via the Eduka platform. The re-enrollment period for the 2026-2027 school year runs from February 3, 2026 to March 13, 2026. Admission to certain sections and options is conditional on tests or space availability: SIA (American International Section) requires passing an entrance test at the requested level (from CP to CM2); Theatre (CE1–CM2) and Tablet (CM2) classes are available on family request and with the approval of the teachers' council, subject to space. In secondary, Latin is available for 6th graders who wish to start from 5th; registration is online via Eduka and admission is possible subject to space. Entrance into SIA/BFI (Baccalauréat Français International) is conditioned on passing an entrance test (from 6ème to 1ère); a student already enrolled in SIA/BFI in 2024-2025 is automatically continued to the next level without a test or special Eduka operation. LCE (Langue et Culture Étrangère) in Spanish is for students in 5ème wishing to begin this option from 4ème; registration is online via Eduka and admission is possible subject to space. DNL HSELO (Discipline Non Linguistique Hors Section Européenne ou Langues Orientales) in Spanish is for students in 3ème wishing to begin this option from 2nde; registration is online via Eduka and admission is possible subject to space. The European English Section (Euro) is for students in 3ème wishing to enter the European section from 2nde; registration is online via Eduka and admission is possible subject to space. SSSB (Section Sportive Scolaire Basket) access is conditioned on passing an entrance test at the end of the school year; a student already enrolled in SSSB in 2024-2025 is automatically continued to the next level. Theatre at the lycée is available on request for 3ème, 2nde and 1ère on Eduka and after approval by theatre teachers in September 2025. PARLE is offered to all cycle 4 students and does not require online inscription. Choices of specialty courses at the end of the second year are final after orientation decisions and parental approval; no modifications are possible during the terminal cycle (1ère and Terminale). Choices of a non-pursued specialty at the end of Première are final; choices of the Complementary Mathematics or Mathematics Expert options must be continued throughout Terminale. Admission to a section or option commits the pupil to the entire cycle; examples illustrate that starting Latin in 5ème commits to the option through 3ème, starting LCE esp in 4ème commits until 3ème, and starting DNL HSELO in espagnol commits until Terminale. Some sections carry a supplementary financial participation. (1)
AEFE provides school scholarships to students of French nationality enrolled at the French Consulate General in Dakar, subject to income-based eligibility.
Located in Pointe des Almadies, Dakar, Senegal. The school operates on two campuses in the Almadies area, with the main office at Les Almadies facing Hôtel Méridien Président.
Secondary education for students aged 11 to 19. From Grades 7–10, it provides French-based Senegalese secondary education leading to the BFEM; a Foundation Year is offered in Grade 11 to transition to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 12–13.
Bilingual, secular, co-ed international IB World School.
Senegal
Secular
Transport scolaire available for 2024-2025. Location: Les Almadies, facing the US Embassy, Dakar, Sénégal. Enrollment fee 10,000 FCFA; monthly payment 49,500 FCFA. Contact: waca@enkoeducation.com; Tel: +221 33 820 49 29.
Uniforms consist of short-sleeve polo shirt, long-sleeve polo shirt, shirt, trousers, Bermuda shorts, sportswear, jacket, Scottish skirt, and laboratory coat (obligatory).
Canteen offers à la carte meals and monthly meal plans. Menus include two dishes to choose from and are rotated weekly; special dietary needs (diabetes, allergies, intolerances, etc.) are accommodated; annual payment option provides one month free.
Enko Waca International School is owned and governed by Enko Education, a network of IB World Schools; Enko Education acquired the school in September 2018 and integrated it as Enko Waca Campus.
The school is accredited by the Senegalese Ministry of Education and the International Baccalaureate Organization. From Grade 7 to Grade 10, Enko Waca provides a French-based Senegalese secondary education reinforced by elements from French, British, and American programs, leading to the Senegalese BFEM, and the International Baccalaureate Bilingual Diploma Programme in Grades 12 and 13. For learners coming from the national curriculum, a Foundation Year is offered in Grade 11 to transition to the IB curriculum.
Graduates are admitted to universities worldwide, including McGill University (Canada), George Washington University (USA), ESSEC Africa, Laval University, New York University – Abu Dhabi, Université du Québec à Montréal, University of Montreal, University of Leeds, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, University of Ottawa, University of Westminster, Western University, and York University.
The school prepares students for social and professional success and to become responsible global citizens by learning individual responsibility and collective action. All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, and IB CAS (Creativity Action Service) is required for graduation, supporting well-rounded development.
The school teaches in English and French.
1. Online pre-registration. This form enables you to pre-register or re-register your child for the academic year. After submitting this form, admissions staff will contact you to finalize the procedure. 2. Admission criteria. Admissions are open. Your child's admission depends on the decision of the admissions committee based on academic results. If approved, the admissions officer will contact you to finalize and complete the enrollment and the payment of tuition. 3. Visit the school. Visit the school; our team will present the school and the program, and give you a tour of the campus. 4. Fees and payments. Tuition fees can be paid by term or in advance for nine months. Payments can be made by check or cash. Enrollment and re-enrollment fees are non-refundable. An IB examination fee of 640,000 CFA is payable in two installments before October 15. Bank details: ECOBANK – IBAN SN094 01016 101129555002 01; Account number 101129555002; SWIFT code ECOCSNDA.
Corniche Ouest Campus and Ngor Campus, Dakar, Senegal. Corniche Ouest Campus houses Preschool and Elementary (French track, bilingual track, and special needs program); Ngor Campus houses Preschool (Pre-K and K) and Elementary (French track and bilingual track).
Preschool through Grade 5, with French track and bilingual track on both campuses; special needs program available at Corniche Ouest.
Private international school in Dakar, Senegal; part of the Cité Scolaire Internationale (CSI).
Students come from about 35 different countries.
Special needs program (Relais) with individualized support and psychological assistance.
Part of the Cité Scolaire Internationale (CSI), a Senegal-based network of international schools.
Preschool starts at 8:00 and ends at 2:45; Elementary starts at 8:00 and ends at 3:00; mid-morning recess and lunch breaks; rest period for PS and MS in the early afternoon.
Bus service is provided (optional). A bus company with safety belts, air conditioning, and an experienced driver is used.
The school uses a dress code / uniforms. Proper clothing is required; students may wear the school uniform or follow the dress/color code: plain dark blue skirt, pants, or shorts (jeans allowed); plain white shirt or T‑shirt; plain dark blue or white sweaters; for gym class: school T‑shirt and shorts. Clothes must be marked with the child's full name. On the last day of school, forgotten and unclaimed clothes will be donated to charity.
Parents can register their children at the school canteen or provide them with a lunch-box. Meals are taken in the same dedicated area under supervision by school staff. Meals provided by the canteen include a starter, a main dish and two desserts; menus are prepared to help kids discover various dishes.
The school is part of the AEFE network and is accredited by the Senegalese Ministry of Education; the Classic track is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. It is a member of Cité Scolaire Internationale and the International School Association (ISA).
The school offers three streams: French track, bilingual track, and an alternative track for students with Special Needs. The French track runs from 1st grade to 5th grade and follows the French national curriculum, accredited by the French Ministry of National Education; the program is supplemented by four English sessions per week. The bilingual track runs from Nursery to Grade 5 and is taught equally in French and English by two teachers per class. The alternative track provides a Special Needs program with an individualized plan and psychological support. The school participates in the AEFE network, is recognized by the Senegalese Ministry of National Education, the classical section is homologated by the French Ministry of National Education, and it is a component of La Cité Scolaire Internationale and a member of the International Schools Association (ISA).
French track (accredited by the French Ministry of Education) admissions are granted in accordance with rules prevailing within AEFE and MLF. Students from non-accredited classes will be required to take French and Maths achievement tests. Bilingual track: In Preschool, admission is open to all subject to availability, the age of students (3 years old for Nursery) and previous grade level attended. We have two Preschool campuses: Corniche Ouest (from Nursery to Kindergarten) and Ngor (Pre-K and Kindergarten). For First and Second grades, admission is open to all students who are comfortable with one language of instruction (French or English) and basic knowledge of the other language. For Third, Fourth and Fifth grades, admission requires proven skills in both languages of instruction. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year: French track new student enrollment starts on April 5 via the website created by the French Embassy: https://www.efsenegal-ifs.org/20252026/. Decisions of admissions will be made by the “Commission des affectations” in June. Enrollment for the bilingual track (Preschool and Elementary) and Special needs starts on April 15; the Admission form will be available on the website and you can send it or drop it off starting April 1. Administrative fees of 20,000 Fcfa for each admission request (non-refundable). If you want to proceed online, pay the Administrative fees first, then go to the online Admission Form. Forms to print, fill out and submit are available via links, including Formulaire de demande d'inscription 2025-2026 (non-homologué), Formulaire évaluation fr 2025-2026 élèves PS-CP (fr), Version in English: Admission_eval_eleves_PS_CP_eng_25_26.pdf, Formulaire évaluation fr 2025-2026 élèves CE1-CM2 (fr), Version in English: Admission_eval_eleves_CE1_CM2_eng_25_26.pdf.
French scholarships: Information not available in English. French Consulate General in Dakar.
110 A Sotrac Mermoz, Dakar, Senegal. The school is located in the Sotrac/Mermoz district of Dakar. Correspondence and visits are directed to this address.
Preschool through College (préscolaire, élémentaire, collège).
Private Islamic bilingual school.
Senegal
Islamic
The school day runs Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:30; the gate opens at 07:00 and students must arrive by 07:45; the afternoon gate opens at 16:30.
The school provides a bus service with pickup points established based on students' home locations; the locations and times are communicated to parents.
Uniforms are mandatory and provided by the school, and closed-toe shoes are required. From CP onward, girls must wear a hijab in a solid color that matches the uniform. Tight clothing, ripped jeans, mini-skirts, caps or hats, conspicuous jewelry, or makeup are prohibited.
The school canteen and cafeteria provide meals under hygienic and safe conditions; meals are prepared by the school's catering staff. The after-school office must be informed of any allergy, intolerance, or dietary restriction. In case of severe allergies (peanuts, eggs, gluten), you must provide your own meal.
Private Islamic bilingual school located in Sotrac Mermoz, Dakar.
The school uses a competency-based curriculum for basic education and Deen (Quran and Islamic Education) through French, English, and Arabic.
Spirituality is at the heart of Noor International Academy's educational project. Students benefit from structured instruction in Islamic education, Quran studies, and moral values.
Trilingualism: At Noor, students learn French, English and Arabic from the early years. This tri-lingual approach opens the world, strengthens adaptability in a globalized world, and aims to make students autonomous in these three languages, both spoken and written.
The body and mental health are closely linked. A balanced mental state and a thriving social life stimulate the desire to work on the body. Sport is a pillar of development; students regularly practice football, taekwondo, and gymnastics, with emphasis on respect, teamwork and perseverance.
Noor International Academy offers two admission sections and a classic program: a classic section (French-language curriculum officially approved) and two bilingual options. Admissions are conducted in accordance with the Senegalese curriculum rules. New students are required to take entrance tests in French and mathematics. Online registration is available by submitting the admission form. Classic section (French-language program) admissions follow the Senegalese curriculum; new students are tested in French and mathematics. The bilingual section includes: (a) a bilingual section (French–English) for CP and CE1, open to all children who are comfortable in the primary language of instruction (French or English) and who have some knowledge of the other language; (b) a bilingual section (French–English) for CP to CM2, where admission requires proven competence in both languages of instruction. Admission Process: 1. Dossier submission: pick up the dossier at the secretariat and fill the enrollment form. 2. Entrance test: mandatory for classes CI to 3e; test content: French, Mathematics, Sciences. 3. Test fees: 20,000 FCFA for Elementary (CI–CM2); 25,000 FCFA for Middle (6e–3e); test fees are non-refundable; receipt is required on test day. 4. Decision and enrollment: if admitted, finalize enrollment by paying the requested fees and choose supplementary services (canteen, transport, activities). Inscriptions for 2025-2026 are open; rentrée is Monday, September 9, 2025. Required documents: copy of vaccination book, copy of report card, six recent photos (passport/visa format), medical file, birth extract, certificate of schooling, school file (Livret Scolaire), and engagement contract (Financial Regulations).
