Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Dakar

Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is a vibrant hub that attracts expats and digital nomads from around the world. While it may not have the sheer volume of international schools found in some of the world's largest cities, Dakar does offer a selection of reputable international and bilingual schools that cater to the diverse educational needs of expat children. Among the most popular are the International School of Dakar and the Ecole Actuelle Bilingue, both known for their robust curriculums and multicultural environments.

International School of Dakar (ISD)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Route de Ouakam, Dakar
Website: www.isdakar.org

The International School of Dakar is a leading institution offering an American-style education with the option of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the high school years. With state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, a library, and sports fields, ISD provides a well-rounded education. Extracurricular activities range from arts to athletics, and the school boasts a diverse student body representing over 60 nationalities.

Ecole Actuelle Bilingue (EAB)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Les Almadies, Dakar
Website: www.eab-senegal.com

Ecole Actuelle Bilingue, also known as the Current Bilingual School, offers a bilingual French-English education. Following the French national curriculum along with the Cambridge International program, EAB prepares students for the French Baccalaureate and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). The school's facilities include computer labs, a library, and sports courts, and it has a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Dakar American School of Dakar (DAK)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Route de Ngor, Dakar
Website: www.dakar-academy.org

Dakar American School of Dakar is an independent, co-educational day school that offers an American curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. The school is known for its small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention, and its commitment to fostering a community atmosphere. Facilities include a library, computer labs, and sports areas, and the school has a variety of clubs and sports teams.

West African College of the Atlantic (WACA)

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Mamelles, Dakar
Website: www.waca-international.com

West African College of the Atlantic offers the IB curriculum and is known for its rigorous academic standards and its focus on developing internationally minded students. With a diverse student body, WACA emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and global citizenship. The school's facilities include science labs, art studios, and a sports complex, and it offers a wide array of extracurricular activities.

La Maison d'Education Mariama Ba

Grades: Middle and High School
Location(s): Gorée Island, Dakar
Website: www.memba.edu.sn

La Maison d'Education Mariama Ba, located on the historic Gorée Island, is a prestigious boarding school for girls that offers a bilingual French-English education. The school follows the Senegalese national curriculum and emphasizes leadership, academic excellence, and the empowerment of women. With a scenic and tranquil setting, it provides an ideal learning environment and a strong sense of community.

Ecole Franco-Sénégalaise de Fann

Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Fann, Dakar
Website: www.efsfann.net

Ecole Franco-Sénégalaise de Fann is a French international school that offers a curriculum based on the French education system. It caters to students from kindergarten to the baccalaureate level and is part of the network of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) schools. The school is equipped with modern classrooms, science labs, and sports facilities, and it provides a range of cultural and extracurricular activities.