Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Pemba

Pemba, is a relatively small and serene island located in the Zanzibar Archipelago, known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. As such, the options for international or bilingual schools are quite limited compared to larger cities. However, expats and digital nomads moving to Pemba with their families can still find quality education for their children. Among the most popular options are the International School of Pemba and Pemba Academy, which cater to the diverse educational needs of expatriate children.

International School of Pemba

Grades: Kindergarten through Grade 8
Location(s): Chake Chake, Pemba

The International School of Pemba offers a curriculum that integrates local and international educational standards. With a focus on creating a multicultural learning environment, the school provides a broad-based education that encourages critical thinking and global awareness. Facilities are modest but adequate, and the school often engages in community projects and extracurricular activities to enrich students' experiences.

Pemba Academy

Grades: Pre-school through Grade 7
Location(s): Wete, Pemba

Pemba Academy is known for its commitment to providing a bilingual education, with English and Swahili being the primary languages of instruction. The school follows a curriculum that prepares students for both local and international educational progression. With a range of extracurricular activities, Pemba Academy aims to develop well-rounded individuals. The school's facilities support a conducive learning environment, with a focus on student engagement and participation.

Zanzibar International School (ZIS)

Grades: Nursery through Grade 12
Location(s): Zanzibar City, Unguja (Zanzibar)
Website: www.zis.ac.tz

Although not located on Pemba Island itself, Zanzibar International School is a short flight away and offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. ZIS provides high-quality education with a diverse student body representing over 30 nationalities. The school boasts excellent facilities, including science labs, art studios, and sports fields, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.

QSI International School of Zanzibar

Grades: Age 3 through Secondary
Location(s): Zanzibar City, Unguja (Zanzibar)
Website: www.zanzibar.qsi.org

Another option within reach for families in Pemba is the QSI International School of Zanzibar. This school is part of the Quality Schools International group and offers an American-style curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses for older students. The school emphasizes mastery learning and provides a nurturing environment for students of various cultural backgrounds.

St. Monica English Medium School

Grades: Nursery through Grade 7
Location(s): Chake Chake, Pemba

St. Monica English Medium School is a local option that offers education in English. While not strictly an international school, it provides an alternative for expat parents seeking an English-speaking environment for their children. The school focuses on academic excellence and character development, with a range of activities to support students' growth.

Please note that due to the limited number of international or bilingual schools directly on Pemba Island, some families may consider schools on the nearby island of Unguja (Zanzibar), which is more developed and has a greater number of educational facilities catering to expatriate children. Travel between the islands is facilitated by regular flights and ferry services.