How to Choose a Private School in Dakar

Senegalese, French or English language curriculum, class sizes, daily commute, school meals: choosing a private school in Dakar means getting clear on priorities before visiting. Here is what actually matters and the questions worth asking during a visit.

Which curriculum fits your plans

Private schools in Dakar follow different curricula: some apply the Senegalese programme, others the accredited French programme, and others an English language track, British or American style. This choice shapes what comes later, particularly if the family is considering higher education abroad or a return to the Senegalese system. Before settling on a school, check which curriculum it actually follows and for how long, rather than relying only on general reputation.

Class sizes, support and commute

The number of pupils per class directly affects how much attention each child gets, especially in the early years. Ask how many pupils a typical class holds and how the school handles children who need extra support. The daily commute also weighs heavily on family life: an excellent school that is too far away can become exhausting to manage every day, especially with Dakar's rush hour traffic.

Meals, activities and school life

Some schools run an on-site canteen, others leave lunch to families to organise; this changes the rhythm of the day quite a bit, for the child and for the parents. Ask about activities beyond the regular curriculum too, sport, languages, outings, which give a better sense of daily life at the school beyond the official programme.

Visit, ask questions, compare

A visit remains the best way to get a real feel for a school: watch the atmosphere in the yard, talk with the leadership team, and if possible talk to other parents already enrolled there. Prepare a specific list of questions about curriculum, class sizes, extra fees and enrolment terms, and compare several private schools in Dakar rather than deciding after a single visit.

Fees to expect, in general ranges

Tuition fees vary enormously from one school to another depending on the curriculum, reputation and services included. As a strictly indicative and variable guide, a school following the Senegalese programme generally sits in a more accessible range than a bilingual or English language school, where yearly fees climb noticeably. Always ask for a written breakdown of everything added to base tuition before committing.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Institution Saint Louis Marie Grignion De Malika: Dakar, a private school.
• British International School Dakar: Almadies, an English language private school.
• Collège privé d'excellence LES ÉRUDITS: Dakar, a private secondary school.
• Cours Sainte-Marie de Hann: Dakar, a private school.
• Dakar Academy Central: Dakar, a private school.
• Ecole Franco-Sénégalaise De Fann: Dakar, a private school.

To compare more schools, see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

The practical guide gathers useful information on transport and daily life in Dakar, and the route planner helps estimate the commute between home and a school before committing. The article on the best schools in Dakar complements this guide, as does the one on international schools in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out which curriculum a private school follows?

Ask the school leadership directly how long they have followed that curriculum and whether they are accredited to deliver it; a serious school answers this clearly.

What is a reasonable number of pupils per class?

There is no single official figure, but it helps to ask for the real class size and how the school handles individual support before deciding if it suits your child.

Should I visit several schools before deciding?

Yes, comparing a few schools, asking each the same questions and observing the atmosphere on site gives a fairer picture than deciding on reputation alone.