Private schools in Almadies and Ngor: choosing where to enroll

Northwest Dakar, around the Almadies and Ngor, is home to several private schools, including bilingual and international-curriculum options. Whether your family has lived in the area for years or just arrived, here is what to look at before enrolling a child in this part of town.

Bilingual or international: what is the difference

A bilingual school teaches in two languages, with a balance that varies from one school to another, often French and English. An international-curriculum school follows a program recognized beyond Senegal's borders, useful for families who may move to another country later on. The right choice depends on the schooling plan over several years, not just the current one, since changing schools partway through is never neutral for a child. Talking with other parents already enrolled in a given school can also surface practical details that a brochure rarely covers.

Early years, a stage of its own

For younger children, group size, supervision and how outdoor spaces are set up often matter more than the strict academic content. A visit lets you observe the general atmosphere, how clean the premises are, and how staff interact with children already enrolled. These details are better judged on site than through a brochure. For very young children, a short trial morning, when offered, often says more about fit than any conversation with staff alone.

Commuting and traffic: a factor not to underestimate

The Almadies and Ngor see heavy traffic at certain times, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up hours. Before choosing a school, test the actual commute from your home at the relevant time rather than relying only on the distance shown on a map. That travel time, repeated every day, has a direct effect on the whole family's routine.

Preparing for a visit: questions to ask

During a visit, ask concrete questions about class size, individual follow-up, how medical emergencies are handled, and the extracurricular activities on offer. Also ask how the school communicates with families day to day. These answers, specific to each school, cannot be guessed in advance and should come directly from the teaching staff.

Tuition fees, in general ranges

Fees vary widely depending on the type of school, the program followed and the grade level, with international-curriculum schools generally sitting in a higher range than local bilingual schools. These amounts, along with additional costs such as enrollment or school transport, should be confirmed directly with each school, since only they can share current rates. To compare several options, the Dakar education directory lets you browse schools in the area.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• British International School Dakar : Almadies
• Ecole Montessori Bilingue de Dakar : Almadies
• Enko WACA : Almadies
• ORT Sen Ngor : Almadies
• Educape : Almadies

To see all addresses in this category, or explore the Dakar directory as a whole, follow the links above.

Useful tools

• Route planner to test the school-to-home commute
• FCFA currency converter useful for families moving from abroad
• Practical guide with useful numbers and transport information
• Recommend an address if you know a good school to add

See also our selection of the best schools in Dakar and our article on international schools in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bilingual and an international school?

A bilingual school teaches in two languages with a balance that varies by school, while an international school follows a program recognized beyond Senegal's borders.

Should I visit several schools before deciding?

Yes, a visit lets you observe the atmosphere, the premises and concrete answers from the teaching staff, details that are hard to judge from a distance.

Are tuition fees the same across the Almadies?

No, they vary by program and grade level: only the chosen school can share its current rates.