International Schools in Dakar
Complete guide for families relocating to Senegal — fees, curricula, admissions, and the honest advice no school will tell you
At a Glance — Dakar International School Quick Comparison
Compare the leading international schools in Dakar by curriculum, language, annual fees, and admission demand.
| School | Curriculum | Language | Annual Fees | Waiting List |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International School of Dakar (ISD) | American / IB | English | USD 12K–32K | Yes — Apply Early |
| Lycée Jean Mermoz | French / AEFE | French | EUR 3K–8K | High Demand |
| Dakar Academy | American | English | USD 6K–14K | Moderate |
| AISD | American / IB | English | USD 9K–16K | Moderate |
| École Ste Jeanne d’Arc | French | French | EUR 2K–5K | Low |
| Enko Dakar | IB | English / French | EUR 5K–12K | Low |
International School of Dakar (ISD)
The leading English-language international school in Senegal — American curriculum + full IB.
Curriculum
American Curriculum + IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Language
English (French + Spanish offered)
Ages / Grades
Pre-K 3 to Grade 12
Location
Almadies
Annual Tuition
USD 12,000 – 32,100/year
PreKindergarten USD 12,000 — Grade 11-12 USD 32,100 (2026-27). Application fee USD 250. Capital Development Fee additional.
Why Families Choose It
Important Considerations
Visene Verdict
ISD is the right choice if English is your family’s primary language, you want an internationally recognized diploma for university applications, and your employer provides a generous education allowance. It is the premium option — and priced accordingly.
Lycée Français Jean Mermoz
French government-managed school — the largest French-curriculum school in West Africa.
Curriculum
French National Curriculum (AEFE)
Language
French (Bilingual International Stream Available)
Ages / Grades
Maternelle (Age 3) to Terminale (Age 18)
Location
Mermoz
Annual Tuition
EUR 3,000 – 8,000/year
Fees vary by level: Maternelle approx. EUR 3,000 — Lycée approx. EUR 7,000–8,000. Fees set annually by AEFE.
Why Families Choose It
Important Considerations
Visene Verdict
Lycée Jean Mermoz is the right choice for French-speaking families, families who plan to return to France or a Francophone country, or families who want a rigorous academic environment at lower cost than ISD. One of the best value options in Dakar.
Dakar Academy
Christian international school — American curriculum, English-medium, family atmosphere
School Overview
Annual Tuition
USD 6,000 – 14,000/year
Why Families Choose It
Important Considerations
Visene Verdict
Dakar Academy is the right choice for English-speaking families who want an American curriculum at a lower price point, or who are looking for a faith-based school environment. Good value for quality English-medium education in Dakar.
American International School of Dakar (AISD)
American curriculum with IB — newer school with strong international program
School Overview
Annual Tuition
USD 9,000 – 16,000/year
Why Families Choose It
Important Considerations
Visene Verdict
AISD is a solid English-medium alternative to ISD — particularly useful for families who cannot get a place at ISD or who live in the Mermoz/Sacré-Coeur area. The IB programme makes it credible for international university applications.
Institution Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc
French Catholic school — affordable, academically rigorous, and one of Dakar's most respected educational institutions.
School Information
Annual Tuition
EUR 2,000 – 5,000
One of the most affordable accredited French-curriculum schools in Dakar. Fees vary significantly by level.
Why Families Choose It
Important Considerations
- Catholic faith-based school — may not suit all families
- Location in Plateau / Médina may be less convenient for families living in Almadies or Ngor
- Less international environment than ISD or Lycée Jean Mermoz
- Primarily French-speaking — can be challenging for non-Francophone children
Visene Verdict
Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc is an excellent choice for French-speaking families on a tighter budget, or for families seeking a faith-based French education. The academic quality is highly respected and the school enjoys a strong reputation among both local Senegalese and international families.
Enko Dakar International School
IB-focused pan-African school designed for students seeking admission to international universities.
School Overview
Annual Tuition
EUR 5K – 12K
Fees vary by level. Scholarships available for eligible students.
Why Families Choose It
Important Considerations
- No primary school section — serves middle and high school students only.
- Newer institution with a shorter track record than ISD.
- Smaller student population means fewer extracurricular activities.
Distinctive Features
IB
International Baccalaureate2
Teaching Languages€5K+
Entry-Level TuitionVisene Verdict
Enko Dakar is a strong option for families arriving with children in middle or high school who need an internationally recognized IB programme without ISD-level tuition costs. The bilingual English-French environment and pan-African focus make it one of the most distinctive international schools in Dakar.
Hidden Costs — What the Fee Schedule Does Not Show
| Additional Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Application / Registration Fee (One-Time) | USD/EUR 250 – 1,500 |
| Capital Development / Building Fee | USD/EUR 500 – 3,000 |
| Annual Re-enrollment Deposit | USD 500 – 750 |
| English as Additional Language (EAL) Support | USD/EUR 1,200 – 3,800 / year |
| Learning Support / Special Needs Provision | USD/EUR 1,500 – 5,000+ / year |
| IB Exam Fees (Diploma Programme) | USD/EUR 900 – 3,000 / year |
| School Transport / Bus Service | EUR 200 – 600 / year |
| Uniforms & School Materials | EUR 200 – 600 / year |
| Extracurricular Activities | EUR 300 – 1,500 / year |
| School Trips & Excursions | EUR 200 – 800 / year |
Need help with school applications and the admissions process?
Our concierge team has helped families navigate school applications in Dakar — including contacting schools on your behalf, preparing required documents, and following up on waiting list positions. Book a free discovery call.
Admissions Timeline — When to Apply
The biggest mistake families make is starting the school search too late. Follow this realistic timeline to maximize your chances of securing a place at Dakar's most sought-after international schools.
| Timeline | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
|
18
18 Months Before Arrival
|
Research schools online. Download fee schedules. Join international resident forums and Facebook groups to hear from current parents. Begin assessing which schools fit your language, curriculum, and budget. |
|
12
12 Months Before Arrival
|
Submit applications to your top two or three schools. Pay application fees. For ISD and Lycée Mermoz this is the minimum lead time. Some grades may already be waitlisted. |
|
9
9 Months Before Arrival
|
Gather required documents including school reports, teacher references, passport copies, and vaccination records. Translate documents into French if required. |
|
6
6 Months Before Arrival
|
Confirm your school place in writing. Pay enrollment deposits and notify the school of any special educational needs or language support requirements. |
|
3
3 Months Before Arrival
|
Organize transport arrangements, order uniforms if required, and contact the school’s parent association for local advice and support. |
|
On Arrival
|
Visit the school in person, finalize enrollment paperwork, and ensure all fees have been paid before the academic year begins. |
Required Documents Checklist
Most international schools in Dakar require the following documents. Prepare them well in advance and arrange certified French translations where necessary.
Standard Documents Required by Most Schools
Past 2–3 academic years. Translate into French if not originally in French or English.
Copy of passport for the child and both parents.
Usually 2–4 recent passport-size photographs.
Yellow fever certificate plus full childhood vaccination history.
Recommendation letter from the child’s current school.
Dakar residence proof or employer relocation confirmation letter.
IEPs, learning support reports, or special needs documentation.
Certified copy translated into French if required.
Required by some bilingual and international streams to assess English and/or French proficiency.
Translation Reminder
Documents not originally in French or English should be professionally translated before submission.
Pro Tip
Create a single digital folder containing all documents in PDF format. Most schools request electronic submission before conducting interviews or assessments.
Which School for Which Family?
Quick Family Profile Comparison
| Your Family Profile | First Choice | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| English-Speaking, High Budget | ISD | AISD or Dakar Academy |
| French-Speaking, Any Budget | Lycée Jean Mermoz | École Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc |
| English-Speaking, Medium Budget | Dakar Academy | AISD |
| IB Diploma Priority | ISD | Enko Dakar or AISD |
| French Catholic Education | École Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc | Lycée Jean Mermoz |
| Bilingual English-French Priority | Lycée Jean Mermoz (SIA) | Enko Dakar |
| Budget-Conscious French Curriculum | École Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc | Lycée Jean Mermoz |
| Late Application / No Waiting List | Dakar Academy or Enko | AISD |
Practical Advice from Parents Already There
The best relocation advice often comes from families who have already navigated the school search process in Dakar. Here are the tips they wish they had known before arriving.
Join Parent Communities Early
Join Facebook groups such as International residents in Dakar, Dakar International Parents, and school-specific parent communities before you arrive.
Visit Schools in Person
During your reconnaissance trip, tour schools personally. The atmosphere, facilities, and community culture tell you far more than a website ever can.
Ask About Class Sizes
Class sizes and teacher turnover vary considerably between schools and even between academic years. Ask specific questions.
Learning Support Matters
If your child needs EAL support or any learning assistance, ask exactly what services are available and whether additional fees apply.
Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely
Pick your neighborhood based on your child’s school location. ISD families usually prefer Almadies or Ngor, while Lycée Mermoz families often choose Mermoz or Sacré-Coeur.
Budget for Exam Fees
IB Diploma examinations are typically billed separately from tuition and can cost several hundred euros per session.
Check generator and water backup at the school
Power cuts affect schools too. Ask what backup systems exist.
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