International schools in Egypt: A land where ancient history meets modern education, Egypt presents a unique tapestry of educational opportunities that blend global curricula with rich cultural heritage. In this exploration, we’ll navigate through the diverse landscape of international schools that Egypt has to offer
The education system in Egypt:
The education system in international schools in Egypt offers various types of schools, catering to different educational needs and preferences. People could easily choose their education system from:
Public Schools: These are government-funded and provide free education from primary to secondary levels. They face challenges like resource limitations and overcrowding.
Private Schools: These schools educate about 8% of students in Egypt. Many start with the national curriculum but may also seek accreditation to offer international diplomas like the British GCSE, the International Baccalaureate, and the French Baccalaureate. They also include language schools offering advanced language classes, giving them an edge over local public schools.
International schools in Egypt: These schools offer international curricula and instruction in English. Notable examples include Cairo American College, American International School in Egypt, British International School in Cairo, and Deutsche Schule der Borromäerinnen Kairo. They are popular among expatriates and those seeking an international education standard.
National Institutions Schools: These are not privately owned but are related to national institutions and administrations. Examples include Co-op schools and like the English School in Heliopolis. They are semi-private with high language standards and school fees similar to private schools.
Al-Azhar Schools: These operate in parallel with the public education system, offering a private, Islamic-oriented curriculum set by Al-Azhar University. They are neither public nor private and cater mainly to students who intend to pursue further studies at Al-Azhar University.
Embassy Schools: These schools are linked to their respective embassies and follow the curriculum of their home countries. They primarily cater to students from their respective nations and do not offer courses required by the Egyptian Ministry of Education.
Technical and Vocational Schools: These offer specialised training in various fields like agriculture, industry, and commerce. They prepare students for work life and can range from 3 to 5 years in duration.
In addition to these, Egypt also has a range of higher education options, including universities, technical schools, and vocational schools, with notable institutions like Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, and The American University in Cairo
Today we will dive into the international schools in Egypt and the different types of education systems.
The international educational systems in Egypt:
In international schools in Egypt, there are mainly three types of international education systems:
French International Schools: Focus on mastering the French language and other foreign languages, following the curriculum and standards of the French education system.
German International Schools (Abitur): Known for their rigorous academic standards, emphasising in-depth subject knowledge and critical thinking, catering to students who have attended German schools.
British International Schools (IGCSE): Offer a flexible curriculum allowing students to choose subjects based on their interests and future university majors, with a focus on deep subject knowledge and critical examination skills.
American International Schools: Emphasise activities promoting critical thinking over memorization, with grading based on a GPA system and SAT exams for college readiness.
Canadian International Schools: Provide a balanced approach between the British and
American systems, focusing on diverse subject areas without the inclusion of SAT exams.
International Baccalaureate (IB) System: Offers a holistic education focusing on inquiry-based learning and developing globally aware students, with a curriculum that includes a wide range of subject groups and core components like Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Each system has its unique approach and emphasis, catering to different educational needs and preferences.
Best international schools in Cairo:
British:
British International School in Cairo (BISC)
BISC is a well-known school in Egypt that was established in 1976. It is a co-educational institution that caters to students aged 3-18. The school is known for its high-quality educators, exceptional student care, and achievements that are widely celebrated.
BISC provides a comprehensive and balanced education that allows students to reach their full potential. It follows the National Curriculum of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which is a respected British-style education system. The school focuses on essential subjects like English, mathematics, science, and humanities.
The school has a diverse community of students, parents, and staff, all of whom contribute to the school’s vibrant environment. BISC is dedicated to fulfilling its social and moral responsibilities by supporting its wider communities.
BISC is a selective institution that admits students based on their academic capability and potential. This ensures that students are appropriately placed and their educational needs are met.
The school emphasises the importance of extracurricular activities and offers various sports, arts, and cultural activities to enhance students’ social, physical, and creative skills. The school has a sports hall, swimming pool, playing fields, and specialised music, drama, and art areas to cater to students’ needs.
New Cairo British International School (NCBIS)
NCBIS is an esteemed British international school situated in New Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt, which was established in 1978 by a group of parents, some of whom had links with the World Health Organization (WHO). The school provides both the British curriculum (the U.K. National Curriculum for England) and the Dutch curriculum.
NCBIS is an accredited British school that welcomes students from all over the world, with over 60 nationalities represented in its international community. The primary stage has a separate department for Dutch language, with both Dutch and English being taught. NCBIS has two primary school streams: International and Dutch, both of which follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) promoting lifelong learning.
The school focuses on creating a safe and inclusive environment, prioritizing academic success, personal development, and social responsibility. NCBIS is known for its academic achievements in both IGCSE and IBDP. The school strikes a balance between this academic focus and diverse extracurriculars such as sports, music, drama, and community service.
NCBIS is a day school and doesn’t provide boarding facilities. However, the school offers transportation services to students residing in various parts of Cairo. The school also provides a range of support services, including counselling, learning support, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, to meet the requirements of every student.
Maadi British International School (MBIS):
MBIS is a distinguished British Curriculum international school located in the serene and popular suburb of Maadi in Cairo, Egypt, established in 1995. Over 320 children from more than 40 nationalities, mostly British, receive top-notch education at MBIS.
The school has the British Ambassador as its patron and is widely regarded as the go-to school for expatriates in Cairo. With over 330 boys and girls ranging from 3 to 13 years, from 52 countries, MBIS takes pride in being a vibrant and cheerful international community, distributed across four distinct school sections.
MBIS is a non-profit organization, and the fees are established to cover the costs and ensure the school’s viability. Any income shortfalls resulting from delayed or unpaid fees or higher collection costs are ultimately borne by parents who pay on time. Information on fees can be found on the school’s website.
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, sports, etc. MBIS has excellent facilities, such as a swimming pool, football pitch, basketball court, and tennis court.
MBIS is dedicated to diversity and inclusivity, with more than 70 nations represented.
Malvern College Egypt:
Malvern College Egypt is an international school situated in the suburb of New Cairo, Egypt, that follows the British National Curriculum. It is the leading British international school in Cairo and has been collaborating with a top British independent school since its establishment in September 2016. The school provides education to students from Pre-Nursery to Sixth Form, attracting pupils from both local and international families. Malvern College Egypt offers a well-rounded education that includes Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts. Moreover, the school provides the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which aims to facilitate cultural and geographic mobility and promote international understanding. Malvern College Egypt has a highly dedicated and expert team that focuses on providing children with optimal learning experiences. It offers various facilities, such as modern classrooms, science laboratories, music and drama studios, a sports hall, a swimming pool, and outdoor sports areas. The school’s House System encourages community spirit and healthy rivalry by encouraging students to participate in various activities and contests. Malvern College Egypt’s goal is to foster well-rounded individuals who will succeed in their careers, university, and the broader society. It aspires to be the foremost independent co-educational day school in Egypt of its category and size.
American:
Cairo American College (CAC):
CAC, located in Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, is an international school that has been providing excellent American education to students of all nationalities since 1945. CAC is a not-for-profit school, and it mainly caters to the dependents of the local American embassy and other international students.
The school follows the “American Education Reaches Out” (AERO) standards and offers an educational program from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school year starts from the third week of August and ends in mid-June.
CAC is a co-educational institution that believes in promoting diverse and inclusive education. The school’s primary aim is to nurture confident, informed, and responsible global citizens who can excel in their respective fields.
The school encourages lifelong learning and equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a fast-evolving world. CAC has a dedicated faculty and offers engaging academics, diverse extracurriculars, and advanced tech resources to its students.
American International School in Egypt (AISE):
The American International School in Egypt (AISE) is a well-respected school that provides a college preparatory education for both boys and girls in Greater Cairo. It was established in 1990 and has since become one of the top educational institutions in Egypt. AISE offers an American curriculum from Pre-KG to Grade 12, which includes the option for students in Grades 11 and 12 to pursue the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Diploma. The school has two campuses: the original East Campus located in New Cairo, Cairo, and the newer West Campus located in Sheikh Zayed City on 6 October. With a diverse student population of over 2,000, AISE is committed to cultivating lifelong learners who make a positive impact on the world by providing high-quality education that focuses on academic excellence, intercultural understanding, and social responsibility. The school’s faculty is highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated to providing engaging and challenging learning experiences.
AISE offers a range of extracurricular activities that include sports, music, drama, and community service programs. Its state-of-the-art facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, libraries, art studios, and sports facilities, and a comprehensive counseling program that supports students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.
The Modern American School of Egypt (MASE):
The Modern American School of Egypt (MASE) is an American-accredited school of higher education situated in Cairo, Egypt. It is part of the Modern Schools of Egypt group, which was founded 20 years ago. The school opened its second and newest campus in 2017. MASE is committed to providing a top-notch education that nurtures students’ creativity, intellect, and learning. The goal of the school is to empower students to become self-reliant learners, sharp critical thinkers, and responsible members of society. MASE offers a comprehensive educational program that includes various subjects and extracurricular activities. The school’s curriculum is based on the American educational system and is designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. MASE has a highly skilled and experienced faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees. The school invests heavily in continuous professional development for its teachers, ensuring they stay current with the latest teaching methods and technologies. MASE offers great academics and fun activities like sports, music, drama, and community service programs. The school is passionate about technology and has implemented innovative tools to help students learn.
Canadian:
British Columbia Canadian International School
BCCIS is a renowned international school located in El Sherouk City, Cairo, Egypt that was established in 2005. Over the years, it has become one of the most prominent international schools in Egypt. The school offers a Canadian curriculum that is recognized by the British Columbia Ministry of Education in Canada and caters to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. BCCIS is known for its exceptional education and first-class facilities, which include modern classrooms, science labs, libraries, and sports facilities.
BCCIS has a strong focus on the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessments, which is one of its distinguishing features. Students who are 15 years old from around 80 countries take this international assessment to measure their proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science. BCCIS students consistently rank among the top in the world in the PISA assessments, which is a testament to the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
BCCIS has two campuses, one in El Sherouk City and another in 6 October City, and boasts of a diverse student body consisting of students from over 60 nationalities. Additionally, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service.
IB (International Baccalaureate):
Malvern College Egypt (also offers British curriculum)
American International School in Egypt (also offers American curriculum)
German:
German School Beverly Hills Cairo
The Deutsche Schule Beverly Hills Cairo is an international German school in Cairo, Egypt, that is privately owned. It offers a German curriculum for students from kindergarten to international graduation. The school was established in 2003 and has been authorised as an International Baccalaureate (I.B.) school since May 2013.
The school is located in a large building complex alongside the English and American schools. It provides a co-educational program that is taught in the German language. The school’s curriculum includes the I.B. program, which is designed to prepare students for higher education in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
The Deutsche Schule Beverly Hills Cairo has a diverse student body, consisting of students from various nationalities and cultures. The school is renowned for offering high-quality education and has been recognized as one of the best German schools in Egypt. The school features modern facilities, including upgraded classrooms, science and computer labs, a library, and sports amenities. Additionally, students can participate in extracurricular activities such as music, art, drama, and sports.
The Deutsche Schule Beverly Hills Cairo does not make its fees publicly available. However, interested parents can contact the school directly for more information.
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French:
Lycée Français du Caire
Located in Cairo, Egypt, the Lycée Français du Caire is an esteemed French international school that follows the French National Education system. Providing education from kindergarten to high school, the school is accredited by both the French and Egyptian Ministries of Education and is part of the network of French educational establishments abroad. The school focuses on providing high-quality education in French and offers a diverse range of subjects including mathematics, science, literature, languages, and social sciences. The Lycée Français du Caire is well-known for its excellent French educational program and extracurricular activities.
Lycée Albert Camus
Lycée Albert Camus, situated in New Giza, Egypt, is a French international school that is part of the network of French educational establishments abroad (AEFE) and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the Egyptian Ministry of Education.
The school offers a French educational program from kindergarten to the final year of high school, with classes taught in French. The curriculum is based on the French National Education system and includes subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, languages, and social sciences.
Apart from academics, the school also places great importance on extracurricular activities and provides various sports, arts, and cultural programs for students to participate in.
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In conclusion, the international schools in Egypt stand as a testament to the country’s commitment to offering quality education that prepares students for a global future.
