Primary education in Benin is compulsory for children between the ages of six and eleven years. There are 6 years of Primary education, starting from the age of 6 to 11 or 12 years. Primary education culminates in the Certificate of Primary School (Certificat d'etudes primaires). There are public and private, local and international primary schools in Benin. Private schools usually offer an international curriculum and a more advanced education with state-of-the-art facilities. The primary language of instruction in primary schools is french.
Primary education
- Ages : 6-12 years
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : French
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- the primary school curriculum focuses on a variety of subjects and areas including reading and writing, maths, Social Studies, Social Studies, and Science, Geography, History, Geography, Languages, Physical education, and the Arts, to mention but a few. Primary education cements some of the competence taught in pre-primary school and goes further to introduce new concepts and skills while preparing students for the final examinations and hence, secondary education.
Below are some of the international schools you can find in Benin.
The Indian International School, Benin-
This is an Indian multicultural international school located in Cotonou, Benin, offering education from Playgroup to Grade 12. The school has a truly diverse student community, with students from various countries. It aims to provide an environment that promotes self-discipline, confidence, and academic excellence in its students. The school offers a conducive environment for the multi-dimensional growth of students, with a focus on scholastic development, personal growth, and ethical enrichment of students.
- Established: 2008
- Address: Carre 1684, Akpakpa, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, West Africa
- grades: kindergarten to 12th grade
- Language of instruction: English
- Terms:2 (
- Opening hours: 8:00am to 13:30pm (kindergarten to grade 5)
The primary section is for students in Grades 1 to Grade 5 with ages ranging from age range between 5 and 11 years.
Facilities- the school offers an ideal environment for holistic learning by offering a variety of facilities including Classrooms, playgrounds, Sports and Aerobics facilities, Music Classes, Computer Laboratory, Science laboratory, and a Library, to mention but a few.
Extracurricular activities- the school encourages self-expression through several activities including art, music, free-style dance, recitations, speeches, Physical exercise, Yoga, music, dance, sports, and a variety of extra activities such as Roller Skating, Tae Kwon Do, Dance, Cooking, Beading, Art and Craft, to mention but a few.
Tuition and fees- the fees for the primary school section for the year are as folows
Registration fees 125 000 FCFA (one-time, non-refundable)- paid on enrolment.
annual fees:
Playgroup to kindergarten 1,000,000 FCFA
Class 1 to Class 5 1,300,000 FCFA
QSI International School of Benin -
This is a private, non-profit school located in Camp Guezo, Cotonou, Benin offering a high-quality English language, American-styled education. The school has a diverse multicultural community of students from Benin and various other nations. It aims to ensure that each student receives individual attention and is valued as a person, and places a strong emphasis on a positive community and character education.
Pre-school Section
- Established: 2012
- Location: #126 & #127, Zone Residentielle de la Radio, Camp Guezo, Cotonou, 02BP1087, Benin.
- ages: 3-5
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Student population: 92
- International representation: 19
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms (August- December, January- march, and April- June)
- Accreditation: Middle States Association
Curriculum- the school offers an outcomes-based educational program based on the US education system. the curriculum offers opportunities for children to develop into confident, competent students in four areas of growth, namely, physical, social, intellectual, and emotional areas. Learning Areas here include Fine Arts, Social or Emotional Development, Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, to mention but a few.
School activities- Students have A full spectrum of activities, some of which are offered at a cost. These include languages, drama, arts, sports, music, and other fun activities, to mention but a few.
Prospective Students- Admission to the school requires the submission of the following documents:
- An Online application form
- a copy of a student passport
- a copy of the student birth certificate
- 1 passport-sized photo of students and parents
- previous school records
- Proof of Payment of the one-time, non-refundable US $300 registration fee.
Tuition and fees- the fees and annual tuition rates for primary school are as follows:
- grades K-8: $21 400.
- annual capital fund fee $1 600 per student
- one-time registration fee of $300.
- lunch program $3 per school day.
Note the fees are quoted in US dollars.
