Primary education in Egypt begins at age six and takes 6 years. There are three types of primary schools, namely public schools, subsidized private schools, and unsubsidized private schools. The primary/ elementary curriculum is set by the government for both public and private schools (except for international schools).
It includes general subjects like Arabic, mathematics, and science. English is taught from grade one, and religious education is mandatory at all stages. At the end of their primary school, students will take a standardized exam that determines whether they are eligible for the academic secondary track.
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: Arabic, English
- Terms: 2 ((September to January and February to May or June).
- Admission Term: throughout the year
Examples of international schools offering primary education in Egypt include:
American International School in Egypt (Main Campus)- this is an international school offering a standards-based American curriculum. It has 2 campuses, the main campus in Cairo and the West campus. The school aims to develop students that will be able to thrive in a multicultural and diverse global society.
It provides a holistic approach to education based on pillars including international mindedness, innovation, balance, academic excellence, happiness, cultural respect, and community leadership. The primary school section here offers seven levels of classes from Kindergarten 1 to Grade 5.
The school aims to empower students to reach their maximum potential in a positive, enjoyable, stimulating, and safe environment that is conducive to their intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development.
- Address: P.O. Box 8090, Masakan, Nasr City 11371, Cairo, Egypt
- established: 1990
- Student population: 1500+
- campuses: 2 (Main Campus and West Campus)
- type: private
- terms: 3 trimesters (primary school)
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), Council of International Schools (CIS), the Egyptian Ministry of Education.
Curriculum- the school offers a comprehensive and challenging American and international curriculum. Subjects offered include English, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, social sciences, physical education, fine arts, and students can benefit from specialist classes in music, art, physical education, and library. Computers, Arabic, and religious studies classes start in Grade 1 while Arabic social studies start in Grade 4.
Facilities- the school has a variety of state-of-the-art facilities where students can get the ultimate learning experience. These include An Information Technology structure, State-of-the-art Technology Center, Well-equipped science labs, A well-stocked library, music rooms, a 500-seat auditorium or theatre, a soccer field, Olympic-sized running track, Outdoor basketball courts, and Well-equipped Elementary outdoor play areas.
Prospective students- the school has a rolling admission process, meaning that students are admitted throughout the academic year. Prospective parents are advised to start applying as soon as possible. They can download the application forms and submit them with the following requirements:
Requirements for Online Application
- A completed application form
- A recent passport-sized color photograph
- An original electronic birth certificate (for Egyptians only)
- A photocopy of the applicant/ student's passport
- Parent’s Passport or National ID.
- Copies of academic end-of-year reports for the previous two years and the most recent report from the current school.
- Complete parent questionnaire (1 per family)
Requirements for Admissions (Upon Acceptance)
- A Student’s Birth Certificate
- Immunization Reports
- Parents/ guardian’s Passports
- Student’s Passport Size photo
- Parents’ Passport Size photo
- Student's Final Report Card from the previous school (transfer students)
- Confidential School Report submitted directly from the most recent school (Kindergarten-G5)
The British International School, Cairo
This is a selective, not-for-profit, co-educational day school and is one of Egypt's leading academic institutions, renowned for its quality education. It offers British-style education that focuses on independent learning and the promotion of global citizenship and excellence in international education through a broad, balanced, and progressive curriculum.
- Established: 1976
- Location: Km 38, Cairo-Alexandria Road, Beverly Hills.
- Language: English
- Terms: 3 (Term 1- August- December, Term 2- January- April, Term 3- May- June)
- Accreditation: Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS)
- Membership: British Schools of the Middle East (BSME).
Junior School- The Junior School offers a broad and balanced curriculum and pursues excellence in both learning and teaching. Education is offered for children from foundation stage 1 to key stage 2. Key stage 1 encompasses years 1 and 2 for children aged 5 and 6, and key stage 2 encompasses years 3 to 6, for children aged 7 to 10.
Cocurricular activities- students from year 2 and upwards are encouraged to take up at least an activity per week from any of the following junior activities: Chess Club, Movie Making, Yoga, Band Club, Dance Musical, Bollywood Dance Club, Arts and Crafts Club, Sunshine Dance, Creative, ScienceFashion Design, Poet's Corner, Fun Food Cookery Club, Dress up Stories, Playtime Games, Jewellery Making and Crafts, Puzzles and Brain Teasers, Crossfit, Card Games, Creative Writing, and Irish Dancing.
Sports- students are also encouraged to recreationally or competitively take up a sporting activity from a wide list of sports codes. These include athletics, basketball, rugby, volleyball, swimming, football, and netball, to mention but a few.
These are conducted at the various sports facilities offred here namely a 50m Pool, a 1000m² Sports Hall, a 400m Track, a Fitness Gym, Tennis Courts, a Sports Field, an Additional Field, and Outdoor Courts.
Curriculum – the school follows the English National Curriculum with subjects such as English (including Drama, Guided Reading, and Library at Key Stages 1 and 2), Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Computing, French (from Key Stage 2), Humanities ( Geography and History), Design and Technology, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education (PE), and Global Citizenship (formerly PSHCE)
Tuition and fees-the follwing are the Fees for Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6
Tuition Fees £ 3 582 Per term (3 terms per year)
Admission Fees £ 3 582 Payable once on entry (non-refundable)
Supply Fees £ 1 500 Payable once on entry (non-refundable)
Registration Fees £ 100 Cash equivalent in EGP prior to testing (non-refundable)
Refundable Deposit- First child: £ 2 000
Second and subsequent children : £ 1 000
