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Ethiopia High School Structure

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The first stage of secondary education in Ethiopia is known as general secondary education and lasts for two years (grades nine and 10). There are no entrance examinations at public schools, and education is tuition-free until the 10th  grade, but upper-secondary students have to pay school fees.

  • Grades                           : 9-12
  • Duration                         : 4 years
  • Primary Languages        : English, Amharic
  • Terms                              : 3
  • Admission Term              : throughout the year

The general secondary phase curriculum focuses on three languages (mother tongue, English, and Amharic), mathematics, information technology, civics, biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history, and physical education. The secondary school second phase (grades 11 and 12) continues the Natural Science and Social science streams.

Common subjects in both streams include English, Mathematics, Civic education, Information technology, a national language, and Physical education. The students in the social science classes take Economics, General Business education, History and Geography while those in natural science take Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Technical drawing, to mention but a few.

At the end of grade 10 students will sit for the nationwide external Ethiopian General School Leaving Certificate Examination (EGSLCE). To progress into upper-secondary education, students must pass at least five subjects with a grade of C or higher. students who pass can progress into the upper-secondary track, or enroll in vocational programs.

Upper secondary or University-preparatory education lasts two years (grades 11 and 12) and Students can choose between a natural science track and a social science track. The curriculum in Both streams has common core subjects including English, civics, information communications technology, mathematics, physical education, and an elective language (Amharic or local languages).

To complete grade 12, students sit for the nationwide external examination the Ethiopian University Entrance Examination (EUEE), which focuses on seven subjects, namely mathematics, English, civics, general academic aptitude, and three stream-related specialization subjects.

 

Technical And Vocational Education And Training (TVET)

After grade 10 enroll in TVET programs. The courses or programs offered here range from informal short-term training courses to formal certificate programs which last between one and three years. The curriculum here is mostly practical training and comprises a mandatory industrial internship. Theoretical subjects include mathematics, English, civics, and business, which only contribute about 30%.

Let’s take a brief look at some international schools considered by ex-pats to be offering some of the best education in Ethiopia.

 

Intellectual School

This is a coeducational school with an international orientation. The school offers a Cambridge program for students aged 5 to 19 is made up of four stages namely Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary, and Cambridge Advanced level which combines a world-class curriculum, high-quality support for teachers, and integrated assessment.

The school aims to become an exemplary comprehensive school at a national and international level by implementing the best educational practices and by educating students as global citizens and leaders who will contribute to world peace and respect for diversity.

  • Address: Bole Sub City, Zimbabwe Street W: 02 H. No:11/2, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Grades: Kindergarten to Advanced level
  • Student population: 1653
  • Academic staff: 150
  • International student representation: 53 nationallities
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Type: co-educational, non-profit.
  • Terms: 3 terms  

The school is divided into 4 departments including:

Science Department- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Maths and ICT Department- Mathematics and Information and Communications Technology

Languages Department- English, Amharic, and French

Social Science Department- Social Science and Art

 

Curriculum- there are a variety of subjects offered in the Cambridge curriculum here namely Biology, French, Chemistry, Economics, Literature, Mathematics, Art and Design, Global Perspectives, Physics, Geography, History, English as a First language, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Secondary 1(Year 7-8)- Cambridge Lower Secondary is also known as Key Stage 3 or Secondary 1 and consists of Years 7 to 9.

Secondary 2 (IGCSE Year 8-10)- The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an English curriculum that prepares students for the International Baccalaureate, A-Level, and BTEC Level 3.

AS or Advanced Level (Year 11-12)- The Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) and Advanced Level is the standard for acceptance into some of the world’s best universities.

Extracurricular activities- French club, student council, radio, honor society, yearbook, chess club, drumline, drama, Science Olympiad, choir, math league, ROTC, marching band, Business Professionals of America, mock trial team, or dance club. There are a variety of clubs students can join including Foreign Languages, Sports Clubs, Arts Club, Science Club, ICT club, Taekwondo club, Tennis club, and Cooking Club.

 

Prospective students- the following documents are required for students who seek to apply for admission to the school:

  • Exam Results
  • Previous School’s Transcript
  • Birth Certificate Copy
  • Copy of Student’s Passport/ID’s Copy (if available)
  • Copy of Student’s ID Copy (if available)
  • Copy of Parent’s or Guardian's Passport
  • Copy of Parent’s or Guardian's ID’s Copies
  • 4 passport Photos
  • Equivalence letter( for foreigners only)
  • Resident ID ( for foreigners only)
  • Recommendation Letter

Tuition and Fees

The following are the fees to be paid by secondary school students here.

 

Pimary and Lower Secondary                                                         Installments   

1st (40%)         2nd (30%)        3rd (30%)        TotalUS$

Tuition Fee For New Registration                  $1 840             $1 380             $1 380             $4 600

Up Front Payment Discount (5%) Only         $4 370             -                       -                       $4 370

Sibling Discount (3%) Only                            $1 785             $1 339             $1 339             $4 462

Up Front (5%) + Sibling (3%) Discounts       $4 239             -                       -                       $4 239

Additional Fees For New Students              Primary and Lower Secondary      

Admission Fee                                                $1,000

Books Fee                                                       $450   

Additional Fees For Renewal Students       Primary and Lower Secondary      

Re-enrollment Fee                                           $250   

Books fee                                                        $450

 

Sandford International School

This is a co-educational, non-boarding, nursery to a pre-University institution in Kabena, Addis Ababa. It has a comprehensive approach to education with a curriculum that offers breadth and balance and through a supportive educational environment. individual students here are encouraged to develop their full potential. The School has a policy of equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, religion, or gender.

  • Established: 1940s
  • Address: Shewareged Gedle St., Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Student population: 900
  • International representation: 48+ nationalities
  • Type: Co-educational
  • Opening Hours: 8 am to 2.45 pm- Monday to Friday
  • Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

Key Stage 3- Secondary education here follows key stages 3 program that runs from Year 7 to Year 9. The academic program is based on the English National Curriculum which has a strong emphasis on functional skills such as Literacy (specifically reading, writing, speaking, listening in English), ICT and digital literacy, and Numeracy. The school uses learning approaches that promote Collaboration and interdependence, Critical thinking, Creativity and resourcefulness, Reflection, and Resilience. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum composed of a wide range of subject areas including Languages (First and Second), Humanities, Sciences, Maths, Arts and Sports.

IGCSEs- these are offered in senior or upper secondary school and are a gateway to higher education or professional education in a student’s home country or overseas. These assist students to secure a place at college or university abroad, Find better career opportunities, and Develop skills that help students to lead a more exciting and successful life.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)- is a pre-university qualification that is both challenging and stimulating. Students will complete an extended essay, take a theory of knowledge course and participate in experienced-based learning called CAS (creativity, action, service).

Facilities- students have access to Modern, bright classrooms equipped with overhead projectors, Wifi throughout the campus, Primary and Secondary libraries, Computer suites, Science labs, Art rooms, Music center, Sports halls, Sports field, and tennis/basketball court, School canteen, and a School medical center with three full-time nurses, visiting doctor, and school a counselor.

Extra-Curricular Activities- The school provides a wide variety of before and after school which includes volleyball, rugby, basketball, football, table tennis, cross-country, and badminton, to mention but a few.

Tuition and fees

Sandford International School 2021/22 School Fee

Year Group   Current National Students   New National Students         Current Natnl Students

                                    C1                   C2                               C4                               C3

Year 7-11                    7 098               5 349                           8 520                           19 503

Year 12-13                  7 458               5 622                           8 950                           20 502

Capital Levy               779                  779                              1 000                           779

Admission Fee            3 500               3 500                           5 000                           3 500

 

 

International Community School of Addis Ababa (ICSAA)

This is an international school located in Addis Ababa. It is an American-accredited IB World School offering personalized learning opportunities for students from the international community in Ethiopia, from the early years to grade 12.  The school strives to ensure that students succeed in meeting high academic standards but also experience opportunities to apply their learning in authentic and meaningful ways. It aims to nurture the talents, character, and intellect of all students and challenge them to be a positive influence, and empower them to excel in the world.

  • Location: Mauritania Rd, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Primary Languages: English
  • Student population: 234 (high school)
  • International student representation: 60+ nationalities
  • Terms                          : 3 terms
  • Admission Term: throughout the year
  • Ranking: #4 best school in Ethiopia (2018)

 

Middle School program- the school offers a middle school program where teachers facilitate learning through inquiry, action and reflection. Students are allowed to play an active part in the learning process through student-led activities that are offered by the school. The classrooms here are arranged in ways that encourage and enhance cooperative learning. Middle school here refers to grades 6, 7, and 8.  

Curriculum- the middle school curriculum offers a variety of subjects for grades 6 to 8 namely English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and elective courses including Art, Instrumental, Vocal, Design Technology, and Drama.

High school- the high school offersanengaging and rigorous curriculum in grades 9 and 10. Students take up subjects including Language Arts, World and Other, Social Studies, Sciences, Mathematics, The Arts, and Physical Education and Health. Elective subjects include Global Issues, Local Action, Model United Nations, Creative Writing, Computer Applications Development, Computer Programming, Independent Reading, Creative Social Media, Robotics, Web Design, and Publications 1 and 2.

International Baccalaureate- the school offers an international baccalaureate program for grades 11 and 12. The program focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, within and beyond the classroom.

 

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees for the middle and high school are as follows:

School Division                                  Grade Level                           Tuition

Middle School                                    Grades 6-8                              $30 870

High School                                        Grades 9-10                            $32 380

High School                                        Grades 11-12                          $33 670

 

new students fees

grade llevel                                                     application fee                       capital fee

Early Years 5-Grade 12                                  $300                                        $10 000

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