The Ethiopian school system consists of eight years of elementary education, which is divided into two cycles of four years each. Primary education is offered free at public schools, but private schools charge fees and tend to have better facilities and better-qualified teachers.
Most students enter primary/ elementary education at the age of seven. Promotion in primary school is based on continual assessment during the first phase. End-of-term-end examinations are introduced in the second phase. At the end of grade eight, students will sit for a region-wide external examination, upon which they will be awarded the Primary School Leaving Certificate, which is required for admission into secondary school.
- Ages : 6-12 years
- Grades : Grade 1-8
- Duration of study : 8 years
- Primary Languages : English, French
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- The first cycle of primary education focuses on functional literacy, and the second cycle is in preparation for secondary education. The curriculum aims to link theory with practice in real life and to use a problem-solving approach. The Primary education curriculum includes Languages (mother tongue, Amharic), English, Mathematics, Environmental science, Natural science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), Social science, and Aesthetic education.
Let us take a brief look at some of the international schools you can find in Ethiopia.
Zagol Academy
This is a private, co-educational school offering education from kindergarten to the 8th grade. It is one of the top schools offering quality education, highly educated teachers, innovative learning techniques, and works closely with parents and the community. It aims to give opportunities for students to achieve their personal best, become responsible and productive citizens, and embrace lifelong learning in a safe and positive environment.
- Founded: 2009
- Location: Mid-way between CMC and Ayat (Meri), near Gift Real-Estate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Grades: Kindergarten to 8th grade.
- Language of instruction: English
- Type: co-educational, non-profit.
- Student population: 400
- Academic Staff – 42
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday- 7 am - 3 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 12 pm (Grade 8 only)
Why Zagol academy?
These are some of the reasons why Zagol Academy should be a great choice to enroll your child:
Creative Thinking- the school has a strong focus on creative thinking and creative problem solving across all areas.
Team Work- students are taught how to work together in groups where they learn valuable lessons in communication and leadership and prepare themselves for success through cooperation.
Multiple Learning Styles- the school acknowledges that there is more than one path to learning and hence uses a combination of basic learning styles: auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), and kinesthetic (hands-on)
Curriculum- The school offers a curriculum mostly taught in English but offers Amharic as well. other areas include science, language, technology. All subjects offered here include Mathematics, English, Amharic, Science (biology/chemistry/physics), Civics, Computers (ICT), and Athletics
Facilities- you can find a variety of facilities here including ten classrooms, a state-of-the-art computer room, a science laboratory, a pedological center, a library with English books, and a large play area. The school’s bright, sunny classrooms and safe, the enclosed campus provides the ideal learning environment.
Prospective students- the following are required To register your child at the school.
- Birth Certificate
- Vaccination Card
- Three passport size photographs of the student
- One passport size photo of each parent or guardian that will be picking up the student
- Academic Records from a recognized school (KG-2 and older)
- An Entrance exam (for grades 7 and 8)
- An international passport (international students)
Andinet International School
This is a co-educational international school located in Addis Ababa. It aims To provide an environment that encourages and nurtures the individual development of attitudes and skills essential to achieve success in this dynamic world. The school is committed to promoting Respect, Responsibility, Diversity, Compassion, Cooperation, Excellence and equity in education, Inclusion and acceptance of individuals and cultures, A global outlook, Life-long learning, Creative thinking, the practice of environmental sustainability, and Technical competency, among its students
Primary school division
- Address : Andinet International School, Yeka Subcity, Woreda 9, House Number New, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
- established : 2003
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
- Internationall representation : 25+ nationionalities.
- School calendar : 1st of September to mid-June
Curriculum- The school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) which promotes inquiry-based, experiential, and cross-curricular learning. Primary students here are aught through curiosity, experimentation, research, and questioning. Students are taught in areas including mathematics, Amharic and beginning Amharic, English and beginning English, social studies, civics, ICT, science, art, music, and physical education. The school aims to facilitate exciting and interesting learning experiences where students can integrate the new knowledge and skills acquired into their lives.
Facilities- Andinet International School is set on a large campus with a wide range of facilities both inside and outside the classroom. Thes include a large running track, a football pitch, a basketball court and other areas that are used for different seasonal sports, music rooms, a nurse’s clinic, library, an ICT suite, and plenty of space for students and staff to relax, with a range of courtyards, covered seating areas, and gardens where they can gather to enjoy free time.
Sports- Andinet International School is a member of the Addis Ababa International Schools Sports Association and offers a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track, and field events.
Co-curricular activities- students here are engaged in a variety of co-curricular activities including Spelling Bee, Annual Science Fair, Geography Bee, Maths Competition, Essay writing contests, World Cultures Day, Africana Month, Annual Holiday Program, and the End of Year Program.
Prospective students- the following are a requirement fr students to enroll at Andinet:
- Andinet International School entrance examination results
- The child’s birth certificate or passport
- An up to date immunization record
- previous school reports
- two photos each of the student and each parent
One Planet International School
This is a premium international school located in Addis Ababa. The school offers a holistic approach to education which focuses on both academic excellence and character development. The school aims to impact the quality of education on a broader scale and to provide a model of education that is relevant to the local context, and improve the quality of learning.
- Location- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Near Megenagna
- established: 2006
- Language of instruction: English
- Students population: 550
- Type: coeducational
- Terms: 3 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
- Calendar: September - July
Curriculum- One Planet follows the Cambridge curriculum for English, science, and math subjects from grades 1 to 6. students here learn through discovery and exploration led by their curiosity. Students are often presented with a problem or a scenario where they learn to discover the solutions through reflection, consultation, problem-solving, and investigation. The curriculum offers Subjects including Mathematics, English, Amharic, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, Computers, Character education, and French which is introduced in third grade
Extracurricular activities- students are offered a platform to take up a variety of extra-curricular activities seasonally or daily. They can take part in a variety of activities including Health and Nutrition month, Carrier Day, and Farmer’s Market where students can show their talents.
Application for Admission- parents of prospective students should note the following requirements for admission into the school
- A copy of the birth certificate,
- A copy of birth vaccination conduct reports
- A copy of birth two photographs of the child
- One picture of each parent
- A recent copy of school reports
- A copy of the parent's passport
- A non-refundable application fee
Alternative Basic Education
the alternative basic education (ABE) system aims to educate underserved children from underprivileged families and pastoral communities, outside of the formal school system. It affords children in critical areas the opportunity to study the first-stage elementary curriculum on flexible class schedules that accommodate traditional ways of living. It also allows marginalized children to receive at least a basic, foundational education then they can transfer into the second cycle of elementary education at regular schools upon completion.
