Early childhood care and development (ECCD) last for 3 years, from the ages of 3 to 5, and is known as pre-primary education. Early childhood care and development (ECCD) in Lesotho is offered in three approaches as follows:
Home-based schools- this is an approach where children aged 3to 5 are enrolled and taken care of by volunteers who are not paid. These are meant for disadvantaged children, hence no fees are paid. The curriculum used here is the same as the national curriculum offered in paid schools.
Center-based approach- most schools in this approach are privately owned and charge fees. These normally use qualified teachers who are paid. These are usually inaccessible to children from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds. They often offer better facilities as well.
Reception schools- these are for 5-year-olds who are preparing for entry into primary school. No fees are paid here, and teachers are paid by the government. Reception Classes are attached to primary schools and also accommodate children from disadvantaged backgrounds. They typically also offer free school feeding.
Pre-school education
- Ages : 3-5
- Duration; 3 years
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: Beginning of the first term- January
School Types: reception, nursery school, and kindergarten school, and more.
Why pre-primary education?
Children school be enrolled in Pre-primary education as it opens doors for them to explore a variety of areas and to grow in various aspects. Here are some reasons why parents or guardians should enroll their children.
- Students are prepared mentally, emotionally, and socially for mainstream education
- Children learn how to care for themselves
- they develop cognitive, emotional, social, and physical potential
- children get to explore the world
- it develops their motor, language, and thinking skills
- it helps them to develop a sense of independence
- they learn how to control their behavior around others.
- They get equipped with pre-writing and pre-reading skills
general curriculum for Preschool in Lesotho.
The pre-school curriculum in Lesotho aims to teach and equip children in the areas of Language Development, Literacy, Math, Science, Social studies, Art, Social development, and Physical development, to mention but a few. Children are taught these various aspects through play, rhymes exploration, outdoor exploration, playing with toys, and other aids, to mention but a few.
Examples of International Pre-Schools in Lesotho
The College of Montessori for Children
This is a Montessori school located in Maseru. The school offers education for children between the ages of 2 to 11 years. At the school, children are fostered emotionally, physically, and intellectually to achieve their full potential and be prepared for their next step in life.
- Address: 282 Montessori Lane, Maseru West, Lesotho
- Grades: pre-reception to primary
- Ages: 2-11
- Membership: South African Montessori Association
- Language of instruction: English
The school has suitably qualified teachers who work with Montessori educational material and assist children to grow in every aspect. Children are taught in the areas of language, history, math, Science and Nature, Social Studies, Practical Life, Physical Development, Sensorial, and the arts. They also learn how to work and play with others, grow in confidence and knowledge.
Tuition and Fees
Below are some of the fees that parents and guardians can expect to pay for their children at the College of Montessori for children.
Pre School and Reception Program (2 to 6 years)- Monday through Friday
Details per term Monthly x 4
Regular (Rotation 8:00 to 12:30 or 13:30 to 15:30) M7 200 M1 900
Regular Day & Aftercare (8:00 – 16:30) Temporarily suspended
Registration and Civvies Fee (yearly)
Registration M500.00
Civvies (cash) M360.00
Book and Stationary Fees (yearly)
Primary Students M800.00
Pre and Reception Students M500.00
Each Pre and Reception Student must bring a box of tissues, a pack of wet wipes, and 1 liter of liquid soap at the beginning of each term.
The American International School of Lesotho (AISL)- pre-primary school section
Is an international school that is registered with and supported by the United States of America Department of State and Office of Overseas Schools. The school offers academic excellence and personal development for children from the age of 3. The school has a diverse community with students from more than 21 countries. The school focuses on the individual needs of each child and also on producing more world-conscious students and positive citizens in an ever-challenging and dynamic world.
- Opened:1991
- Address: 14 United Nations Road, Maseru 100, Kin Lesotho
- Ages: 3-5 years
- Duration: 2 years
- Language: English
- International representation: 21 nationalities
Admission Term: the beginning of 1st term-January
Terms: 3
Prospective students
Parents of Prospective students should note that Admission is considered by written application to The American International School of Lesotho (AISL) along with the submission of required documentation and completion of a screening process. The following documentation must be provided:
- Birth certificate of student
- a copy of a foreign passport of the student and parent.
- One recent color photo.
- Academic records from the previous school if applicable.
- Any special learning evaluations are done by a previous school or outside agencies (if applicable).
- Academic references from current school (if transferring)
- Medical records including vaccination records
- Parent statement outlining why the family wishes to join the AISL community.
- a commercial letter of financial responsibility if education is company-sponsored.
Tuition and fees
Non-refundable Application fee- once off US $216 (3 000 maloti)
Capital Fe- once off US $3 630 (58 000 maloti)
Transportation fee per annum
One Way US $1 000.00 (16 000 maloti)
Incluidng Return US $2 000 (32 000 maloti)
the bus only operates within a limited area within Maseru and is an optional extra for parents.
Tuition Schedule for Early Childhood Education (Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten) 2021- 2022 Academic Year
Details Amount/ year
Category A- where Tuition is paid by families: no reimbursement by employer M35 000
Category B- whereTuition is paid or reimbursed by employer US$3 000
Families wishing to make a payment plan must communicate directly with the business office and agree upon a schedule before making any payments.
Soofia International School
It is a diverse, multi-racial, international institution located in the Butha-Buthe district. it offers a Cambridge curriculum from pre-school to the high school level.
pre-school
- location: Butha-Buthe district, Lesotho.
- established: 1990
- students: 1400+
- academic staff: 60+
curriculum- the school offers a broad pre-school curriculum focussing on areas including Physical development, Perceptual development, Communication skills, Numerical ability, Development of creative skills, Language development, Science, Intellectual development, Art and Craft, and Mathematics, to mention but a few.
Facilities- students at the school have access to state-of-the-art facilities including a Computer Lab, a Science Lab, a Library, and Sports Facilities which are aimed at enhancing learning and the learning experience as a whole.
Prospective students- Admission into the Pre-School is open to children who are at least 4 years old. students who have been considered for admission are expected to continue with the admission procedures.selected shall be invited for an oral interview and must provide A non-refundable Registration Fee payable in Cash, A copy of the applicant's birth certificate and a copy of the Parent’s Passport, a Testimonial from the previous school (if transferring), recent report card from the previous school (if transferring)
Extracurricular activities- there are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that students can take part in. these include Soccer, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Chess, Basketball, Scrabble, Netball, Monopoly, Cricket, and Tennis.
