Children three to six years of age attend nursery schools, daycare centers, crèches, and pre-schools, that are mostly available in the urban areas. The Namibian government introduced a three-year pre-primary education pilot program in 2008 which aims at giving children from poor backgrounds access to pre-primary education.
- Duration of study : 3 years
- Ages : 3-5 years
- Primary Languages: English, and local languages
- Terms : 3 (1st term- January to April, 2nd Term- May to August, and 3rd Term September to December)
- Admission Term: 1st Term (January)
- ECD School Types: Public, and Private.
Early childhood development offers unparalleled growth and brain development and is the first stage that can shape a child's future. The quality of a child's experiences in the first few years of their lives helps to shape how their brain develops. Their emotional, social and physical development has a direct impact on their overall development and on the type of people they will become and this is why the Government has taken steps to invest in early childhood education or development. Students who have access to Early Childhood Development education can start mainstream school with the necessary cognitive, socio-emotional, and health foundations which allow them to learn and thrive.
Classification of Pre-Schools in Namibia is as follows:
- Pre-schools
- Kindergarten schools
- Nurseries
ECD Curriculum
The core ECD curriculum in Namibia incorporates a variety of learning areas that provides for the all-around development of the child. Areas include:
- Language
- Preparatory Mathematics
- Environmental Learning
- Arts
- Physical Development
- Religious and Moral Education
There is a wide variety of schools that offer early childhood education in Namibia. Let us look briefly at some of the schools that offer early education in Namibia.
Waka Junior International School
This is an international school located in Windhoek that focuses on meeting every child as an individual who develops in their unique way. The school emphasizes each child’s interests and learning styles and goes the extra mile to treat children the same but with different learning styles. The school offers a unique environment and offers a variety of educational methods that help students to direct, develop and expand their interests and talents.
Pre-school students are very active and curious and, the school uses a variety of plays, music, and activities to assist them in learning. The school offers ample space and a variety of activities and opportunities for children to explore the world around them, various objects, and play in different environments to help them develop their imagination and motor, cognitive, language, and social skills essential for future development.
- Address: Wakaland, 183 Jan Jonker Road, Windhoek, Namibia
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English, and local languages
- Terms : 3
Waka International offers a rich blend of activities to complement the overall development of the child while making school life an enjoyable experience. Such activities include Music and Dance, Cooking and Baking, Dolphins swimming Club, Arts and Craft, Literacy, Rhymes and Poems, Lego Robotics, to mention but a few.
Prospective students
Prospective students who intend to study at Waka International can apply here on the RocApply platform in a few easy steps. We will assist you to apply for enrollment here, however, the application does not guarantee admission. The following documents are required to accompany the application. Applications are accepted throughout the year and the following supporting documents are required:
- A copy of the child's birth certificate child's passport and visa (foreigners).
- A copy of parents or guardians National ID or passports (biodata page and visa page for foreign nationals).
- Two passport photos of your child
- A copy of previous school reports
- A copy of Childs Immunization Card or Health records
- Permission of Photo Authorization
- Application fee.
The Deutsche Hohere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS)
It is an integrated German and Namibian private school located in Windhoek and offering education for children from kindergarten up to Grade 12. The school has qualified personnel from various countries including Namibia and Germany, to mention but a few.
- Established: 1909
- Address: 11-15 Church Street, Windhoek, Namibia
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English, and local languages
- Type: Private
- Terms : 3
- Accreditation: ISASA, Cambridge, and more.
The school offers a multi-cultural environment and with students from diverse backgrounds. Children here are taught in various languages including German, English, French, Afrikaans, Oshivambo, Nama, Damara, and Otjiherero, to mention but a few. The school believes that every child has a unique personality, individuality, strengths and weaknesses, preferences and tendencies, and a different level of development. The school, therefore, provides a stimulating environment where the students can develop their uniqueness. The school teaches children in areas that develop the children’s socio-emotional skills, fine- and gross motor skills, perception, phonological awareness, and all the relevant skills that will enable them to gently transition into grade 1.
St Georges Diocesan School
This is one of the oldest educational institutions in Namibia with dedicated teachers and staff that are committed to providing a nurturing environment where students can learn and excel. The school aims to produce students who are Confident, Responsible, Reflective, Innovative, and Engaged.
- Established: 1919
- Address: 17-21 Sinclair Road, Windhoek, Namibia
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English, and local languages
- Terms : 3
Curriculum- the school offers teaching in a variety of areas meant to develop skills among students. Areas of teaching include the following:
Social and Emotional Development- Social Interaction, Relationships, Self-Regulation, Empathy and Caring, Self, Work Ethic, Resilience, and Social Awareness
Cognitive and Perceptual Development- Visual Perceptual Skills, Auditory Perceptual Skills, Physical Integration, and Cognitive Skills
Physical Development- Gross Motor, Fine Motor, and General Development.
Language Literacy- Listening and Speaking, Phonemic Awareness, Developing an Awareness of Text and Incidental Reading, Pre-Writing Skills, and Drawing
Numeracy- Number Concept Development, Patterns, Functions and Algebra, Space and Shape (Geometry), Measurement, and Data Handling
Knowledge and Skills
Creative Arts- Performing Arts, Visual Arts, and Art Appreciation
Tuition and fees
Parents and guardians of prospective students should note the following fees apply for locals and non-locals:
Locals
School Fees Annual (Per Year) Monthly (10 months) Full Payment by 31 Jan.
Grade 00 N$41 400 N$4 140 N$39 330
Grade 0 N$59 640 N$5 964 N$56 658
Non-Locals
School Fees Annual (Per Year) Monthly (10 months) Full Payment by 31 Jan.
GRADE 00 N$66 240 N$6 624 N$62 928
GRADE 0 N$95 424 N$9 542 N$90 653
