On October 14 in 2006 the Government of Benin abolished tuition fees for primary and pre-school education in all public schools. The Ministry of Preschool and Primary Education Benin is responsible for pre-primary education in the nation. Pre-school education can last anything between 2 and 3 years before students can transition into primary education. Children enter primary education from the age of 3 to 4 years to about 6 years and then at the age of 6 or 7, students can move to primary school.
Pre-primary education
- Ages : 3-6 years
- Duration: 3 years
- Primary Languages: French
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term: Beginning of the term
- School types: kindergarten, nursery
Pre-school education in Benin is aimed at developing the physical, moral, and intellectual capacities of children and facilitating their socialization skills and integration into mainstream education and society. Pre-primary education in Benin is for children aged 3 to about 6 years, who will move to primary education after completing this stage.
Examples of schools offering Pre-primary education in BENIN
The English International School-Gabon
This is an English-speaking international multicultural school that follows the Cambridge International Primary Programme and the Cambridge Secondary Programme and is located in Cotonou, Benin. The school aims to enable children to develop to their full potential and nurture a culture of honesty, creativity, sensitivity, and self-reliance to produce responsible, self-regulating individuals, who are confident, and who respect themselves.
- Address: Haie Vive, Cotonou, 08BP0430, Benin, West Africa
- grades: pre-school to year 13.
- Language of instruction: English
- Opening hours: 8:00- 12:00
Pre-School here consists of 2 different classes, Playschool and Nursery classes for children aged two and three. The Curriculum here uses learning through play concepts and equips children with early skills and concepts which they can use in primary school and further learning. The language of instruction is English and the curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum and the Cambridge International Schools framework.
Extracurricular activities- students are kept active through a wide of extracurricular activities for each class level which includes Gymnastics, Senior Spanish Club, Football, Cooking Club, Capoeira, Judo Club, Debating and Literature, Science and Technology Fun, Origami, Chess Club, Creative writing and Public Speaking Club, Hip Hop, and Dance Hall.
Facilities- pre-school students have access to bright and air-conditioned classrooms, a Library, playing field, among others.
Curriculum- The playschool and Nursery curriculum are based on the Montessori concepts. It encourages children to explore, learn and develop skills through play and discovery. They are also taught Self-expression through drawing, painting, modeling, cutting, pasting, music, singing, and dance, to mention but a few.
The playschool curriculum focuses on developing the children's fine and gross motor skills, color and shape recognition, sorting and matching social skills, and the discovery and manipulation of the environment through play and the Nursery Curriculum consolidates and extends the skills obtained in playschool and emphasizes on pre-reading and pre-writing skills.
Prospective students- Parents wishing to enroll their children should provide:
- the birth certificate of the applicant
- Passport of the student
- Parents’ or guardian’s passport and ID
- Proof of application fee payment.
QSI International School of Benin
This is a private, global, non-profit institution located in Camp Guezo, Cotonou, Benin that offers a high-quality English language, American-styled education. It has a diverse multicultural community of students from Benin and various other nations. The school ensures that each student receives individual attention and is valued as a person, and places a strong emphasis on a positive community and character education.
Pre-school Section
- Established: 2012
- Location: #126 & #127, Zone Residentielle de la Radio, Camp Guezo, Cotonou, 02BP1087, Benin.
- ages: 3-5
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Student population: 92
- International representation: 19
- Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms (August- December, January- march, and April- June)
- Accreditation: Middle States Association
Curriculum- the school believes that all children are naturally talented and naturally curious, Hence the preschool program puts the children’s talent and curiosity together by offering a variety of play-based and hands-on experiences designed to develop the children’s learning readiness, physical coordination and development, and the social skills necessary to be successful in a formal school setting. It aims to provide opportunities for children to develop into confident, competent students in four areas of growth, namely, physical, social, intellectual, and emotional areas.
The school uses a research-based, developmentally appropriate program that focuses on socio-emotional development, differentiated instruction, and joyful learning through sensory experiences. Learning Areas include Fine Arts, Social or Emotional Development, and Independence or Self-help, Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Gross Motor Development, Fine Motor Development.
Enrichment activities- Students have A full spectrum of activities including art class, music, technology, art, and play.
Prospective Students- Admission to the school requires the submission of the following:
- An Online application form
- a copy of the student passport
- a copy of the student birth certificate
- 1 passport-sized photo of students and parents
- previous school records
- Proof of Payment of the one-time, non-refundable US $300 registration fees
Trinity Montessori Schools Benin-Irede
This is an international bilingual school in Cotonou, Benin with eight branches around the country. The school aims to provide purposeful and constructive curricula that focus on the individual personalities of children to produce God-fearing, independent, innovative, highly skilled, and bilingual individuals who will become relevant and excellent leaders in any area. It has branches in Irede, Ayelawadje, Calavi, Porto-Novo, Godomey, and Sikecodji. The school follows a Montessori system of education.
- Established: 11 September 2006
- Address: C/4145 Irede, Akpakpa, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
- Ages: 3-5
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English, french
- Terms : 3 terms
The school has very highly qualified staff, and a conducive learning environment. Students can enjoy a range of Extracurricular activities including excursions, swimming, sports, and other activities that exposed the students’ talents and promote excellence. Pre-primary education here is divided into various classes including the Montessori, Pre-School 1, and Pre-School 2. Tuition or instruction is offered in two languages namely French and English.
Prospective students- Admission at the school is Open to All Nationalities
International Model School
This is a private boarding, coeducational, and Bilingual school located in Guinkomey, Cotonou, Benin Republic. It offers education from kindergarten to the 12th grade. The school has a diverse community that makes it stands out as one of the best in the country. The school challenges the students in areas including Academics, Athletics, and Arts, to mention but a few, to produce well-rounded and excellent students. The school also has a No discrimination policy and accepts students from various countries and with different religions and cultures. The school also aims to create an optimal environment for learning by meeting the fundamental needs of all students
- Established: 11 September 2006
- Address: Cotonou, Benin
- Ages: 3-5
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English, french
- Terms : 3 terms
The International Model School encourages and consistently exposes children to different languages, cultures, and technological environments through cultural and educational programs offered here. Pre-primary classes focus more on the developmental side of various skills and competencies. They focus on developing the whole child in terms of language, social, or emotional development through various activities. Children will be taught pre-reading and pre-writing skills, and also how to care for themselves and their environment and how to work with other children in groups, to prepare them for life in primary school and further grades.
Extracurricular activities- besides academics, the students are exposed to a variety of extracurricular activities that enable them to grow In every area and not just academics only. students are exposed to various individual and group activities that expose and develop their talents at the same time making them better children around others and in the community.
