Elementary education in Cameroon is known as primary education in the Anglophone system and l’enseignement primaire in the Francophone system. It is the only compulsory and free stage of education in Cameroon. Elementary education in both systems lasts for six years from the age of 6 to 12 years.
- Ages : 6-12 years
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : English, French
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- the curriculum is mostly uniform across the country and includes subjects such as English language, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Studies, French, National Languages and Culture, Vocational Studies, Physical Education and Sports, Information and Communication Technology. These may differ in private or international schools.
Let us take a brief look at some of the international schools you can find in Cameroon.
American School of Yaounde (primary school section)
This is a non-sectarian, independent, co-educational school that offers US styled education and consists of 4 sections namely the early childhood (Prekindergarten 3 to kindergarten), elementary school (grades 1 to 5), middle school (grades 6 to 8), and high school (grades 9 to 12). Students here are stimulated to develop their skills and attitudes to grow as confident learners.
- Founded: 1964
- Address: BP 7475, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Grades: Kindergarten to 5th grade.
- Student population: 116 (primary only)
- Language of instruction: English
- Type: co-educational, non-profit.
The school offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and encompasses early childhood education to primary school. The Primary Years Program (PYP) offers a curriculum that seeks to foster life-long learning through a student-centered and inquiry-driven approach. The school aims to empower students to excel, embrace their passions, become engaged, caring, fulfilled global citizens who will positively impact society.
Curriculum- The Elementary school Program provides students with a strong foundation in areas including language arts, math, science, social studies, French, the arts, library, physical education and health.
Facilities- the school offers a wide range of facilities including 25 classrooms, a computer lab, 2 science labs, a 16 000-volume multimedia library, a learning support center, ELL support center, a Canteen, a multi-purpose room, a courtyard for events, Sports facilities including 2 tennis courts, one multi-purpose outdoor court, a covered basketball court, a swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a soccer field with artificial turf and 2 playgrounds.
Prospective students- the following are required for students who seek to apply for admission to the school:
- An application fee of $650 (non-refundable)
- School records from the last two years, in English Special education testing or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), if applicable
- A Student Evaluation form, from a current teacher (transferring students)
- A copy of the student’s passport or birth certificate
Tuition and Fees
The following are the fees to be paid by the students here. Note that Parents who pay the full tuition early will receive a 3% discount and Those who request a payment plan will pay a 3% financing fee.
Classes Semester 1 Semester 2 Annual
Grades 6 to 8 Tuition $11 480 $11 480 $22 960
Grades 9 to10 Tuition $11 935 $11 935 $23 870
Grades 11 too 12 Tuition $12 175 $12 175 $24 350
Additional Fees
New Students Returning Students
Application Fee $650 one-off $0
Capital Levy $7 500 one-off $500
Capital Levy- Pre-K4 $1 000 $1500
Capital Levy- Pre-K3 $1 000 -
Learning Support Program (need assessed) $3 000 $3 000
The Bridge International School
This is an international school located in Yaounde that offers education from early years to high school. It is a vibrant and challenging co-educational school that offers an exciting and engaging environment for students to learn and develop in every aspect. The school follows the internationally recognized Cambridge International Primary Programme for Years 1 to 6.
Primary school section
- Location: Denver, Bonamoussadi
- established: 2009
- Grade : 1-6
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term: throughout the year
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday- 7:30 am to 5 pm
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for the primary section school are as follws:
Fee Type Details Amount (FCFA)
Annual Application and Registration Fee Primary and Secondary Sections 250 000
Capital Development FundFee: Existing Families (new enrolments) 250 000
New Families 500 000
Annual TuitionFee Primary Section 1 650 000
Curriculum- the school follows the British National Curriculum and the Cambridge Primary Stage Curriculum. Students have assistance from Classroom assistants and teachers who support students in Reading, Literacy, English as a Second Language, and other areas. The curriculum for the various stages is as follows:
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
The core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, and French. Other subjects include Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, Humanities, and Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6)
In years 3 to 6, students follow a broad, creative, and balanced curriculum whose core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, and Computing. Students also study French, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, Humanities, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education.
Facilities- students here can enjoy the use of a variety of facilities namely, Multipurpose Spaces, Canteen and Dining, Learning Environment, Computing and ICT, a Library, Art Room and Science labs, and a Language Centre, to mention but a few.
Extra-Curricular Activities- Students are welcome to join any club where they can showcase their talents and also make an impact in the school and society. These include the Art and Craft Club, Debate Club, Hand Writing Club, The Choir, Code-in Club, Aerobic Club, Community Service, and Clinics club. Students can also take part in a variety of sports activities offered here.
Rousseau International School
This is a private co-educational, international school offering the Cambridge curriculum and the Canadian curriculum. The school aims to furnish students with the necessary skills for the demands and opportunities of the dynamic, everchanging world, by offering a differentiated, exciting, and rigorous curriculum, and ensuring that learners’ needs are supported, while their unique qualities are valued and nurtured. Its core values are: integrity, leadership, excellence, empathy, critical thinking, and creativity
- address: 34, Avenue de L'independance 2351 - Hotel de l'air, Bonapriso, Douala, Cameroon
- established: 2019
- Language of instruction: English
- Type: coeducational
- Terms: 2 semesters
- Admission Term: throughout the year
- Opening Hours -Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
- Calendar: September - July
The school aims to provide an international education in a safe, caring, and supportive environment, inspiring all students to reach their true potential while challenging them to achieve excellence in academic, cultural, and sporting activities.
Curriculum- The school follows the Cambridge Curriculum in primary school and a Canadian curriculum in secondary school.
Cambridge: The Primary Section follows two programs and is designed for students aged between 5 to 9 years
The Cambridge Cameroonian National Curriculum- begins in Year 5 and progresses to Year 6, where the pupils sit for the national examination, the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
The Cambridge International Curriculum- this continues up to Year 6 where the learners take The Cambridge Checkpoint Qualification which opens the doors of Year 7 in The Lower Secondary.
Extracurricular activities- students are offered a platform to take up a variety of extra-curricular activities including Arts and Craft, Baking and Cooking, Music, Basketball, Handball, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Dance, Karate, Swimming, Model of United Nations, Robotics, and Board Games.
Application for Admission- parents of prospective students should note the following requirements for admission into the school for Year 1 to 6
- A copy of the Birth Certificate
- A vaccination card
- A passport size photograph
- Presentation of previous year report cards
- The registration forms must be duly completed and signed by parents
- Proof of residence in Cameroon
- A photocopy of Passport, if available (This is mandatory for expatriates)
