Primary education in sierra leone is part of a 9-year basic education. primary education in sierra leone lasts for years from the age of 6 to about 12 years. The primary stage is the beginning of formal learning and students are prepared for secondary education and lifelong education in general. English is the medium of instruction in primary school. Students face gradual promotion, grade by grade and successful ones will move to junior secondary education.
Primary education
- Ages : 6-12 years
- Grades : Grade 1-6
- Duration of study : 6 years
- Primary Languages : English
- Terms : 3 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- the primary school curriculum focuses mainly on areas such as indigenous languages, practical creative arts, prevocational subjects, and social and physical or health education. subject areas include Languages (English, French, Arabic and Sierra Leonean Languages), Mathematics, Technology, and ICT Literacy, Science and the Environment, Social Studies and Civics, Agricultural Science and Food Security, Home Economics (and Food Security), Physical Health Education, Religious and Moral Education, and Expressive Arts, to mention but a few.
Parents of prospective students seeking to enroll their children in Sierra leone may consider some of the following primary schools that offer education to both locals and expatriates.
The Empowering Children School Sierra Leone
This is a co-educational school located in the Congo Town Community, in sierra leone. The school uses The Responsive Classroom approach which is an evidence-based approach to teaching that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness. digital learning is also integrated into the curriculum so that children develop cultural and global awareness.
Primary school Section
- Established: 2009
- Location: # 7B Cemetery Road Congo Town, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- ages: 6-12
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Student population: 200+
the school offers quite a broad curriculum for the various grades of primary school. Primary education here teaches the children Literacy in one or more languages, offers them computational skills in maths, and an understanding of certain basic mathematical principles and they develop A positive attitude towards themselves, their cultural background, towards work and the process of community and national development, to mention but a few.
grades 1 and 2- The curriculum is structured around six subject areas including Creative Practical Art, Environmental Studies, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Health Education, and Religious Education. Environmental Studies is a blend of Social Studies and Science, while Physical Health Education is an integration of Physical Education and Health Education.
Grades 3 to 6- the curriculum is slightly broader and offers 8 subject areas which include Science, Pre-Vocational studies, Creative Practical Art, Environmental Studies, Language Arts, Mathematics, Physical Health Education, and Religious Education.
Dawn International School
This is a diverse, coeducational international school that offers a caring, secure, healthy, and orderly environment where every student is valued, respected, and encouraged to develop their self-esteem. students are given opportunities to solve problems through critical thinking, reflection, and evaluation. The school also offers a nurturing and multicultural environment committed to providing optimal learning opportunities for all students to achieve academic excellence, and develop values, attitudes, and characters for responsible and productive citizenship in a fast rapidly changing world. English is the language of instruction at all levels here.
- Founded: 2018
- Address: 9 First Bango Farm, Off Peninsular Rd., Adonkia, Goderich, Sierra Leone, Western Area Rural
- Grades: Prep I to secondary.
- Language of instruction: English
- Type: co-educational, non-profit
Curriculum- the school offers both the British International Curriculum and Sierra Leone National Curriculum from the year I to VI. Children learn through investigation, direct instruction, and collaboration, Using the guidelines of the Cambridge Primary Programme and the Sierra Leone National Education Curriculum. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum that helps to develop the full potential of every child. Children attend dedicated Mathematics and English lessons every day and science for two hours per week a well. these three subjects are the Core Subjects which are most important. The curriculum also offers foundation subjects such as Arts, Humanities or Social Studies, Physical Education, French, and Music.
Prospective students- The enrollment documentation required by the school includes:
- a completed enrollment application form
- applicant’s most recent school report
- a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
- a copy of the applicant’s passport
- passport size photographs of the child
- passport size photographs of both parents
- a copy of the child’s immunization records must be attached to the health form.
Co-Curricular Activities- the school aims to educate the whole child and hence offers a variety of clubs which are sports and arts-based. These are aimed at encouraging the children to explore areas which they are most good at and at the same time maintain mental and physical fitness which are very important areas of development.
Tuition and fees- prospective parents can expect to pay the following as tuition and fees:
Fees 2021/2022
Category Tuition/ per term Reg Fee Development fund Meal per term
Pre-school 2 000 000 300 000 300 000 600 000 (Optional)
Prep 1-5 1 700 000 300 000 300 000 900 000 (Optional)
Prep 6 1 800 000 300 000 300 000 900 000 (Optional)
Junior Sec 2 100 000 300 000 500 000 900 000 (Optional)
Uniforms
Uniforms/Class Girls (Le) Boys (Le)
Pre-school 90 000 90 000
Upper classes 100 000 100 000
PE (T-Shirts) 80 000 80 000
Skirt/Shorts 40 000 40
Tie 20 000 20 000
Junior Secondary 120 000 120 000
American International School of Freetown
This is an English medium American international school that aims to ensure that students develop a global perspective that fosters empathy and prepares them for success in a dynamic world. It offers an American-styled curriculum with an international blend and endeavors to challenge all our students to achieve their best in a nurturing and supportive environment. The school places effort on developing the students' love for learning in an internationally recognized, safe, student-centered, and interactive learning environment. This allows students to develop a global perspective that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.
Primary school Section
- Address: 24 Hillcoat Brow Hill Station, Freetown Sierra Leone, West Africa
- ages: 6-12
- Duration of study: 6 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 3 terms
Accreditation: Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools, Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).
Curriculum- the curriculum offered here is Based on American standards with an international flavor. The school’s multi-grade classes from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 follow a curriculum based on standards and benchmarks which correspond to each grade level. Subjects offered here include Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Tuition and fees- the following are payable as tuition and other fees for 2021-2022
Annual Tuition:
Pre-Kindergarten US$ 6 750
Kindergarten to grade 4 US$11 500
Grades 5-8 US$12 500
Grades 9-12 US$ 15 500
Annual Capital Fee: US $1 500 (waived for Pre-K)
Development Fee (One Time Only) US$4 000 (waived for Pre-K)
Registration Fee $300 (nonrefundable)
Prospective students – the school has a rolling admission and accepts applications throughout the year. Admission is non-discriminatory and open to all students regardless of race, sex, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. Documents Required for Admission include:
- a copy of the details page of children’s passports (preferred)
- a copy of the details page of parents’ passports (preferred)
- a copy of the child's birth certificate
- Copy of vaccination record
- Copies of previous school reports covering at least the past two academic years (except for children who have not been in school for two years)
- Copies of any Individual Education Plans and or educational-psychological
- Confidential references