Primary education in Somalia consists of 8 years of education. It is divided into 2 levels, lower primary school for grades 1 to 4, and upper primary school for grades 5 to 8. Primary education starts at the age of 6 to 7 and aims to introduce children to more educational concepts and build a love for learning. The latter grades prepare children for secondary education, and to complete primary education, they will sit for a primary school leaving examination which will allow progression into secondary education.
Primary education
- Ages : 7-13 years
- Grades : Grade 1-8
- Duration of study : 8 years
- Primary Languages : French
- Terms : 2 terms
- Admission Term : throughout the year
Curriculum- the primary school curriculum in Somalia emphasizes nine compulsory subjects including Arabic, Islamic studies, Somali, mathematics (including business education), science (health, environmental education, and agriculture), social studies (including history, geography, and civics), English, physical education and arts and crafts.
Parents of prospective students seeking to enroll their children in Somalian primary schools can choose from some of the following schools that offer education to both locals and expatriates.
Darusalaam International Academic School- Mogadishu
This is an international, multicultural school located in Mogadishu. It aims to cater to the diaspora as well as local students. The school incorporates all students from various backgrounds and cultural differences and is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible high-quality education with passion, caring, and mutual respect. The school provides a holistic approach to education where employees, teachers, parents, and students work together to bring excellence in teaching and learning.
- Address: Darusalaam City, Yaaqshiid, Benaadir, Mogadishu - Somalia
- Language of instruction: English
curriculum- the school offers the national curriculum of Britain, which uses an inquiry-based and problem-solving skills approach. It aims to prepare students to participate in the globalized world. Students here are encouraged to work individually as well as in groups to help them to develop the confidence they need to become life-long learners.
facilities- the school offers facilities including the Administration and reception areas, a Fully equipped ICT classroom., an Outdoor football pitch with artificial grass, and outdoor play areas.
Prospective students- to be enrolled in the school, students should note and submit the required documents as mentioned below
- Parents' valid photo ID.
- Child's ID.
- Child's last report card from the previous school.
- Two passport-size photos of the child.
- Child's immunization record.
Extracurricular activities- students are encouraged to at least take up an extracurricular activity. They can choose from several co-curricular and extracurricular activities including:
- Sports Club
- Arts Club
- Math Club
- Chess Club
Tuition and fees
Prospective students must pay A non-refundable seat-booking fee of $50 which will be applied towards the first month's fees payment. School fees are due on the 5th day of each month. From June to August, fees will be paid in advance June. Exam class Students will not be allowed to write the final examinations if fees are pending.
ELM School
The first, and currently the only, accredited international school in Somaliland. The school provides a British and Kenyan-based curriculum.
primary School Section
- Established: 2007
- Location: Street #1, Opposite Hargeisa Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
- ages: 7-13
- Duration of study: 2 years
- Primary Languages: English
- Terms : 2 terms
Accreditation: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)
Lower Primary- 7-9 years- lower primary curriculum includes subjects such as Arabic, English, Islamic Studies, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, and Social science.
Upper Primary- 10-14 years- upper primary school curriculum includes subjects such as Arabic, Islamic Studies, English Language, Mathematics, Science, Somali Language, andSocial Studies.
Tuition and fees- the following are payable as tuition and other fees
Admission fee (new students) $100 - non refundable
Kindergarten: $900 per annum
Fees to be paid in 11 installments $82 (August to June)
primary: $900 per annum
Fees to be paid in 11 installments $82 (August to June)
secondary: $1440 per annual
Fees to be paid in 11 installments $130 (August to June)
Note that Fees here are charged in US Dollars and once paid, are non-refundable. Every two years the fee will increase by 5% starting August 2021.
British International College
This is an English medium, multicultural and diverse British international school offering primary and secondary education. It offers education from kindergarten to the 13th year. provide a highly academic curriculum and disciplined environment which enables our students to achieve the highest possible qualifications.
- Address: Hargeisa, Somaliland.
- grades: kindergarten to year 13
- Language of instruction: English
curriculum- the school offers a broad curriculum that combines the Somaliland curriculum and the national curriculum of England. Arabic, Islamic and Somali is taught here with an international blend. Primary education follows key stages 1 and 2, and place a great focus on providing a firm grounding in core subjects including English (reading and writing), maths, science, geography (social studies), Arabic, Somali, Islamic, art, and P.E, to mention but a few. Key stage 1 encompasses grades 1 to 3 while key stage 2 includes grades 4 to 6.
Prospective students- to apply for admission at this school, parents of prospective students will need to provide:
- the child’s latest academic records
- proof of identity
- recent passport photographs
Please note that class size is limited and Upon confirmation, parents must pay a registration fee of $50 for each primary school student to ensure that the child's space is reserved.
