In an attempt to limit the accidents on Cairo’s ring-road, there are no longer hoardings to tempt you. Instead there are glimpses of the grandiose structures of some of the international schools, complete with Grecian pillars or modern domes.
- Education in Cairo
- Choosing a school in Cairo
- Special education needs in Cairo
- Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Cairo
- Best schools in Cairo
Education in Cairo
Cairo is huge - more than 20 million people live here - but the neighbourhood options for expats with children are often narrowed to only two: the established district of Maadi and the 21st century permanent encampment in the desert, 6th of October City and its satellites.
In central Cairo, Maadi has always been a draw for foreigners, particularly the areas close to the Nile, as it is wonderfully green and comparatively cool by city standards. It also has the largest choice of international schools within reach, as well as bars and restaurants.
This choice of schools near Maadi makes it an attractive, as well as a leafy and civilised, place to live and educate your children. But while the choice may be smaller out in the desert, bear in mind that the houses are much more glamourous, the school run is less hair-raising, and you can leave it to the breadwinner to be the only member of the family to suffer behind the wheel, each day.
Choosing a school in Cairo
The aspirations are high, but the achievements can be less apparent. Designed to attract the burgeoning middle class of Cairo, who despair of the national education system, many international schools are newish and privately-owned. Some have a much longer history and those – in the main - were specifically set up to cater to foreign embassy and company staff.
Attracted by the alternative location, away from the central madness, several schools together with parents and staff have moved to 6th of October City or Sheikh Zayed City and other residential developments, built in the desert to the west, attracted by the clean air, pools, gardens and rapidly expanding but less congested infrastructure.
Reaching these schools from Maadi or central Cairo is always something of a nightmare and can take an hour in the afternoon along what is perceived to be one of Egypt’s most dangerous roads. This horror can last up to two hours if children stay for after-school clubs and can lead to some younger children missing out on these, as parents throw in the towel. Anyway, you might prefer to live in a shiny new city, particularly in Al-Motamayez, an Egyptian version of Beverley Hills, with houses (and prices) that can be as eye-catching as the Californian original. There’s even a group of schools in Sheikh Zayed City itself.
Special education needs in Cairo
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) was established in 1996 and is now widely considered the leading institution in Egypt catering to children with special needs. LRC invests heavily in training and development and co-operates with cutting-edge international organisations including the Institute of Education, University of London.
It provides educational support services to a number of leading international schools which regularly refer children for assessment and individual assistance (some say too readily). Part and full-time specialists from a range of disciplines - psychologists, behavioural therapists, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and educational specialists – are also available for individual consultations, although there are waiting lists for some.
LRC is proud of its inter-disciplinary diagnostic approach. A four-step procedure assesses the child’s needs and leads to detailed recommendations and an individual plan of action. Support and counselling is provided to children and parents at LRC and through a number of schools and nurseries in Cairo. Parents are impressed by the thoroughness and professionalism of staff and, although some of the services are pricey, they are generally considered good value for money.
LRC operates from a house in a leafy residential suburb of Cairo with a small garden and playground. It also clinically supervises the nearby Advance Centre which caters to children aged 2-21 with autism and related disorders.
Pre-schools, kindergarten and nurseries in Cairo
Nurseries and kindergartens flourish here – the two most popular are Stepping Stones and Small Talks, both described as ‘absolutely amazing’ by parents. There is a choice of Montessori schools, including the central International Montessori Preschool and the Montessori Child’s House Nursery Academy. The long-standing and well-considered Irish School in Giza (30 minutes by car) takes children from nursery up to 11 years old.
Best schools in Cairo
British International School Cairo (The) (BISC)
National Curriculum for England/ GCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,060 students
Accredited member of the Council of British International schools (COBIS) and inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for British Schools Overseas (BSO) and has Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to Egypt as their patron. Still committed to a British-style education but definitely more international now, offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme and enrolling pupils from the English-speaking Egyptian community and over 35 other nationalities.
Click here to read our full review of the British International School Cairo.
Cairo American College
American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 4-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 840 students
Offering the full American educational experience, together with classes on the history and culture of Egypt. The only US State Department sponsored school in Cairo, located in Maadi, a leafy residential suburb. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) and the Council of Independent Schools (CIS). Numbers dropped in the aftermath of the 2011 revolution but the renovation and expansion plans resumed in 2016 are likely to increase the enrolment figures.
Click here to read our full review of Cairo American College.
Maadi British International School (MBIS)
National Curriculum for England; ages 2-13; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 330 students
A British-style nursery and preparatory school expanded into year 9 in August 2019. On purpose-built premises, combining modern and Arabic architecture, in relatively calm and leafy suburbia. Run by the board of directors (all elected parents) of the Maadi Egyptian Cultural Society. Judged excellent in all categories by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for British Schools Overseas (BSO).
Click here to read our full review of the Maadi British International School.
Modern English School, Cairo (MES)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,190 students
Located in New Cairo City, offering both an American and British path at secondary level. The British alternative leading to IGCSEs and A Levels and the American following the middle and high school route. However both student cohorts can also choose to opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma at 16. The record of their IB graduates reaching top global universities is impressive. Well and truly accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Cognia (formerly AdvancED) and also inspected by Penta for British Schools Overseas (BSO).
Click here to read our full review of the Modern English School, Cairo.
New Cairo British International School
PYP/ adapted National Curriculum for England/ adapted Dutch curriculum/ I/GCSE/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 735 students
In New Cairo City and operated under the auspices of the wonderfully named ‘Heliopolis Society for the Cultural and Social Care of the English Speaking Foreigner’ (60 per cent expatriates is a license condition) and managed through a board of directors ‘elected’ from the parent community. British and Dutch streams in primary with secondary aiming at IGCSEs followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).
Click here to read our full review of New Cairo British International School.
These schools have been brought to our attention but until we have more reports from parents, we are unable to consider reviewing them.
American International School in Egypt (AISE)
American curriculum/ American High School Diploma/ AP/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 3,200 students
A part of the 40 year old Esol Education organisation (schools across the Middle East). Teaching an American curriculum but offering the choice of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. On two campuses, one in New Cairo and a newer one in Sheikh Zayed City. The larger main school has roughly 85 per cent Egyptian students whilst the West campus serves a smaller number from 25 different nationalities. Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
Cairo English School (CES)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; privately owned; 1,900 students
Founded in 2006 and teaching a mainly Egyptian intake (around 90 per cent). Providing an English curriculum all the way through but also incorporating the required Egyptian elements (language and culture). Dually accredited by the American agency, the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) as well as being inspected by Penta for British Schools Overseas (BSO).
El Alsson British and American International School
National Curriculum for England/ International Primary Curriculum/ GCSE/ A Level/ American High School Diploma/ AP; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 1,400 students
Established in 1982 but moved to a new campus in Giza in 2017. Now offering two separate streams (British and American) from pre-school in the British case, or pre-K in the American up to GCSEs and A Levels or High School Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP). AP students tend to score three or above, well ahead of the global average. On the British side over 40 per cent achieved A*/A at A Level recently. Accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED).
German School (Deutsche Evangelische Oberschule)
German curriculum/ Fachhochschulreife; ages 5-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,400 students
Established in the 19th century, a traditional German-Egyptian school sponsored by the German-speaking Protestant Church in Cairo and now teaching in both German and Arabic. Awarded an ‘Excellent School Abroad’ by Bund-Lander Inspection. Located in Dokki, Giza in the sprawling Cairo metropolitan area.
International School of Choueifat - Cairo (ISC - Cairo)
Adapted curriculum/ SABIS; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,000 students
The original Egyptian Choueifat school in New Maadi, central Cairo opened in 1995. The school is managed by the educational organisation SABIS and teaches their proprietary education programme, which is followed by schools in over 20 countries. Modern purpose-built campus with unexpectedly generous sports facilities as well as a 600 seat theatre. Like its younger desert sibling it has strong academics and sends graduates to top global universities.
International School of Choueifat - City of 6 October (ISC - 6 October)
Adapted curriculum/ SABIS; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 2,100 students
One of the international Choueifat schools, founded in 1886 in the Lebanon and now spread across the Persian Gulf. Strong academics. Slightly surprisingly, the SABIS Education System with its proprietary education programme, has an emphasis on the education of women producing some notable alumnae. The first organisation to build a modern campus in the new ‘desert’ town, for families who want to move away from the extreme hustle and bustle of central Cairo.
Irish School (The)
National Curriculum for England; ages 6 months-11; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit;
Founded in 1997, now with four schools offering a British education from nursery up to year 6. Still owned by the founder Mme Marian Phelan.
Lycée Francais du Caire
French National Curriculum/ Brevet/ French Bac; ages 3-18; co-ed; day; independent; private non-profit; 1,600 students
Part of the network AEFE, (Agency for French Education Abroad) and located in the popular residential suburb of Maadi. 50 per cent of the students are French nationals, 35 per cent Egyptians and the remainder from a range of countries. All classes taught in French but Arabic and English taught in primary and Spanish or German later on. Attention is paid to sport as well as academics, with the school providing a team for the International Youth Games. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education.
Malvern College Egypt (MCE)
Adapted National Curriculum for England/ IGCSE/ A Level/ IB Diploma; ages 3-17; co-ed; day; privately owned; 520 students
Opened in 2016, as the third of the international Malvern schools abroad, following Qingdao in China and the school in Hong Kong. Offering a British education with the option of taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma route (recently becoming more available in international schools) rather than A Levels. Growing fast from an original 300 students and the facilities are a successful combination of traditional and modern.
Metropolitan School Cairo (MSC)
Adapted American curriculum; ages 3-13; co-ed; day; independent; privately owned; 500 students
A fairly new kid on the block, founded by Egyptian educationalist Dr.Sameh Habib in 2015 and still owned by the Habib family . Advocating an early start, MSC incorporates an entrepreneurship programme from KG1 as well as emphasising Egyptian culture to their enrolment of mainly Egytian students. Staggeringly imaginative playgrounds and buildings and already accredited by Cognia (previously AdvancED).
For more information on the schools above, please go to each school’s individual entry on The Good Schools Guide International search.
Learning Resource Centre
Established in 1996 and widely considered the leading institution in Egypt, catering to children with special needs. Provides educational support services to a number of international schools which regularly refer children to it. Part and full-time specialists from a range of disciplines - psychologists, behavioural therapists, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists and educational specialists. These professionals are also available for individual consultations, although there are waiting lists for some.
Support and counselling is provided to children and parents at LRC and through a number of schools and nurseries in Cairo. Although some of the services are pricey, they are generally considered to give good value for money.
LRC operates from a house in a leafy residential suburb of Cairo with a small garden and playground. It also clinically supervises the nearby Advance Centre (www.advance-society.org) which caters to children between the ages of 2-21 with autism and related disorders.
N.B. The LRC doesn't have a GSGI ribbon next to it because it is a learning centre but not a school in the strictest sense of the word; however, our editor has personal knowledge of it, parents speak highly of it, and it was recommended by all the schools our editor visited.