Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There's the American International School (AISA), where most of the Embassy kids go; a German school; some other options. AISA's pretty good, including the high school, but they know we're a captive audience, so some things slide. It's hard to get them to answer e-mails, for instance. Bullying doesn't seem to be part of the culture overall, but the school could do much better supporting LGBTQIA+ kids and keeping some of the super-religious kids from proselytizing. - Jun 2024
We're very happy with AISA we have four kids there. One of our kids even decided to leave a fancy boarding school to come here to finish high school because of the welcoming environment. It has a pretty decent range of activities given the size and that also means our kids get to participate in activities and sports that might be harder to get into (especially at the higher grades) in a larger or more competitive school. We have kids needing learning support and others needing acceleration and they've all been supported or challenged as needed. Most teachers are expats but also have a local teacher aid as well. In general we are happy here and would recommend it. - Mar 2024
There are several international schools, each comes with its own quirks. Our son attends CTL, which I wholeheartedly recommend. The classes are small (up to eight children), the teachers are young and motivated and the zest for life is palpable. You can feel that the teachers love their job. Special needs are welcome and well accommodated there. - Sep 2019
I only know of the American School. It's fine, I believe. We don't have kids. - Feb 2019
AISA is pretty much the only option if you want a decent-sized school. It is good for the lower grades, as you move to middle and high school there are more problems. The higher grades are dominated by local rich kids and there have been some bullying problems etc. The new head of school is trying hard to make an impact. - Apr 2018
AISA is the international school, which tends to be a fair/good option for younger kids. Most high schoolers attend boarding school in Europe or the U.S. - Apr 2017
There is a large expat community, so schools are abundant. - Jun 2016
I've generally heard that primary school is decent, secondary school not so much but improving. Some families are happy with the American International School, some send their kids to boarding school elsewhere. - Aug 2015
Don't have kids but there is an American School right next door with an adjoining door to our compound at 66. - Nov 2014
American International School is one I am aware and have heard mixed reviews. - Aug 2014
I don't have kids but I hear okay things about AISA for elementary kids and I know there is a smaller international school that is often used, also a French school. Keep in mind that there are very few expat kids here so most classes even at expensive private schools are more than 90% Nigerian students; expat kids can feel a little out of place I'm told. No good high school option at this point. - May 2014
I am not in a position to comment directly, but there are lots of expat families with children, and from what I've heard there is a choice among a decent variety of schools, both in number and quality. There is an American School, a French School, and an International School, and likely a few others. - May 2013
N/A, although I did not get good feedback from others about the K-12 education options in Abuja. - Jun 2009
We have teenagers at the American International School. The opportunity to put our kids in an International School is one of our main reasons for taking this assignment. The school and teachers have gone above and beyond in helping our kids succeed here. It is a very small high school. This year will produce the first graduating class of 4.There are appoxamatley 65 high school students total this year. Since they can not offer an abundance of choices, students are allowed to take classes outside their normal year group so they get to know students from other glades. Several AP classes are offered and they are in the processes of starting the IB program. Students were given the opportunity to travel to Ghana with the Model United Nations for the conference, Habitat for Humanity project, and cultural studies. We are satisfied having our children in this school and look forward to it growing and becoming even better. - Mar 2009
American School is middle of the road, compared to other American international schools we've seen. Getting better. The British School (the Regent School) has problems, we're told. And there are French, German, and Turkish schools, but I really don't know about them. - Aug 2008
