Schools in Cairo are generally considered to be the most distinguished educational institutions in Egypt. The school is basically an educational facility responsible for providing lessons and educational materials in various fields of knowledge to students. Schools include several stages of education, including primary, middle or preparatory and secondary levels. In some countries, these levels are known as compulsory basic education. Schools are mainly divided into two types which are public schools and private schools. Most schools around the world impose the practice of wearing standard uniforms across the entire student population with the aim of avoiding social discrimination and ensuring balance and discipline among students.
Education in Egypt
Egypt’s constitution guarantees the right to free compulsory education for all Egyptian children. According to Article 19 of the constitution, the compulsory education period has been extended from 9 to 12 years to cover the age range between 6 and 18 years, in order to include Secondary education. With regards to the current education law No. 139 of 1981 and its amendments, the basic stage is divided into the primary stage (6-year) and the preparatory stage (3-year) resulting in a grand total of 9 years.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how the system works.
· Primary Education: Its duration was initially set to 5 years but has lately been extended to 6 years. It is considered the first stage of the International Classification of Education Systems, and students join it when they reach the age of 6, which is the official age of enrollment in education.
· Middle or Preparatory Education: The second stage of the International Classification of Education Systems with a duration of 3 years. Students enroll when they are 12 years old.
· Secondary Education: The third stage of the International Classification of Education Systems, and students join it when they reach the age of 15. This stage includes two tracks:
o High School: Its classes allow students to join based on their middle school total grade score. There are certain service classes that accept lower scores than others. These tracks qualify students for university education or educational institutions between secondary and university (upper intermediate institutes).
o Technical secondary “diploma”: Its duration is usually around 3 years but may extend to 5 years in case of industrial education. These tracks qualify students to join the labor market directly with the opportunity to enroll in some colleges and institutes if the student’s grade percentage at the end of the stage is at least 70%.
Top Schools in Cairo
If you live in Cairo and are looking for a high level of education for your children, then we highly advise you to read on to learn more about the best school in Cairo.
American International School (AIS)
The American International School was established in 1990, it currently has two campuses in Egypt and a student population that exceeds 2,000 students. AIS is considered one of the best language schools in Cairo and is actually part of a group of ten American and British schools, spanning across six countries and three continents. The school aims to provide American and international university preparatory education to qualified students, primarily from the Middle East, but specifically those living in the Greater Cairo area. The school employs a professional teaching team and takes extra care about student empowerment in an effort to groom them into becoming critical thinkers with the skills to actively participate in the ever-changing global society.
AIS is fully accredited by the United States Association of Colleges and Schools in Philadelphia. Also its graduate certification is approved by the Egyptian Ministry of Education and is fully recognized as equivalent to the Egyptian Thanaweya Amma Certificate.
The school’s curriculum is based on U.S. National and Virginia standards and is designed to prepare students for admission in highly competitive universities and educational institutions in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Its American curriculum accommodates American standards, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, as well as the option of obtaining an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in grades eleven and twelve.
Address: Street 44, New Cairo 1, Cairo Governorate
Contact: 00202 8435 2618
El ِAlsson School British International School
El Alsson School was established in 1982 as a private English school licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Education. In 1992, in response to numerous requests from parents for an alternative educational approach to the Ministry’s national program, the International English Academy (as it was called at the time) was opened. It offered British curricula leading to Cambridge IGCSE, A/S, and A levels. Subsequently, the school had two paths: the National path leading to the General Secondary Examination, and the International path leading to Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A-Level. The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma is taught and awarded in the secondary stage.
El Alsson School in Cairo provides comprehensive educational programs that cover the stages of early childhood, primary, preparatory, and secondary education. The school adopts an international teaching methodology based on the British and American curricula, providing a diverse and inclusive educational experience.
It’s considered a desirable educational destination for families seeking high-quality education and a supportive learning environment. Through its commitment to providing excellent education and comprehensive development for students, the Alsson International School in Cairo continues to establish itself as a trusted and advanced educational institution in Egypt.
Address: New Giza, Cairo – Alex desert road.
Phone: 0238270800
Modern Schools (MES)
Modern Education School was founded in 1997 in Fifth Settlement. The school offers three different educational programs: National, British, and American. The British program covers students from 1 to 12 years old, while the American program, which was established in September 2001, serves pre-kindergarten to grade 12.
MES has a professional educational staff of experienced and competent teachers. They are dedicated to educating students, guiding them, and helping them reach their full potential. The school also provides a modern educational environment equipped with modern teaching technologies, which contribute to enhancing the comprehensive learning experience for students.
Address: Street No.2, 1st District, Area No.4, 5th Settlement, Egypt.
Contact: 0225416292
International School of Choueifat
The International School of Choueifat in Cairo was founded in 1995. Students joining the Choueifat School receive the curriculum of the American and British global education system. The school qualifies students for the British Certificate of Education (IG), as well as the American Diploma Examination (SAT), and also grants them the “SABIS Diploma”.
The SABIS education system is considered to be one of the most advanced educational systems in the world. It is applied at the global level, where international-approved study programs are provided for students in all educational stages, in order to qualify them to join different colleges.
The Choueifat School system is a global system that is applied in all branches of the school in many countries of the world. It is also a certified and internationally recognized system, and it aims to provide all branches of knowledge and science for students in a way that allows them to join different universities at the age of 18.
Address:El Katameya, 5th Compound, New Cairo in front of Katameya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort.
October branch: First 6th of October, Giza Governorate.
Phone: 0225428777
We conclude our article which provided information concerning education in Cairo as well as recommendations of the best private and public schools available. In addition to these articles, you can learn more about Real Estate and various other topics that tackle various aspects of life in Egypt in the comprehensive Bayut Egypt blog.
