Education

Education in Ghana

Ghana's education system includes both public and private sectors, with growing international school options for expat families. University of Ghana is well-regarded regionally.

Education System Structure

6-3-3-4 System:

• 6 years: Primary School
• 3 years: Junior High School (JHS)
• 3 years: Senior High School (SHS)
• 4 years: University (Bachelor's degree)

International Schools (Accra)

Growing sector serving expat and affluent Ghanaian families.

Top International Schools:

American International School, Ghana (AISG):

• Curriculum: American + IB Diploma
• Ages: Pre-K through Grade 12
• Accreditation: Authorized IB World School
• Location: East Legon
• Tuition: $15,000-25,000 annually
• Most popular with American expats

Ghana International School (GIS):

• First international school in Ghana
• Accreditation: CIS and NEASC
• Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme
• Location: Cantonments
• Tuition: $10,000-20,000 annually
• Established reputation

Lincoln Community School:

• Curriculum: American/International
• Christian-affiliated
• Grades: PreK-12
• Location: Airport Residential
• Tuition: $8,000-18,000 annually

Vilac International School:

• British Curriculum
• Cambridge examinations
• Location: Tema
• Tuition: $5,000-12,000 annually

SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College:

• IB World School
• Curriculum: IGCSE, IB Diploma
• Tema location
• Boarding available

Others:

• Association International School
• Tema International School
• Galaxy International School
• Christ the King International School

Total: 12+ IB World Schools, 8 offering IB Diploma

Curricula Available

International Baccalaureate (IB):

• Most popular among international schools
• Globally recognized
• Rigorous academic program

British Curriculum:

• IGCSE, A-Levels
• Cambridge examinations
• Common in former Commonwealth

American Curriculum:

• US-based standards
• AP courses at some schools
• Prepares for US university admission

Ghanaian Curriculum:

• At local schools
• West African Examinations Council (WAEC)

International School Costs

Tuition Range:

• Lower end: $5,000-8,000 annually
• Mid-range: $10,000-18,000 annually
• Premium: $20,000-25,000 annually

Additional Costs:

• Application fees: $100-500
• Registration: $500-2,000
• Books and supplies: $500-1,500 annually
• Uniforms: $200-500
• Extracurriculars: $200-1,000
• Transport: $1,000-3,000 annually (if used)

Payment Terms:

• Usually 3 installments (termly)
• Some offer monthly plans
• Discounts for siblings common

Local Public Schools

Quality: Highly variable

Language: English medium

Cost: Officially free, but fees exist

Challenges: Overcrowding, resource limitations

Best public schools: Competitive admissions

Generally not recommended for expats unless short-term or budget constraints.

Private Local Schools

Better than public but below international standards

Cost: GHS 2,000-10,000 ($180-900) per term

Quality: Varies significantly

Some good options for budget-conscious expats

Higher Education

University of Ghana (Legon):

• Top university in Ghana
• Strong regional reputation
• 10% international student target
• Attracts African, American, European students
• Affordable tuition vs Western universities
• International students: ~$3,000-8,000 annually

Other Universities:

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
• University of Cape Coast
• Ashesi University (private, highly regarded)
• Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

Academic Programs:

• Business, engineering, social sciences
• Study abroad programs popular
• Diaspora student presence growing

For Expat Families

Enrollment Process:

1. Research schools well in advance
2. Apply 6-12 months before intended start
3. Admissions testing often required
4. Waiting lists for popular schools
5. Provide previous academic records

Considerations:

• Proximity to housing
• Transportation options
• Extracurriculars offered
• Community/parent involvement
• Re-entry to home country system

Adult Education and Training

Options:

• University of Ghana continuing education
• Professional certifications
• Language classes (Twi, etc.)
• Online courses (internet quality permitting)

Special Education

Limited resources in Ghana

International schools have some support

Severe disabilities: Very limited options

Consult schools about specific needs before moving