As a bilingual parent who moved (back) to Abidjan in 2022, I knew I wanted my child to preserve both her native languages: English and French. One way to do it was to look into bilingual schools in Abidjan.
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s vibrant hub, is a French-speaking Metropole. But as the city expands, so does the demand for bilingual education.
So today, we’re exploring the world of bilingual schools in Abidjan. Choosing the right bilingual school is not always straightforward. With many options available, it’s essential to understand what bilingual education offers and how to find the best fit for our children.
What are the benefits and the key features of these schools? What should you keep in mind when choosing the right school for your little ones? Where are some of the most known bilingual schools in Abidjan? We discuss all that today.
1. What’s a Bilingual School?
Simply put, a bilingual school teaches in two languages. In Abidjan, that typically means French (the country’s official language) and English. Students in these schools aren’t just learning the basics of a second language. They’re actually immersed in it. Different subjects are often taught in different languages.
For example, a child might learn math and science in French. While history and literature could be taught in English. This immersion helps students become fluent in both languages, not just conversationally, but academically too.
2. Key Features of Bilingual Schools in Abidjan
Abidjan has a growing number of bilingual schools offering different curricula. Here are some of the key features parents should consider:
- Curriculum Structure: most bilingual schools in Abidjan often follow internationally recognized educational systems. These include:
- Cambridge Curriculum: This globally respected curriculum leads to IGCSE exams. It prepares students for universities worldwide.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB focuses on critical thinking. it also focuses on global awareness and bilingual language proficiency. It’s widely recognized by top universities globally.
- American System: This system is the one used in the US public schools. It focuses on broad-based learning. It offers a pathway to the SATs and American universities.
- Dual-Language Immersion: It’s a hallmark of bilingual schools. Students learn both languages in a way that naturally integrates language skills with academic subjects. This immersion helps solidify fluency and cultural understanding.
- Extracurricular Activities: Beyond language learning, bilingual schools often host cultural exchange programs. Students can also take part in international days, and language clubs. These activities enrich the educational experience and broaden students’ horizons.
3. Benefits of Bilingual Education in Abidjan
Choosing a bilingual school for your child can offer several distinct advantages:
- Academic Boost: Research shows that bilingual students tend to perform better in cognitive tasks like problem-solving, multitasking, and creative thinking. They are trained to switch between languages and cultures. This is a skill that strengthens brain function and sharpens focus.
- Cultural Exposure: Learning two languages opens doors to multiple cultures. Bilingual students gain an appreciation for different ways of thinking and living. Being exposed to different cultures fosters empathy and understanding — crucial skills in today’s interconnected world.
- Career Opportunities: English and French are two of the most widely spoken languages globally. Being fluent in both improves access to international universities. It also makes students more competitive in the global job market. In Abidjan, this is particularly important. The city is a business hub for multinational companies.
- Social Skills: Bilingual students often have an easier time integrating into diverse social settings. They can navigate both local and international environments with ease. It makes them adaptable and socially adept.
4. How to Choose the Right Bilingual School in Abidjan
Bilingual schools in Abidjan all have their unique offers. It’s essential to do your homework before committing to one. Here are some key things to consider:
- Accreditation and Curriculum: Ensure the school follows a recognized, high-quality curriculum like Cambridge, IB, or American systems. Accreditation by the Ivorian government and international bodies (such as the Cambridge International Examinations or the IB Organization) is also essential. It ensures the school meets national and global education standards.
- You can check their accreditations by going to the accreditation websites. Schools accredited by the Ivorian government will have a license number.
- Qualified Teachers: Bilingual schools rely on teachers who are fluent in both languages and trained in bilingual education. Ask about the qualifications of the teaching staff and the student-to-teacher ratio. Also, ask whether the school employs native speakers of both languages.
- Language Balance: It’s crucial to determine whether both languages are given equal emphasis in the curriculum. Just because a school labels itself as “bilingual” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s providing a balanced bilingual education. Find out how subjects are distributed across languages and whether the school uses immersion techniques effectively.
- Facilities and Resources: Don’t skip a visit to the school. Make sure the facilities are well-equipped for bilingual education, including access to modern language resources and technology. Ask about the school’s support for students who might need additional language help.
- Cost and Accessibility: Tuition fees can vary widely between bilingual schools. So it’s important to check if the cost aligns with your budget. Some schools may offer scholarships or sliding scales. So be sure to inquire.
5. A Look at Bilingual Schools in Abidjan
Here’s a quick overview of some bilingual schools in Abidjan. Keep in mind that this list is not an endorsement — it’s a starting point for your research.
Also, the tuition ranges shown here are for the 20024-2025 school year.
Most known bilingual schools in Abidjan
- International Bilingual Schools of Africa (IBSA)
- Location: Cocody Riviera 3 & Deux Plateaux
- Curriculum: International early year curriculum, international primary curriculum, Cambridge
- Tuition: 1.75 to 3.5 million FCFA.
- International Community School of Abidjan (ICSA)
- Location: Cocody Riviera 3
- Curriculum: American
- Tuition: $13,388 to $25,064. Plus a one-time capital development fee of $7000, and yearly registration fees of $1200.
- Enko International School
- Location: Cocody Riviera Golf and Angré
- Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
- Tuition: 1.8 million to 2.9 million FCFA
- Jin A American School (Christian)
- Location: Deux Plateaux
- Curriculum: Christian Liberty Academy curriculum
- Tuition: 850,000 to 1.5 million FCFA francs
- LIS Luke International School (Christian)
- Location: Abidjan
- Curriculum: A Beka curriculum
- Tuition: Contact the school for information
Other bilingual schools in Abidjan
- Groupe Ecole Alfred Nobel
- Location: Cocody Bonoumin
- Curriculum: National Ivorian system, Montessori pedagogy
- Tuition: Contact the school for information
- Maison Cerise Abidjan
- Location: Cocody Riviera Bonoumin
- Curriculum: Ivorian and French programs
- Tuition: Contact the school for information
- Le Ptit Royaume
- Location: Cocody Riviera Bonoumin
- Curriculum: French-English
- Tuition: Contact the school for information
- IUD School
- Location: Cocody Riviera Bonoumin
- Curriculum: American system
- Tuition: $5,500 to $15,400
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- Located in Cocody Deux Plateaux
- Curriculum: British curriculum, West African Examinations Council
- Tuition: contact the school for information.
- Morning Glory School (Christian)
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- Located in Bingerville
- Curriculum: Cambridge
- Tuition: Contact the school @ 07 07 78 39 42 / 07 47 49 52 94 to inquire.
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- Located in Cocody Deux Plateaux Vallon
- Curriculum: Cambridge
- Tuition: 1 million CFA (pre-nursery) to 2.5 million FCFA (high school)
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- Located in Riviera Palmeraie
- Curriculum: England national curriculum, Cambridge curriculum
- Tuition: Contact the school @ (+225) 07 57 83 93 74 / (+225) 07 79 14 19 46 to inquire.
There Are Many Bilingual Schools in Abidjan
Choosing a bilingual school in Abidjan is about more than just language proficiency — it’s about setting your child up for success in a globalized world.
As a parent, it’s crucial to look beyond the name of a school and dig into the details. Visit schools and ask questions. Also, make sure you understand the curriculum the school offers and what resources are available for your child(ren). A bilingual education in Abidjan offers your child a world of possibilities, and with the right choice, you’ll be giving them the tools to thrive in both local and global contexts.
