Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Cape Verde is attracting an increasing number of expatriates, active retirees, professionals from the tourism or humanitarian sectors, as well as some families of diplomats and executives from multinational companies. Very quickly, a crucial question arises for those settling there with children: what are the best international schools in Cape Verde, and what can one realistically expect from the local school system when coming from abroad?
Behind the postcard image, Cape Verde offers an educational landscape very different from destinations like Portugal. The archipelago has only a handful of international schools, often small and almost all French or Portuguese-speaking. No primary or secondary school offers a formal English-language curriculum. This limited reality is a decisive factor for families considering a stay of several years.
This article provides a detailed overview of the best international schools in Cape Verde, based on available data, official accreditations, and on-the-ground feedback from expatriates, while placing these institutions within the broader context of the Cape Verdean education system.
The Cape Verdean educational framework: a solid but constrained public foundation
Before zooming in on international schools, it’s useful to understand the general workings of education in Cape Verde. Primary education is compulsory for all children aged 6 to 14, and free between 6 and 12 years old. The system’s organization follows a relatively classic pattern: non-compulsory early childhood education (3-5 years), 6 years of primary school, lower secondary (13-15 years), then upper secondary (16-18 years), before university.
Approximately 90% of teachers in Cape Verde have received in-service training.
Despite these advances, the system faces structural challenges: lack of material resources, significant grade repetition (over 16% repeat the 2nd year of primary, with an average of about 8% overall), disparities between urban and rural areas or between islands, and high pressure on the few existing higher education institutions. The Human Rights Initiative estimates that Cape Verde achieves only about 82% of its educational “potential” given its resources, with a better score for primary than secondary education.
International schools are not intended to replace the local education system, but to offer continuity of study within a foreign pedagogical framework (primarily French or Portuguese) to a limited audience, mainly composed of expatriates or affluent individuals.
Why do expatriate families turn to international schools?
The profiles of those settling in Cape Verde with children are varied: diplomats, airline executives or from the tourism sector, NGO employees, foreign entrepreneurs, but also some mixed families where one parent is Cape Verdean. Not all make the same choice: some prefer schooling within the national system, others opt for distance learning or boarding school abroad. Nonetheless, many turn to local international schools when they exist, for several recurring reasons.
A student enrolled in a French school in Cape Verde can continue their education in any institution accredited by the AEFE worldwide, notably in France. This fluidity is made possible by the harmonization of curricula and teaching methods within the network, thus avoiding a disruption in the educational path.
The second reason is the language of instruction. For children who speak neither Portuguese nor Creole, integration into public school can be complex. Conversely, a French school offers a familiar linguistic framework for French speakers, while gradually introducing Portuguese and English. For Portuguese speakers, a Portuguese school offers the same type of continuity.
International schools are distinguished by smaller class sizes, personalized follow-up, better infrastructure, and an enhanced extracurricular offering. Some also guarantee university admission rates nearing 100%, a reassuring argument for parents.
Finally, the social and psychological aspect is central. For a child changing countries, joining a school community where different nationalities mingle, where teachers are accustomed to mobile students, and where bilingualism or multilingualism is valued can reduce the culture shock. Professionals based locally, such as psychologist and volunteer Gloria Dalc at the International School of Sal, emphasize this dimension of emotional support and creating reference points.
An extremely limited offering: three or four schools nationwide
Unlike neighboring countries or European destinations with dozens of international schools, Cape Verde hosts only three or four genuine ones, according to sources. Not all necessarily accept the term “international” in the strict sense (with IB, GCSE accreditations, etc.), but they are distinguished by the use of a foreign curriculum and language of instruction, and by welcoming a multinational student body.
The table below summarizes the main institutions clearly identified in the available information.
Main international schools in Cape Verde
| School | Island / City | Type / Main Language | Reference Curriculum | Levels Covered (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Les Alizés International School | Santiago / Praia | French, instruction in French | French curriculum + CNED | Preschool to high school (direct instruction in primary, CNED for secondary) |
| Escola Internacional de Sal (EIS) | Sal / Murdeira | Bilingual French-Portuguese | French curriculum + Cape Verdean curriculum, AEFE accredited | Preschool / primary, expanding to middle school |
| French School of Boa Vista | Boa Vista / Sal Rei | French, instruction in French | French curriculum, AEFE accreditation | Preschool to middle school |
| Portuguese School of Cape Verde | Santiago / Praia | Portuguese, instruction in Portuguese | Official Portuguese curriculum | Primary and secondary |
| Colégio International (Praia) | Santiago / Praia | Lusophone, limited international dimension | Portuguese curriculum | Primary and/or secondary |
To these structures are added a few peripheral players: an American Learning Centre that mainly offered English classes without a true curriculum, a planned English-language nursery/kindergarten in Santa Maria (Sal), or an English-language school in Mindelo opened by former Peace Corps volunteers – but none of these initiatives currently have the status or pedagogical structure of a full-fledged international school.
A landscape by island: where are the international schools located?
The geographical distribution can be outlined as follows.
| Island | Identified International Schools | Particularities |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | Les Alizés, Portuguese School, Colégio International | Capital (Praia), the most extensive offering but only in French or Portuguese |
| Sal | Escola Internacional de Sal (EIS) | The island’s only international school, a small bilingual FR-PT structure |
| Boa Vista | French School of Boa Vista | Small French school in Sal Rei, up to middle school |
| São Vicente (Mindelo) | Informal English schools or classes | No structured international school proper, presence of English classes |
For an expatriate, this breakdown has a direct consequence: the choice of island of residence cannot be made without considering schooling. Living in Boa Vista or Sal with children enrolled in French is feasible thanks to local schools, but as soon as a Portuguese curriculum or a true English-language track is needed, options shrink drastically.
Focus on Les Alizés International School in Praia
Among the best international schools in Cape Verde, Les Alizés holds a central place. Located in Praia, in the Achada Santo António neighborhood, this French school was created in the early 1990s by parents wanting their children to follow the French education system without leaving the archipelago. It is now accredited by the French Ministry of National Education, via the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE).
Status, accreditation, and governance
The school operates as a parent association (EPA) that manages day-to-day operations, under the pedagogical supervision of the AEFE. Accreditation directly covers primary classes; for middle and high school, the institution relies on CNED (National Center for Distance Education) courses, with on-site support.
Regular audits by the French ministry verify compliance of teaching and results. This strong institutional link makes the school a preferred option for French or French-speaking families, but also for those wishing to later access the French university system.
– Useful contact information (to be verified before any contact, as it may change):
– Mailing address: C.P. 395, Praia, Cape Verde
– Telephone: (+238) 261 43 69
– Emails mentioned in sources: [email protected], [email protected]
– Website: https://www.lesalizes-cv.com/
Languages of instruction and student profile
The main language of instruction is French, from preschool to high school. Portuguese is introduced from preschool as the language of the local environment, and English from CE1 (around age 7). This progressive trilingualism is an important asset for families considering either further studies in Europe or deeper integration into Cape Verde.
Approximately two-thirds of the school’s students are of Cape Verdean nationality.
Strengths and limitations based on field feedback
Les Alizés is often cited as “the only true international school in the country”, which reflects both its centrality and the overall weakness of the offering. Positive points highlighted are coherence with the French system, the presence of qualified teachers, the multilingual environment, and official recognition by Paris.
But expatriate families also mention limitations: frequent changes in the management team, classes sometimes considered too large, uneven application of programs. Some have chosen to withdraw their children, turning to online solutions or abandoning the destination. This is not a uniform picture — many students complete their schooling there without major difficulty — but these accounts remind us that even “the best” local international school remains a small structure, subject to recruitment and management challenges.
Escola Internacional de Sal (EIS): a small school in the heart of Murdeira
On the island of Sal, which hosts the bulk of the archipelago’s beach tourism, the Escola Internacional de Sal (EIS) is the main reference for families seeking international schooling. Founded in 2009 by a parent association, the school is located in Murdeira, halfway between Espargos Airport and the resort town of Santa Maria.
Dual program: French and Cape Verdean
EIS stands out for its bilingual structure: it follows both the French curriculum, accredited by the AEFE, and the national Cape Verdean curriculum. This dual affiliation prepares students for further studies in the French network while maintaining a connection to the local system, which can be important for mixed families or students likely to stay in Cape Verde long-term.
French and Portuguese are the two working languages, with a pedagogical framework focused on bilingualism. The school has about fifty students, allowing for small groups and individualized follow-up.
Teachers and support
Like Les Alizés, the Escola Internacional de Sal is subject to regular audits by the French Ministry of Education, via the AEFE. Its teachers are qualified and recruited in France, supported by local expatriates for support and administrative tasks. This combination of French pedagogical expertise and local anchoring is often cited as a strong point.
Emphasizes attention paid to the emotional aspects of expatriation and bilingualism. For children arriving mid-stream, this support can make all the difference.
Volunteer psychologist, specialist in learning and memory
– Usual contact details:
– Location: Murdeira, Sal Island
– Website: https://www.eis-capvert.com
– Email: [email protected] (orthographic variant sometimes noted in sources)
A relevant choice, but no English-language alternative
For families wishing to live on Sal while benefiting from a structured and recognized school framework, EIS is clearly the main option. On the other hand, those seeking English-language instruction with an Anglo-Saxon curriculum have, to date, no formal solution on the island. Some families opt for distance learning, sometimes combined with part-time attendance at EIS; others consider boarding schools abroad.
The French School of Boa Vista: a small community-oriented structure
On the island of Boa Vista, also heavily oriented towards tourism, the French School of Boa Vista completes the map of the best international schools in Cape Verde for young children. Opened in 2010 in Sal Rei, this school focuses on preschool and middle school classes, welcoming students of all nationalities.
An educational institution managed by a parent association, following the French curriculum and accredited by the AEFE.
Follows the French curriculum within the framework of AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad) accreditation.
School managed by a parent association, ensuring a close link with the family community.
Limited enrollment and local scale for a friendly atmosphere and personalized student follow-up.
Does not cover the entire high school track; offers part of secondary education.
– Contact details mentioned in sources:
– Telephone: (+238) 251 19 29
– Email: [email protected]
– Website: https://ecolefrancaiseboavista.wordpress.com/
For families whose children must then continue a high school curriculum, a transfer to Les Alizés, another French school abroad, or distance learning via CNED is generally considered.
Portuguese schools and the case of Colégio International in Praia
Alongside French schools, Praia hosts two other key players for those seeking quality schooling in a language other than French: the Portuguese School of Cape Verde and Colégio International.
Portuguese School of Cape Verde: an extension of the Lisbon system
The Portuguese School of Cape Verde, present in Praia and also cited on the island of São Vicente, is part of the network of Portuguese schools abroad. Supported by the Lisbon government, it applies the official Portuguese curriculum, with instruction in Portuguese and a number of English hours.
For Lusophone families (Portugal, Brazil, Angola…) or Cape Verdeans who want to offer their children an education aligned with the Portuguese system, this school is a natural alternative. It does not have the “international” label in the IB sense, but it functions as a transplanted national school, recognized by Portuguese authorities.
– Operational information includes, for example:
– Contact email: [email protected]
– Telephone: +238 356 06 11
Colégio International: a discreet but reputable school
Colégio International, also located in Praia, is often mentioned in expatriate discussions as one of the few “serious” private schools in the city. It follows the Portuguese curriculum, with qualified teachers, and welcomes primary and secondary students.
The institution has no identified official website, does not publicly share an email address, and staff speak little or no English on the phone. For a new expatriate, this near-digital absence complicates remote contact and information gathering.
An experienced contributor nevertheless describes Colégio International, the Portuguese school, and Les Alizés as the only three institutions with a fully developed curriculum and a professional teaching staff. For a Francophone or Lusophone family residing in Praia, this trio constitutes the core of serious options.
A notable absence: no primary or secondary school with an official English-language curriculum
One of the most surprising points for families used to finding English-language international schools everywhere is the complete absence, in Cape Verde, of primary or secondary schools offering structured English-language instruction with a formal curriculum (British, American, IB, etc.).
Several consequences follow:
Local structures only offer English classes for children, without a complete academic program. Private initiatives exist but remain limited. For a true English-language curriculum, families must resort to distance learning or boarding school abroad.
The only truly structured English-language curriculum listed in the country is… at the university level: the University of Cape Verde offers a four-year undergraduate program entirely taught in English. A solution that obviously only concerns adult students, but which shows a beginning of openness towards the English-speaking international sphere at the higher education level only.
Admissions, fees, and selectivity: what one can reasonably expect
Information available on admission procedures and fees in Cape Verde is less detailed than that published by major international schools in other countries, but several trends can be identified based on sector practices.
The country’s international schools have limited capacity, often from a few dozen to a few hundred students. Classes are smaller than in public schools, but space is sometimes lacking, notably in Praia. This results in selective admission, with:
Admission to these institutions is subject to several important constraints: the number of places is limited by grade level, registration several months in advance is necessary (especially for key grades like CP, 6th grade, and 10th grade), and the student’s academic record and language level are carefully reviewed.
Tuition fees are not systematically published. It is known that they are considered “high” relative to local standards, but generally remain lower than those in major African capitals like Johannesburg. They often include:
– non-refundable registration fees;
– tuition paid monthly or quarterly;
– possibly additional fees for transport, cafeteria, extracurricular activities.
To this, for foreign families, is added the cost of study visa procedures if necessary, although in Cape Verde, expatriate children are in practice often attached to their parents’ status.
Pedagogical and psychological issues: school as the pivot of family expatriation
Beyond questions of curriculum or language, choosing among the best international schools in Cape Verde also involves thinking about how children will live their expatriation. Several elements emerge quite clearly from collected testimonies.
For younger children, a small Francophone school like Les Alizés, EIS, or the French School of Boa Vista can offer a protective framework, where entering a new environment is done gently. The possibility of speaking one’s native language in class, while learning Portuguese and being exposed to Creole, facilitates gradual integration.
On the other hand, for adolescents already engaged in an English-language path or aiming directly for a North American or British university, the lack of structured English-language tracks in Cape Verde can cause a form of strategic “disconnection”: the obligation to change systems upon arrival, difficulties in having certain levels recognized, etc. In this case, some families prefer to educate their children at a distance or in another country, even if it means a “split” family expatriation experience.
The community factor is also key. In a small international school where a few nationalities mix, children quickly form bonds, but opportunities for renewal are more limited than in a large international institution. One must be prepared for their child’s circle of friends to be small, but often very close-knit.
Teachers: a nearly closed job market for foreigners
The low number of international schools has a direct consequence on the job market for expatriate teachers: it is extremely small. A source familiar with the country summarizes the situation by explaining that there are only “three or four” private international schools across all of Cape Verde, which leaves few positions to fill, and even fewer frequent renewals.
In the public sector, teaching positions are reserved for French-speaking Portuguese-speaking teachers perfectly at ease in Portuguese, from local or recognized university programs, and assigned by the government. For a foreign teacher not mastering the language, prospects there are virtually non-existent.
In accredited French schools, permanent teachers come mainly from France, recruited by the AEFE or under local contract with diploma and experience requirements. Expatriates already settled can sometimes find support, substitute, or teaching assistant positions, but this is not a structured and open market like in major international hubs.
How to choose among the best international schools in Cape Verde?
Faced with a limited offering, the temptation may be to simply choose “what exists” on the island where one wishes to live. However, a few criteria can help make an informed choice and, sometimes, arbitrate differently regarding the destination or length of stay.
It is crucial to assess the alignment between the school’s language of instruction and the family’s educational project. For a Francophone family, institutions like Les Alizés, EIS, or the French School of Boa Vista are natural choices. A Lusophone family will lean more towards the Portuguese school or Colégio International. For English speakers, the decision is more complex: they must then consider accepting schooling in French or Portuguese, contemplate distance learning, or even reassess the duration of the expatriation, possibly limiting it to the preschool period.
Next comes the coherence of the curriculum with life after Cape Verde. If planning to enroll the child in France, Portugal, or another Francophone or Lusophone country, an accredited institution (AEFE or Portuguese system) offers a smoother transition. If aiming for a return to an English-language International Baccalaureate, adjustments will need to be planned.
During visits or interviews, it’s important to assess the size of the school and classes, the perceived quality of leadership, and the stability of the teaching team. Comments about frequent leadership changes or classes considered too large should be weighed against direct on-site observations.
Finally, the social dimension matters greatly: what is the profile of the families attending the school? What place is given to languages, artistic activities, sports? How does the institution support students in situations of bilingualism or cultural transition?
A system in motion, but a reality not to be underestimated
The best international schools in Cape Verde offer a minority of children perfectly honorable paths, often solid, sometimes remarkably personalized. Links with the AEFE, the Portuguese system, or national universities show a real openness to the outside world.
But the archipelago is not yet a “mature” destination in terms of international school offerings. The absence of structured English-language tracks, the low number of schools, the heterogeneity of practices from one institution to another, and the sometimes difficult task of gathering information remotely require caution in preparing any family expatriation.
For families ready to accept certain constraints and consider mixed solutions (local school + online learning, transitions during adolescence), several institutions offer solid options. Schools like Les Alizés, Escola Internacional de Sal, the French School of Boa Vista, the Portuguese school in Praia, or Colégio International combine local anchoring, international openness, and human support, in a country known for its hospitality.
For others, Cape Verde remains a charming destination to discover, but one that requires, when one has school-age children, in-depth reflection on the educational feasibility of the project – a reflection in which the choice among the country’s few best international schools proves, more than in many other destinations, absolutely central.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
