Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Setting up in Togo with school-age children quickly raises a key question: which school should they enroll in to continue a quality curriculum recognized internationally, without disrupting their education? In the capital, Lomé, in particular, the range of international schools has grown significantly, offering American, British, French, or IB programs, often bilingual.
Good to know:
This detailed overview of the best international schools in Togo is based on available data for the most sought-after institutions by expats and Togolese families aiming for a global academic future for their children.
Understanding the International School Offerings in Togo
Before looking at each school, it is helpful to understand the educational landscape in which these schools operate.
The standard Togolese system follows the Francophone model, with six years of primary school, followed by secondary education in two cycles (four years of middle school, three years of high school) leading to the BEPC and then the baccalaureate. In this context, international schools play a parallel role by offering foreign programs – American, British, accredited French, or International Baccalaureate (IB) – attracting both expatriate families (diplomats, corporate executives, NGOs…) and a growing share of Togo’s middle and upper class.
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International schools share several common features: small class sizes, instruction primarily in English or French with a strong emphasis on multilingualism, better infrastructure than the national average, and preparation for globally recognized diplomas such as the IB Diploma, IGCSEs, the American High School Diploma, the French Baccalaureate, or their equivalents.
Tuition fees are, unsurprisingly, high for the local context. Overall estimates for international schools in Togo generally range between 1,500,000 and 5,000,000 FCFA per year, or even more for certain very demanding IB or British programs. In return, families benefit from a structured educational environment, personalized support, and academic continuity that facilitates international moves.
The Main Programs: American, British, French, IB
The best international schools in Lomé stand out as much for their educational philosophy as for the type of program they offer.
The American approach, very present through schools like the American International School of Lomé or QSI International School of Togo, is characterized by an organization into Elementary, Middle, and High School, continuous assessment, and the awarding of a High School Diploma. The pedagogy emphasizes student-centered learning, flexibility, and project-based inquiry.
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The British model, embodied by the British School of Lomé, is structured into Key Stages (KS1 to KS5). Students take IGCSEs at the end of Key Stage 4 and, in upper secondary, often prepare for the IB Diploma. This framework is renowned for its academic rigor and high transferability to universities worldwide.
The French system, represented by the Lycée français de Lomé and its primary school École Charles de Gaulle, fully applies the programs of the French Ministry of National Education, under the aegis of the AEFE. It is the preferred choice for Francophone families who want a curriculum aligned with schools in France, all the way to the baccalaureate.
Attention:
Arc-en-Ciel International School and Lycée International Cours Lumière are accredited for one or more IB programs (PYP, MYP, DP), emphasizing international mindedness, inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and community engagement.
The table below summarizes the main program families found in international schools in the country.
| Program | Typical Age Range | Key Diplomas/Cycles | Main Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 5–18 years | High School Diploma, possible APs | Flexibility, continuous assessment, wide course choice |
| British | 5–18 years | IGCSE, A-Levels or IB | Rigor, Key Stage structure, strong recognition |
| French Accredited | 3–18 years | Brevet, Baccalaureate | Continuity with French system, AEFE framework |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 3–19 years | PYP, MYP, DP | Critical thinking, internationalism, project-based approach |
In the following sections, each flagship school in Lomé is presented in detail, with its profile, curriculum, strengths, and practical information for families.
American International School of Lomé (AISL)
The American International School of Lomé is one of the historic pillars of international education in Togo. Founded in 1967 primarily to meet the needs of American diplomatic families in the region, the school has gradually opened up to students of all nationalities while maintaining a distinctly “college preparatory” focus.
General Profile and Accreditations
AISL operates as a private, non-profit, day school offering a full program from nursery (age 2) through 12th grade. The school is located in Kégué, a neighborhood north of Lomé, near the Kégué stadium and about ten minutes from the US embassy. Its official address is on Boulevard du Haho (3 HDN).
The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), a benchmark American accrediting body. This accreditation is renewed regularly after six-year cycles, accompanied by in-depth self-assessments and visits by external expert teams. The most recent reaccreditation was obtained following a substantial process, confirming the quality of the program and governance.
The main contact details for AISL are as follows:
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Boulevard du Haho (3 HDN), Kégué, Lomé |
| Phone | +228 22 61 18 96 / 90 10 58 29 |
| [email protected] / [email protected] | |
| Grades | Nursery (age 2) – Grade 12 |
| Language of Instruction | English, with French as second language |
| Status | Private, non-profit, coeducational |
| Accreditation | Middle States Association (MSA) |
Curriculum and Pedagogy
AISL’s program is based on the general American system and best practices of American college-preparatory schools. Students follow a structured path through seven years of mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies, complemented by arts, technology, and physical education.
Good to know:
Inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and personal research are at the heart of the pedagogy. Numerous projects, group work, presentations, and lab activities are carried out. English is the language of instruction, while French is taught over seven years to achieve genuine bilingual fluency.
In secondary school, the high school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses to strengthen students’ profiles for universities, primarily in North America but also in Europe and elsewhere. Standardized test programs (SAT, PSAT, ACT, MAPS, etc.) are integrated into the system, facilitating overseas admission procedures.
School Life, Facilities, and Activities
The school is designed as a place for learning but also for personal development. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a science lab, a computer lab, a library, an art studio, a dedicated music room, a French classroom, and a multipurpose room.
In terms of sports and recreation, AISL has a playground for elementary, a soccer field, a running track, a basketball court, a covered terrace, landscaped lawns, and student-maintained teaching gardens.
The school day extends into a rich program of extracurricular activities, generally from 2:15 PM to 5:00 PM. Activities and sports vary by trimester but regularly include swimming, basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, soccer, dance, theater, ceramics, batik, visual arts, additional French clubs, SAT prep, chess, taekwondo, beadwork, homework help, and many others. Participation in at least one afternoon team sport is mandatory for students in grades 3 through 12, illustrating the importance placed on balancing academics with physical and social life.
AISL thus aims to be both a place of academic performance and a space for personal fulfillment, where leadership, community engagement, sense of responsibility, and curiosity about the world are cultivated.
British School of Lomé (BSL)
The British School of Lomé is another heavyweight on the international scene in Lomé, with a distinctly British identity, a strong IB foundation, and a very cosmopolitan community. Founded in 1983, the school welcomes students aged 2 to 18, offering day programs as well as full or flexible boarding.
Identity, Location, and Student Body
BSL presents itself as a private, international, coeducational, and multicultural school. It is located at Résidence du Bénin, Lomé (BP 20050). Interested families can contact the school by phone or via [email protected] for information on fees and enrollment procedures.
Good to know:
The school welcomes all students without discrimination based on nationality, religion, or ethnic origin, with equal access to programs. The primary language is English, with French and other languages offered. With around one hundred students divided between day and boarding students, the small size ensures a family atmosphere and personalized attention.
British Curriculum, Cambridge, and IB
The curriculum at the British School of Lomé is based on the British National Curriculum, organized by Key Stages.
In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), students follow a common core including English, mathematics, science, and French, as well as history, geography, Spanish, physical education, art and design, music, and drama. This phase serves as a transition between primary and secondary school and prepares students for IGCSE exams.
Good to know:
From Year 10 to Year 11, students prepare for Cambridge Assessment IGCSEs. Required subjects are mathematics, English language, and French. Students must choose at least one science from biology, chemistry, and physics. Options include art and design, business studies, economics, English literature, geography, history, ICT, music, physical education, Spanish, and PSHE.
Finally, in Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13), BSL offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Students aged 16 to 19 take six subjects (three at higher level, three at standard level) distributed across language and literature, foreign language, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics, and the arts. In addition, there are three mandatory IB components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay (up to 4,000 words), and the CAS program (Creativity, Activity, Service). This system aims to develop young people who are both academically strong and balanced physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
BSL has been registered as an IB World School since the mid-1990s, making it one of the most experienced players in the region in this field. IB exams are held in the May session, as in most IB schools in Africa and Europe.
Admissions, Boarding, and Fees
Admission to the British School of Lomé requires submitting a complete application including passport, possibly a visa, birth certificate, medical form, residential address, previous school reports (translated into English if needed), and a recommendation from the previous school if applicable. The school emphasizes the importance of a transparent application for proper placement.
21,000
Annual tuition fees for full boarding at BSL can exceed 21,000 euros, reflecting its high-end positioning in Togo.
The school is further distinguished by the variety of its IB subjects (mathematics, sciences, languages, arts, economics, history, etc.) and by fostering a stimulating academic climate that encourages initiative and personal responsibility.
Arc-en-Ciel International School
Arc-en-Ciel International School is a cornerstone of the IB offering in Lomé. This private school, founded in 1986, has risen to a position of reference on the African continent for families seeking a bilingual education, from kindergarten to the International Baccalaureate.
A Bilingual IB School from Nursery to High School
Located in Lomé, notably on Rue Défalé, Arc-en-Ciel operates across several campuses and serves a wide age range, from nursery to high school (grades 1 to 12). The school boasts over 500 students and an extremely international student body, with more than 40 nationalities represented. The languages of instruction are French and English, across two streams or language tracks, allowing students to follow the IB continuum in the language that suits them best, or even a combination of both.
Arc-en-Ciel is a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization and belongs to the select group of schools offering all three IB programs: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). It is also a member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network and the European Council of International Schools, further strengthening its legitimacy and international connections.
The basic contact information is as follows:
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Address | Rue Défalé, Lomé, B.P. 2985 |
| Section Phones | Nursery: +228 22 21 41 86; Primary: +228 22 21 13 44; Secondary: +228 22 22 03 29 |
| [email protected] | |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM; Saturday: 7:30 AM–12 PM |
| IB Programs | PYP, MYP, DP |
| Languages of Instruction | French and English |
| Boarding | Yes, from approximately age 10 |
IB Curriculum and Pedagogical Approach
In primary school, Arc-en-Ciel implements the Primary Years Programme in French and English. The PYP structures learning around large transdisciplinary units of inquiry (six units per year), where students explore global themes using languages, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and personal and physical education. The idea is to develop curiosity, questioning skills, understanding of the world, and a sense of responsibility from an early age.
Good to know:
Secondary school covers grades 6 to 12 (ages 11 to 18). The Middle Years Programme (MYP) links eight subject groups (language, language acquisition, etc.) to real-world issues, emphasizing critical thinking, project work, and interdisciplinarity.
At the end of the program, students enter the Diploma Programme, a globally recognized pre-university course. They choose their six subjects distributed across groups (language and literature, second language, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts) and simultaneously complete the three core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay (up to 4,000 words), and the CAS program (creativity, activity, service projects).
develop leaders capable of serving and improving the world
School Mission
Tuition Fees, Boarding, and Services
Annual fees at Arc-en-Ciel range, depending on the level and language stream, from approximately 1,725,000 to 4,050,000 FCFA, or roughly 2,980 to 7,000 US dollars. These amounts vary based on enrollment in the French or English stream and the cycle (primary, middle school, high school).
The school offers boarding for students from about age ten, with academic supervision and structured community living. This boarding option attracts both expatriate families on assignment and Togolese families living far from Lomé.
Arc-en-Ciel also offers a range of sports, artistic, and cultural activities, and places a strong emphasis on community service, consistent with the IB spirit. The admissions process requires submitting the last two years of report cards, a handwritten personal statement from the student, passport photos, and civil status documents. The school thus practices careful selection, aiming to ensure a match between the student’s profile and the program’s requirements.
Lycée français de Lomé and École Charles de Gaulle
For families who wish to remain within the strict framework of the French education system while living in Togo, the Lycée français de Lomé and its primary school École Charles de Gaulle are a natural choice. Together, they form a school complex fully accredited by the AEFE, the Agency for French Education Abroad.
An Institution Accredited by France
The Lycée français de Lomé is located on Avenue Franz Joseph Strauss (BP 3544), while École Charles de Gaulle is located on Avenue Sarakawa, also in Lomé. The complex fully applies the official programs, schedules, and instructions of the French Ministry of National Education and prepares students for French diplomas (Brevet and Baccalaureate), exactly like a public middle or high school in France.
The main contact details are as follows:
| School | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lycée français de Lomé | Avenue Franz Joseph Strauss, BP 3544, Lomé | +228 22 23 57 50 | [email protected] |
| École Charles de Gaulle | Avenue Sarakawa, Lomé | +228 22 20 79 89 | [email protected] |
Primary education is provided at École Charles de Gaulle, which enrolls over 400 students from age 2 to CM2 (10-11 years old), distributed across 17 classes. The school is structured into three cycles: nursery school (cycle 1), followed by cycles 2 and 3 for elementary, as per the French organization. Secondary education (middle and high school) is handled by the Lycée français de Lomé, with four years of middle school and three years of high school leading to the baccalaureate.
Pedagogy, Support, and School Life
In addition to strictly adhering to official French programs, the Lycée français de Lomé provides hours of individualized support, particularly in French and mathematics, for students struggling. The goal is to address gaps in the curriculum, consolidate fundamentals, and prevent dropout.
Extracurricular Activities at École Charles de Gaulle
The school offers around thirty sports, arts, and cultural clubs, supervised by the ASSC, for nursery and elementary children, in French and English.
About thirty sports, arts, and cultural clubs are open after school.
Activities are organized under the umbrella of a sports and socio-cultural association (ASSC).
Some activities are held in English, others in French, for a bilingual approach within a French curricular framework.
The school complex benefits from the AEFE network, which guarantees not only academic compliance but also access to network projects, exchanges, competitions, and facilitated mobility for students who need to continue their education in other French schools worldwide or in France.
Good to know:
Fees are provided directly by the school upon request. They fall within the high range of private schools in Togo but are often more moderate than those of IB or British schools.
QSI International School of Togo
QSI International School of Togo represents a more recent addition to the international education market in Lomé but is part of a well-established global network, Quality Schools International. Opened in 2022, the school targets children from age 3 through middle school, in English.
Location, Profile, and Student Population
QSI Togo is located in Cité OUA 2000, a rapidly developing area with upscale residences, embassies (notably the US and Chinese), and diplomatic housing. The school occupies a converted villa designed for teaching, with classrooms and play areas suited to small enrollments.
The school welcomes children from age 3 up to approximately middle school age (around 12–13 years old). It serves both diplomatic families, international corporate executives, and Togolese families seeking an English-language education. The QSI network’s slogan is “Success for All,” reflecting its commitment to a mastery learning pedagogy.
The contact information is as follows:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Cité OUA 2000, 01BP 4588, Lomé |
| Phone | +228 90 54 37 62 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | togo.qsi.org |
| Language | English (primary) |
| Second language | French |
Mastery-Based Pedagogy
QSI’s pedagogical model is based on performance-based/mastery learning. Practically, this means that students are not simply evaluated on fixed dates but progress when competency objectives are truly achieved. Instruction combines individualized teaching and group work to adapt to each student’s pace while developing social skills.
Good to know:
The curriculum covers English, mathematics, cultural studies, science, art, music, technology, and physical education. Intensive English classes are offered to non-native speakers, and French is taught as a second language with an emphasis on Togolese culture and history.
Classes have intentionally small sizes, and the faculty consists of experienced teachers, often with a mix of international and American backgrounds. In nursery (ages 3–4), the focus is on school readiness (pre-reading, pre-math), motor skills, and social skills, in a very playful environment. In primary school, the program becomes more structured, with early integration of computer use. In middle school, students follow a rigorous program covering core disciplines, with the possibility for advanced students to take secondary-level courses in mathematics or languages that count for graduation credits within the QSI network.
Extracurricular activities (clubs, sports, music, various themes) are offered several afternoons per week, at no additional cost when possible, providing families with appreciable added value.
Lycée International Cours Lumière
Less publicized than the major Anglo-Saxon schools, the Lycée International Cours Lumière in Lomé nevertheless plays an important role in the high-end segment. The school is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization, meaning it is authorized to offer at least one IB program (PYP, MYP, and/or DP).
Good to know:
Cours Lumière’s positioning combines academic excellence, personal development, and international mindedness. The curriculum balances intellectual rigor with character building. Certain programs (CISL) are certified by the Ontario Ministry of Education (Canada), guaranteeing recognition of diplomas within the Canadian system.
The diplomas awarded, validated by Ontario, directly open doors to Canadian universities and colleges, as well as other popular destinations like Australia, Singapore, the United States, England, or Hong Kong. This dual IB and Canadian foundation makes Cours Lumière a particularly strategic choice for families considering higher education in North America.
Even if not all detailed data is public, the combination of IB + Ontario curriculum is reputed to be demanding and selective, with strong academic support and high expectations for student autonomy and commitment.
Sares International Bilingual School
Sares International Bilingual School exemplifies the recent growth of Togolese bilingual schools that are gradually rising to international standards while remaining locally grounded.
The school presents itself as a leading institution offering a dynamic education in English and French, from nursery through 8th grade. It welcomes students of various nationalities and emphasizes a philosophy of holistic development, combining academic excellence with intercultural understanding.
Good to know:
Sares has modern facilities for numerous extracurricular activities (taekwondo, arts, dance, soccer, basketball, etc.). The school emphasizes community engagement and student support services: individualized guidance, monitoring, and collaboration with families, aiming to produce well-rounded, confident, globally oriented young people.
Although Sares is not yet among the major IB schools or accredited by major international authorities, it represents an interesting option for families seeking a solid bilingual environment for the early school years, with a pedagogy centered on caring and active student participation.
International Christian School of Lomé and Other Christian Initiatives
Togo’s international offering also includes schools with an explicit Christian identity, such as the International Christian School of Lomé or more recent projects led by missionary organizations.
Good to know:
The International Christian School of Lomé is an international school authorized by the Togolese government for preschool, primary, and secondary education. Instruction is in English, with French as a second language. It is recognized by the Togolese Ministry of Education and accredited by American bodies (Middle States Association and Inter-regional Accreditation Commission), allowing graduates to validate their studies locally and internationally.
In parallel, more recent initiatives, such as ICS Togo supported by TeachBeyond, are developing micro-schools specifically targeting missionary families and middle-to-upper class Togolese families. Their project is to eventually build a larger school with an international Christian curriculum, small classes, a strong focus on spiritual and ethical formation, thoughtful use of technology, and inclusion. Even though these projects are still in the startup phase, they help diversify the offerings for families seeking a school environment aligned with particular religious convictions.
How to Choose Among the Best International Schools in Togo?
Faced with such a range of options – American International School of Lomé, British School of Lomé, Arc-en-Ciel, Lycée français de Lomé, QSI, Cours Lumière, Sares, Christian schools – the question is not just which are the “best,” but rather which school truly matches the child’s profile and the parents’ plans.
Several criteria come into play in this reflection.
Good to know:
The Lycée français de Lomé is ideal for Francophone families relocating to France, aligning with the French system. For an American orientation (companies or North American universities), prioritize AISL or QSI. For international flexibility, project-based learning, and IB values, choose Arc-en-Ciel, BSL, or Cours Lumière.
The second criterion concerns the languages of instruction. English dominates in many international schools in Lomé, but several schools (Arc-en-Ciel, Sares, Lycée français + clubs, Christian schools with French as L2) offer genuine bilingual environments or facilitate rapid progress in both languages. Families arriving from an English-speaking country may want to expose their children more to French, and vice versa.
Good to know:
The choice depends on the child’s academic strengths, temperament, and specific needs. QSI prioritizes differentiation and mastery, while the IB requires autonomy and reflection. Small schools (QSI, Sares, Christian schools) offer personalized attention; larger ones (AISL, BSL, Arc-en-Ciel, Lycée français) provide more course options, clubs, sports, and social life.
Finally, logistical and financial aspects should not be overlooked. The location of the school relative to home and work, the availability of boarding, any school transportation policy, registration and tuition fees, as well as ancillary costs (uniforms, books, field trips, exams), strongly influence the decision. In a context where most international schools are in the high cost range for Togo, discussing upfront with one’s company or organization’s HR (tuition coverage, education allowance) is often essential.
An Offering Concentrated in Lomé, But Diverse
It is clear from available data that the best international schools in Togo are almost exclusively concentrated in Lomé. It is in the capital that one finds the most extensive infrastructure, the highest density of expatriate families, and the majority of high-end private schools. In rural areas or secondary cities, the international offering is virtually non-existent, forcing options like boarding or hybrid solutions (local schools + distance learning, etc.).
Good to know:
The Togolese capital constitutes a key educational hub, with schools like the American International School of Lomé, the British School of Lomé, Arc-en-Ciel, the Lycée français, QSI, Cours Lumière, Sares, and Christian schools. Each combines academic quality, multiculturalism, and student support, offering pathways to higher education abroad or bilingual programs.
For families considering a move to Togo, the most practical approach remains to combine thorough reading of official websites, direct contact with admissions offices, and, when possible, an exploratory visit to Lomé. Seeing the buildings, feeling the atmosphere, meeting teachers and a few parents often helps confirm an impression or, conversely, reconsider priorities. In a country where educational inequalities remain marked, these international schools serve as showcases of excellence, but also as laboratories for pedagogical innovations whose effects may, in time, resonate more broadly within the Togolese education system.
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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.
