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The standard of education and schools in Angola is far below what many expats are used to. In addition, the language of instruction is Portuguese, which can be a hurdle for families who don't speak it. For this reason, most expat parents moving to Angola enrol their children in international schools. These teach a foreign curriculum in a familiar language, allowing expat children a smoother path to adjusting to life in their new home.
Public schools in Angola
In Angola, schooling is compulsory from age seven to 15. The first phase of education in Angola is primary school, which lasts four years. Secondary schools offer an additional seven years of education up to Grade 12 but schooling becomes optional after the completion of Grade 9. While the Angolan government is working to improve public education, dropout rates remain high, and schools lack necessary resources, especially in rural areas.
International schools in Angola
International schools in Angola are mostly in Luanda. Each school is typically sponsored by a company or embassy with a presence in the country. These schools teach a foreign curriculum, such as that of the US or the UK, or a globally taught system like the International Baccalaureate. This allows easier transferability between countries during the child's school career and allows them to earn globally recognised school-leaving certifications. Some international schools prioritise the children of embassy workers or employees of the founding company.
If you’re relocating for employment purposes, education costs are usually paid by the hiring company. If your company doesn't cover this and you're paid a salary without stipends or extras, make sure your budget can cover international school fees and other associated costs, such as uniforms, school lunches, excursions, and extracurricular activities.
In most cases, international schools offer a good standard of education and have high-quality facilities replete with a variety of high-quality amenities. Classrooms are generally air-conditioned with reliable electricity, water, and internet backup systems.
Best International Schools in Angola
Special educational needs in Angola
While individuals with special needs have the right to an education under Angolan law, the country has long struggled to adequately serve these students, particularly in public schools. There are plans to integrate students with special needs into mainstream schools, an aim which has only been partially achieved thus far.
Privately, international schools may cater for students with learning disabilities and those who require English-language support. This often comes at an additional cost.
Tutors in Angola
Tutoring is not widely used in Angola, and parents may struggle to find a tutor locally. Parents can try asking around for recommendations from their child’s school or other expat parents.
Another option worth considering is hiring an online tutor for remote tutoring. This way, parents can take their pick of tutors across the world, whatever their child’s tuition needs, whether they are transitioning to a new curriculum or require assistance in a particular subject or language.
Popular platforms like TeacherOn, Apprentus, and Superprof offer a range of services.