Praia - Post Report Question and Answers

What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?

One downside of this post is the lack of quality schools. Most diplomats send their children to the French international school, but all instruction is in French. The reality is people with children older than five don't come here. - Feb 2024


There are French and Portuguese international schools supported by their respective governments. The French school is best for the younger grades; its facilities recently received a security upgrade courtesy of the U.S. Embassy. - Aug 2023


There is a French school which seems to be most popular among expats. There is also a Portuguese school. - Jan 2023


There are no supported schools at post. There is a French school that some have sent their children to, but your child needs to already know French. My boys did online school. - Sep 2018


Our daughter goes to Les Alizes, the French School. Although she's had a couple of good teachers, there's no way I'd recommend this school. They've had constant changes in administration, classes are crowded, and a curriculum that doesn't seem to be followed. There are no English-language schools here. Some new Portuguese schools that appear to be promising. The quality of education and medical care are two very important factors to consider if you're looking at this post. I would not bring an older child here unless you plan to homeschool. If you bring a younger child here, plan to supplement their education. - Dec 2017


We don't have children; most families tend to send their young children to the local French or Portuguese school, or do homeschool. - Oct 2016


Currently there are not any children at post older than 5. There are currently no English speaking schools but rumor has it, one is on the way. - May 2014


There is a French School that has received very mixed reviews. I do not have children, so I do not have first-hand experience with the school. However, mothers I am friendly with have pulled their children out of the school and home-school their children instead. The U.S. Embassy will warn families with school-aged children that this may not be a post for them. - Feb 2011


French and Portuguese. I hear the French are militant but good and the Portuguese are OK. I dont have any kids in the schools here. - Sep 2012


There are two schools Embassy kids attend: one French and one Portuguese. Parents seem moderately pleased. There is nothing fancy about either school. There is no option for older kids. - May 2012


From my understanding, there are no international schools, but for preschool and very elementary grades there is a fairly reputable French school. - Sep 2009


There is a French elementary school that some expats send there kids to but I have heard that many have been very unhappy and have moved their children back to their countries of origin for their education. - Feb 2008


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