Accra has become an increasingly popular destination for expatriates. With this surge in international presence, the demand for quality education options has also risen. In response, there is a diverse range of international schools in Accra that cater to the educational needs of a culturally rich and multinational community. 

If you have kids and you are moving to a new country like Ghana, thinking about your child’s education is key. Looking for a good school is not always easy, with many different factors coming into play; location, fees and reputation, let alone learning about the educational system in Ghana and how to adapt to life in Ghana. 

In this article we’ll explore the top 7 international schools in Accra, the curricula they follow (British or American), their unique offerings and the valuable experiences they provide to students from around the world.

Why Your Choice of Curriculum Matters

One of the most important decisions you will make when enrolling your child in an international school in Accra is choosing between the British and American curriculum. While both provide an excellent, globally recognised education, they differ significantly in structure, teaching style, and the qualifications your child will graduate with. Understanding these differences helps you choose a school that best aligns with your family’s long-term goals.

The British Curriculum

British-curriculum schools in Accra follow the English National Curriculum, leading students through structured Key Stages before sitting Cambridge IGCSE examinations and, ultimately, A-Levels. This pathway is highly regarded by universities worldwide, especially in the United Kingdom, and is known for its depth of subject specialisation.

Key benefits of the British Curriculum:

• Internationally recognised Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level qualifications
• Strong academic rigour and subject depth, especially at secondary level
• Well-suited for families planning to return to the UK or attend British-affiliated universities
• Structured, exam-focused approach that rewards academic discipline
• Widely accepted by universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, the US, and Ghana
• Clear progression from Key Stage 1 through to A-Levels with defined assessment milestones

The American Curriculum

American-curriculum schools follow a Grade-based system from Pre-K through Grade 12, offering a broader and more holistic approach to education. Students study a wide range of subjects throughout high school, and many schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and SAT preparation. Graduates receive a US High School Diploma, which is widely accepted at universities globally.

Key benefits of the American Curriculum:

• Broad, well-rounded education throughout the full schooling journey
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses offer university-level study before graduation
• US High School Diploma recognised globally, particularly in North America
• Strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, community service, and critical thinking
• Flexible enough to blend with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme
• Well-suited for families targeting US universities or pursuing international careers

British vs. American Curriculum: At a Glance

The International School of Accra (ISA)

The International School of Accra is very conveniently located near our complex of apartments in Accra (only a 4 minute drive). It is an expansion of Jack and Jill School which was established by Mrs. Agnes Kwakye in 1975 as a nursery school.  

This school caters to students from preschool to high school and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The ISA’s commitment to a global perspective and holistic development ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics.

One of ISA’s strengths is its multicultural student body. With children from various nationalities, students are exposed to a wide array of cultures, fostering a global perspective and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Key Features

• Curriculum Type: IB (International Baccalaureate)
• Follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum
• Students from preschool to high school (ages 3–18)
• Strong multicultural and multilingual environment
• Emphasis on inquiry-based learning and global citizenship
• Highly convenient location for Airport Residential Area residents

Best for: Families who value a truly international, inquiry-driven education that is accepted universally. IB is a strong passport for university entry worldwide — including Ivy League and Russell Group universities.

Ghana International School (GIS)

Located in Cantonments, Ghana International School is a not-for-profit, private, non-sectarian, coeducational day school. It offers a curriculum modeled along the English National Curriculum and Cambridge International Examinations, IGCSE and GCE Advanced level with English language as the medium of instruction.

Key Features

• Curriculum Type: British
• English National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and GCE Advanced Level
• First school in Africa accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in 2007
• Over 1,398 students from more than 50 countries
• Strong track record of students gaining entry to prestigious universities in the UK, US, Canada and Ghana
• Highly reputable, long-established institution with world-class facilities

Why Choose This school?

Ideal for families who want a structured, exam-focused academic environment with global university recognition. GIS’s long heritage and dual accreditation make it one of the most credible school choices in West Africa.

For fees, you must visit their Admission Office. 

Lincoln Community School (LCS)

Recognized as a leading international school in Africa, the Lincoln Community School is an International Baccalaureate World school offering the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programmes through the lens of U.S. curricular standards.

The school is particularly known for its strong emphasis on technology integration and its commitment to fostering a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, and community engagement. Lincoln’s extensive campus facilities provide an ideal setting for extracurricular activities, sports, and artistic pursuits.

Key Features

• American curriculum delivered through the IB framework (PYP, MYP, Diploma)
• Accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and Council of International Schools (CoIS)
• Strong emphasis on technology integration, critical thinking and community service
• Students from over 60 nationalities; promotes Ghanaian culture through arts and crafts
• Extensive campus with sports, arts, and extracurricular facilities
• Annual scholarship for two Ghanaian students to study the IB Diploma

Best for: The first choice for American expat families and those targeting top US universities. LCS’s blend of American standards and IB rigour produces graduates who are highly competitive globally.

If your child is passionate about football, Ghana’s football academies offer structured development alongside academic education.

German International School – Accra (GISA)

Located on the Ring Road (around Nima), The German International School Accra is one of the 140 recognised “German Schools Abroad” network which was established in order to promote the German language and culture abroad.

As a recognized “German School Abroad”, they offer an education from nursery to the German equivalent of the Ordinary Level School Leaving Certificate as well as the Cambridge International General Certificate of Education. After years characterized by several changes the school has currently evolved into an international German school with pupils from international backgrounds.

Key Features

• German curriculum from nursery through to the Ordinary Level School Leaving Certificate
• Also offers Cambridge International General Certificate of Education
• Part of the official German Schools Abroad network
• Bilingual education in German and English
• Strong cultural grounding alongside international academic standards

Why Choose This school?

The natural choice for German-speaking expat families or families who wish their child to be fully bilingual in German and English. Also suitable for those targeting higher education in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria.

The Roman Ridge School

As the name already suggests, this school is located in the Roman Ridge area of Accra. It is an international school in Accra that focuses on providing a British-style education for students from 18 months to 16 years old. The school follows the British National Curriculum, with a particular emphasis on individualized learning and personal development.

One of the school’s notable features is its extensive use of technology in the classroom, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the digital age. The Roman Ridge School also places great importance on character education, encouraging students to become responsible global citizens.

Key Features

• Follows the British National Curriculum throughout
• Caters to children from 18 months to 16 years old
• Strong focus on personalised, individualised learning
• Extensive use of classroom technology to prepare students for the digital age
• Character education and responsible global citizenship are core values
• Warm, community-oriented environment ideal for younger children

Why Choose This School?

An excellent choice for British expat families with younger children who value an nurturing yet academically rigorous environment. The school’s personalised approach means students receive individual attention within a British academic framework.

Galaxy International School

The Galaxy International School is an international school which was established to provide day and boarding facilities to children living in Ghana, children of foreign-based families, and Ghanaians living outside Ghana. 

The school has two campuses, preschool and primary section at East Legon and secondary and primary school at Adjiringano, all in Accra. The School currently has students from over 37 countries across the globe in attendance. 

It Offers a curriculum that combines the Cambridge International Examinations with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Key Features

• Curriculum Type: British
• Cambridge International Examinations combined with IB programme elements
• Two campuses: preschool/primary at East Legon; secondary at Adjiringano
• Day and boarding facilities available
• Students from over 37 countries — a genuinely diverse community
• State-of-the-art facilities including science labs, ICT lab, library, and sports fields
• Ranked in Ghana’s Top 5 private schools (2025)

Why Choose This School?

A great fit for families seeking a British-rooted education with boarding options and a vibrant multicultural community. The Cambridge + IB combination gives graduates broad university access.

The American International School of Accra (AISA)

The American International School of Accra (AISA) provides a comprehensive American curriculum from pre-kindergarten to high school. AISA is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).

AISA offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and cultural events, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment. The school’s commitment to innovation and technology ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.

Key Features

• American curriculum from Pre-K3 to Grade 12
• Authorised SAT exam centre and Advanced Placement (AP) programme
• Accredited by Middle States Association (MSA) and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
• Graduates receive a United States High School Diploma
• Newly unveiled state-of-the-art Girls’ Boarding House
• Wide range of sports, arts, and cultural extracurricular activities
• Community service required before graduation

Why Choose This School?

Ideal for American expat families, families with Christian values, or those targeting US university admissions. AISA’s AP programme gives students a head start on college coursework and scholarships.

How to Choose the Right Curriculum

When deciding between the two, consider the following questions:

• Where is your family likely to be based long-term? If the UK, choose British; if the US, choose American.
• Where does your child aspire to attend university? Research the entry requirements of target institutions.
• What is your child’s learning style? British systems reward exam performance and depth; American systems reward breadth and participation.
• Is continuity important? If your child has already been educated in one system, maintaining that system minimises disruption.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right international school in Accra is one of the most important decisions an expat family will make. Both British and American curricula offer excellent education, globally recognised qualifications, and pathways to the world’s top universities. The right choice ultimately depends on your family’s destination plans, your child’s learning style, and the university pathway you envision.

We recommend visiting schools in person, speaking with current parent communities, and reviewing each school’s most recent academic results before making a final decision. Many schools in Accra offer open days and trial visits for prospective families.