The standard of Angolan public schools is well below what expats may be used to, and the most viable option for most expat parents is to send their child to an international school. International schools in Angola are largely concentrated in Luanda, and even the standards in these institutions can vary considerably.
Schools in Angola
Understanding the fundamentals
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International schools in Luanda
International schools in Luanda offer a range of foreign curricula, including American and French, while some offer the International Baccalaureate. These schools are generally supported by the companies and embassies that founded them. Tuition is expensive, so expats moving to Angola with children of school age should attempt to negotiate a schooling allowance as part of their employment contract.
Security is tight at all schools, so safety shouldn't be a concern. They generally have decent facilities and classrooms are usually air conditioned. Some schools offer cafeteria lunches, while others end the day early so that students can eat lunch at home.
The availability of qualified teachers in Angola is a challenge for all schools. There are few local staff members, and most teachers are expats themselves. The quality of education can be inconsistent as teachers tend to change from year to year.
The school year at Angolan international schools usually follows that of the school's home country. The school week in Angola runs from Monday to Friday, while the school day is normally from 8am to 3pm.
Most children either go to school in a private car or in a bus provided by their parent's employer.
Angolan law requires international schools to ensure that both expats and local students (usually the children of high-ranking government officials) are allowed to apply. Some schools give preference to the children of employees from their sponsoring companies, so expats should contact their employer to check which schools are recommended.
As a result of the limited number of schools, and further limits on class sizes, international schools usually have lengthy waiting lists so expats should consider applying as early as possible.