The Top 10 Schools in Cairo – 2022

Despite having the largest overall education system in the Middle East, Egypt was rated as the worst country in the world in quality of primary education by the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014. In response, Egyptians sarcastically found pride in being number one at something, even if it’s from the bottom. But that’s not to say that all schools in Cairo offer a poor education. Parents that can afford to invest more in their children’s education can take comfort in the fact that Cairo is home to a small number of world-class schools. So to help you on your quest of giving your little ones the best education, we’ve put together the following list of the top 10 schools in Cairo.

BISC – The British International School, Cairo

BISC is one of the oldest private international schools in Cairo known for its academic performance that rivals the very best schools, not just in the Middle East but the entire world. The ‘biscuits’, as their students are affectionately nicknamed, are injected with a strong sense of British discipline from a young age. Tuition fees are high compared to the rest of the schools on this list but still cheaper than many private schools in the UK offering an education of similar quality. BISC is noted for a reputation of excellence based on the legacy of their former campus in Zamalek. Whilst their standards have dropped ever so slightly since their move to a new mega-campus in west Cairo, they are still regarded as one of the best schools in Cairo.
Certificates: IB Diploma, BTEC in Business, IGCSE, GCSE
Where: Cairo-Alex Road, Beverly Hills
Contact: +20238270444, Website

CAC – Cairo American College

Many schools in Cairo try to recreate the American schooling experience but none of them do it as well as CAC. Located in Maadi, the well established school is made up of a huge number of expats, especially Americans due to its ties to the US embassy. The academic programs at CAC include the Advanced Placement (AP) and IB Diploma, making it an ideal platform for students to continue their higher education at leading universities across the globe. CAC promotes athletics more than any other school on this list, making it a great choice for parents that want their children to get a high quality education and stay healthy at the same time. However, an education at CAC doesn’t come cheap as it’s the most expensive of all the schools in Cairo. But if money is not an issue, and you want your child to have the best American education in Cairo, then you can’t go wrong with CAC.
Certificates: IB Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP)
Where: Maadi
Contact: +20227555555, Website

NCBIS – New Cairo British International School

NCBIS is another brilliant international school that follows the British curriculum. The campus is situated in the east of Cairo, providing students with an exceptional learning environment. Academically, the school consistently performs very well thanks to a motivated student body, and the school’s ability to recruit top teachers from around the world. The cultural diversity at NCBIS is remarkable with more than 63 nationalities represented in the student body. Only BISC and CAC have been able to boast similar figures in the past. With the notoriously challenging but equally rewarding IB Diploma on offer, NCBIS cements its spot on our list of the top 10 schools in Cairo. Overall, NCBIS features great facilities, a friendly and international mix of students, and high calibre teachers.
Certificates: IB Diploma, IGCSE, GCSE
Where: 5th Settlement, New Cairo
Contact: +20227582881, Website

MBIS – Maadi British International School

MBIS is one of the most well-established and successful schools in Cairo, offering a first-class education to tiny expats from 40 nationalities. And when we say tiny, we mean it, as this school caters to children aged 2 to 13 years. The teaching staff is predominantly British and the class sizes are small giving your children the attention they deserve. As for the campus, it’s well maintained, safe and secure. Staying true to their British nature, MBIS encourages its students to explore and question everything. Laying the foundation for a critical and independent mind will greatly benefit your children if they move on to a school like BISC, which is famed for its philosophy discussions and gripping debates at IB level. In short, if your children are starting school for the first time, or below the age of 13, we think MBIS is a great place for them.
Certificates: None (ages 2 to 13)
Where: Maadi
Contact: +200227058671, Website

MES – Modern English School

MES is one of the few schools in Cairo that offer its students the option to choose between the British and American curricula at secondary school. Children that pick the British path will end up with IGCSE and A Level certificates, whilst the American route culminates with the AP exams and a high school Diploma. Alternatively, braver students can opt for the daunting IB Diploma during their final two years. MES’ curricular choice offers flexibility and convenience. But they do not compromise on the quality of education, even with its 2-in-1 feature. The teachers at MES are just as good as any school on this list, and their facilities are superb. MES is not as expensive or as selective as the so-called Big Three (BISC, CAC, NCBIS), making it a decent alternative if you’re looking to send your child to a terrific school that won’t burn a hole in your pocket as big as some of the other schools on this list.
Certificates: IGCSE, A Levels, Advanced Placement (AP), IB Diploma
Where: 5th Settlement, New Cairo
Contact: +20226189600, Website

TBS – The British School Al Rehab

Apart from the outstanding education, what makes TBS special is the value it holds to its main stakeholders; students, parents, and teachers. Students and alumni alike usually speak fondly of their experience at TBS, and the parents are equally passionate about the school. There’s a strong sense of partnership between the stakeholders and we believe that really benefits the school overall. The British teachers at TBS succeed at delivering the British curriculum as evident by the strong academic performance, particularly in 2014’s IGCSE results. For parents residing in Madinat Al Rehab, and looking for a top notch British school in the vicinity, we heartily recommend TBS.
Certificates: IGCSE, A Levels
Where: Al Rehab, New Cairo
Contact: +20226070292, Website

The International School of Choueifat

Along with AISE, Choueifat is one of the top schools in Cairo with two campuses. One is situated in the 5th Settlement in the east, while the western campus is in 6th of October City. Choueifat is part of the SABIS Network of schools, which is essentially a global education network that can trace its roots back to 1886 when the International School of Choueifat was founded in the village of Choueifat, a suburb of Beirut. Academic standards are high, and delivered in a well-structured manner developed by years of experience by SABIS. Many parents will be pleased to learn that Choueifat adheres to a non-selective admission policy. The school is praised for its facilities which include indoor swimming pools, IT and science labs, over-sized libraries, and a 600-seat theater.
Certificates: IGCSE/GCSE
Where: 5th Settlement, New Cairo & 6th of October City
Contact: +201006069004/1, Website (5th Settlement), Website (6th of October)

AISE – American International School in Egypt

Two campuses, one in the 5th Settlement, one in Sheikh Zayed, makes AISE one of the most accessible, high quality schools in Cairo. The students are challenged with a holistic and comprehensive American curriculum, giving them the opportunity to study at universities in the USA and beyond. Parents will be happy to hear that AISE offers the renowned IB Diploma but we doubt students will be as excited with that news. Facilities are nothing short of state-of-the-art when compared to the rest of the schools in Cairo. Unfortunately, behaviour and discipline has been a troublesome issue for AISE in the past. But it seems as though the school has taken the correct steps to rid itself of this somewhat reputation-denting problem. Today, AISE offers its students all they need for a balanced and superior American-style education, putting the school well on par with CAC in many regards.
Certificates: IB Diploma
Where: 5th Settlement & Sheikh Zayed City
Contact: +20226188400, Website (5th Settlement), Website (Sheikh Zayed City)

CISE – Canadian International School of Egypt

Canadian schools are far less popular than their British and American counterparts, but that hasn’t stopped CISE from becoming one of the top 10 schools in Cairo. The school awards students with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma which is recognized by many universities around the world. Sporting facilities are good, but sadly, some parents have complained from old furniture and poor maintenance. On the other hand, the teachers are difficult to criticise. CISE boasts some of the most professional and talented teachers in all of Cairo. They give feedback to parents and students, and their support is always on hand. But in typical North American fashion, there is a lack of character building going on here. The absence of the IB Diploma is another setback which limits opportunities for its students. Finally, misbehaving students face “time-out”, which is a destructive and outdated approach. Nevertheless, CISE continues to claim the title of the best Canadian school in Cairo, and cling on to a spot on this list.
Certificates: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Where: 5th Settlement, New Cairo
Contact: +20225418277, Website

DEO Kairo – Deutsche Evangelische Oberschule

DEO is arguably the best German school in Cairo. The school was founded back in 1873 by the Protestant congregation of Cairo. Their graduates include the Sawiris brothers, Amr Hamzawy, Aida El Ayoubi and Mohamed El Sawy. Today, DEO’s students continue to honor the school’s rich history with exellent academic results. The parents we spoke to couldn’t be happier with the decision of sending their children to DEO. The German curriculum is a tough one by all means, but DEO ensures their students are given ample attention by maintaining small class sizes. The 190+ German teachers do their job with aplomb. They teach discipline, and encourage critical thinking. DEO’s charity work is remarkable, providing food and supplies to the homeless.
Certificates: German Abitur
Where: Dokki
Contact: +20237481645, Website