Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, is home to some of Africa’s most prestigious and costly private schools. These institutions offer world-class education, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse curricula catering to both local and international students. Below, we explore the top five most expensive schools in Lagos, ranked by their average annual fees, delving into their history, curriculum, student composition, boarding options, and costs.
American International School of Lagos (AISL) – ₦26.8 million
Founded in 1964, the American International School of Lagos (AISL) began with just 30 students and has grown into a leading educational institution in Nigeria. It is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school, governed by a board of directors and supported by the U.S. Embassy. The school moved to its current 6-acre campus on Victoria Island in 1981, leased from the Nigerian government, and has since expanded its facilities to meet growing demand.
AISL offers an American-style curriculum aligned with U.S. educational standards, from Early Childhood through Grade 12. The program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, incorporating Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. It integrates technology and extracurricular activities, preparing students for universities worldwide.
AISL serves a diverse student body of approximately 600 students, representing over 50 nationalities. The school fosters a multicultural environment, with a significant portion of students being expatriates, alongside Nigerian students from affluent families.
AISL operates as a day school, with no boarding facilities, catering to families residing in Lagos.
The average annual fee at AISL is approximately ₦26.8 million, with additional costs such as a ₦16 million registration fee for new students. Tuition varies by grade level, starting from $17,638 upwards.
Charterhouse Lagos ₦26.6 million
Charterhouse Lagos, established in 2018, is a newer addition to Lagos’ elite educational landscape. It is the first African campus of the prestigious Charterhouse School, founded in 1611 in the UK. Owned by a consortium of private investors in partnership with the UK-based Charterhouse, the school aims to replicate its British counterpart’s tradition of excellence in Nigeria. Its modern campus in Lekki reflects its commitment to providing a world-class education.
Charterhouse Lagos offers a British curriculum, including the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-Levels, tailored to prepare students for top global universities. The curriculum emphasizes academic rigor, leadership, and holistic development, complemented by extensive extracurricular programs in sports, arts, and technology.
The school enrolls around 300 students, with a mix of Nigerian and international students. Its selective admissions process attracts children from high-net-worth families, fostering a competitive yet collaborative student community.
Charterhouse Lagos offers both day and boarding options, with state-of-the-art boarding facilities designed to provide a home-like environment for students.
The average annual fee is approximately ₦26.6 million, reflecting the premium facilities, faculty, and global reputation of the Charterhouse brand.
Lycée Français Louis Pasteur ₦17.5 million
Founded in 1958 by the Association Française du Nigeria (AFN), a non-profit organization, Lycée Français Louis Pasteur is one of Lagos’ oldest international schools. It was established to serve the French expatriate community and has since expanded to include Nigerian and other international students. The school maintains strong ties with the French Ministry of Education, ensuring alignment with French educational standards.
Lycée Français offers a French national curriculum, accredited by the French Ministry of Education, from preschool to high school (Terminale). Students prepare for the French Baccalaureate, a rigorous qualification recognized globally. The curriculum emphasizes bilingual education (French and English), mathematics, sciences, and humanities, with a focus on cultural immersion.
The school has approximately 400 students, with a significant proportion being French expatriates, alongside Nigerian and other international students. The diverse student body reflects Lagos’ cosmopolitan nature.
Lycée Français operates as both a day and boarding school, with boarding facilities available for older students. Boarding fees are higher due to accommodation and additional services.
The average annual fee is approximately ₦17.5 million, with day students paying around ₦3.8 million and boarding students approximately ₦7.1 million per year.
Corona Day Secondary School – ₦8 million
Corona Day Secondary School, part of the Corona Schools’ Trust Council, was established in 1955. The Trust, a non-profit organization, was founded by Nigerian educators to provide quality education rooted in Nigerian values while meeting global standards. The secondary school, located in Lagos, builds on the legacy of the Corona primary schools, known for academic excellence and community engagement.
Corona Day Secondary School follows a blended Nigerian and British curriculum, offering the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and IGCSE qualifications. The curriculum focuses on core subjects like mathematics, English, and sciences, alongside vocational and creative arts programs to foster well-rounded development.
The school enrolls approximately 500 students, primarily Nigerian, with a small percentage of international students. It attracts students from middle- and upper-class families seeking a balance of local and global education.
Corona Day Secondary School operates solely as a day school, with no boarding facilities, catering to students living in Lagos and its environs.
The average annual fee is approximately ₦8 million, reflecting the school’s quality education and modern facilities.
Atlantic Hall ₦6.7 million
Atlantic Hall, founded in 1989, is a co-educational secondary school established by a group of Nigerian professionals and educators aiming to provide world-class education. Located in Epe, Lagos, the school has grown into a reputable institution known for its disciplined environment and academic achievements. It is managed by a board of trustees under a non-profit framework.
Atlantic Hall offers a hybrid curriculum combining the Nigerian curriculum (WASSCE) with elements of the British IGCSE. The program emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and character development, with robust offerings in sciences, humanities, and extracurricular activities like sports and music.
The school has around 600 students, predominantly Nigerian, with a small number of international students. It attracts students from affluent families across Nigeria, fostering a vibrant and diverse community.
Atlantic Hall provides both day and boarding options, with boarding facilities designed to support a structured and supportive environment for students.
The average annual fee is approximately ₦6.7 million, covering tuition, boarding (if applicable), and access to the school’s extensive facilities.
These five schools represent the pinnacle of private education in Lagos. Their high fees reflect premium facilities, diverse curricula, and global recognition, catering to Nigeria’s elite and expatriate communities. While costs are significant, these institutions offer unparalleled opportunities for academic and personal growth, preparing students for success in a competitive world.
