Top 6 most expensive secondary schools in Lagos and their cost

The significance of secondary education in a child’s life is immense. Beyond serving as the bridge between primary and higher education, it equips children with the chance to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and determine their career paths. After fulfilling the primary school requirements, children advance to secondary school, which aims to further enhance their development, as primary education alone does not furnish all the necessary life skills.

Globally, the British and American curricula are recognized for their quality, with the British curriculum being particularly popular in Nigeria. This is evidenced by the existence of over 2,200 British curriculum schools worldwide, with projections suggesting this number will rise to nearly 15,000 by 2025.

In Nigeria, education is intended to lay a strong foundation for students to access extraordinary opportunities, maximize their potential, and achieve success. However, many schools have failed to meet these objectives, prompting some Nigerian parents to make significant sacrifices to send their children to schools where they can excel. These schools are often costly for the average Nigerian due to factors such as curriculum quality, teacher excellence, resources, affiliations, and location, frequently adopting the British or American educational systems.

Listed below are some of the most expensive schools in Nigeria, starting with the least expensive:

1. American International School, Lagos

The American International School of Lagos (AISL) was established in 1964, catering to students from preschool through grade 12. High school students at AISL graduate with a United States High School diploma and have the option to earn an International Baccalaureate diploma.

With over 600 students, AISL boasts a large and diverse student body, including approximately 30% Americans. Significant portions of the student population hail from India, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Canada, South Africa, Israel, Lebanon, and the Netherlands, with the remainder coming from over 50 different countries. Tuition costs for the 2022/23 academic session are $28,049 for middle school and $32,165 for high school.

2. British International School

The British International School (BIS) is a co-educational, multi-national institution that offers a British curriculum to students aged 11 to 18. Located in Victoria Island and founded in 2001, BIS caters to both the Nigerian community and expatriates seeking a British education in an international environment.

BIS is among the most expensive schools in Nigeria and is recognized as a leading British-styled educational institution. It accommodates both day and boarding students, with boarders making up about one-third of the student body. The school offers both weekly and full boarding options, with class sizes capped at twenty students. Students are prepared for the IGCSE and Advanced Level courses of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The tuition fees are approximately N6.1 million for day students and N8.1 million for boarding students.

3. Lekki British International School

Lekki British International School, established in September 2000 in Lekki Phase 1, is Nigeria’s first British boarding school. Situated on a 25-acre campus, the school provides preschool, junior high, and high school education, with boarding available for high school students.

The school fosters a traditional British environment that helps children discover and develop their unique talents. Its mission is to create a setting where each student can realize their academic potential in academics, sports, and personal development. The school offers preschool, junior school, high school, and advanced classes.

Tuition at Lekki British International School is about N4.6 million per year for day students and N6.8 million per year for boarders.

4. Grange School

Founded in 1958 by a group of British expatriates, Grange School aims to provide an education comparable to that in the UK. This non-profit, co-educational, independent day school adheres to the English National Curriculum and is located in Ikeja GRA on the mainland of Lagos, Nigeria.

Grange School has 430 students in the primary section, covering the reception class through year 6 for children aged 4 to 11. The secondary section, for students aged 11 to 16+, consists of years 7 through 11 and has around 326 students. The school is highly regarded by many middle- and upper-class parents in Nigeria for its collaborative learning environment that involves parents, teachers, and students.

Additionally, Grange School offers boarding services with well-maintained off-campus facilities that provide a welcoming learning atmosphere. The tuition fees are approximately N4.5 million for day students and N6.5 million for boarders per session.

5. Day Waterman College

Established in 2008, Day Waterman College is located in Asu Village near Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, less than an hour’s drive from Lagos, on a 35-hectare natural landscape. The school caters to about 500 students aged 11 to 16.

Day Waterman College boasts top-notch facilities in a serene, natural setting that is conducive to focused learning. The school’s environment includes secure recreation areas that support the learning process. The college aims to develop young people into leaders capable of driving positive change in their country, emphasizing leadership qualities and each student’s potential to thrive in the global community.

Students are encouraged to participate in the extensive co-curricular program to develop new skills, confidence, and self-awareness. The tuition fee for Day Waterman College is N5.3 million per session, and it is exclusively a boarding school.

6. Meadow Hall School, Lagos

Established in July 2002 and situated in Lekki II, Meadow Hall School is a co-educational institution that employs an integrated curriculum blending the Nigerian Curriculum with the British National Curriculum.

Meadow Hall is committed to nurturing excellent, godly children who will achieve their full potential in life. The school is renowned for its top-notch facilities and emphasis on both cognitive and non-cognitive learning. The tuition fees are approximately N3.2 million for day students and N5 million for boarders per session.