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Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 7
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Secondary School
Introduction
Dakar Academy is an international Christian school in Senegal delivering an American-based, North American curriculum for Pre-K through 12, including Advanced Placement courses, CLEP exams, and dual‑credit options. English is the language of instruction, with English Language Learning support and an on‑site English-language speech-language pathologist, as U.S. standards are adapted for an international, multicultural student body drawn from 50+ nationalities. The school operates three Senegal campuses—Central (Hann Maristes, Dakar), West (Mamelles), and South (near Popenguine)—plus ISWA Liberia and Co‑Op networks. Dakar Academy Central offers a family-style boarding program for Grades 9–12; South spans 15 acres with a 7:1 student‑to‑teacher ratio; West provides the only fully American elementary program in West Dakar. Innovation facilities include 3D printers, robotics kits, high‑end iMacs, Chromebooks, and a 20,000+‑volume English library with an on-site speech pathologist. The program emphasizes leadership, service, faith integration, arts, athletics, and project‑based learning across Pre‑K to Grade 12. A welcoming community.
Dakar Academy has 450 pupils, typical class sizes of 7, instruction in English.
Location
Dakar Academy operates across three campuses in Senegal: Central Campus in the Hann Maristes neighborhood of Dakar; West Campus in the Mamelles neighborhood of Dakar; and South Campus on the Petite Côte near Popenguine.
Stages
Central Campus serves PreK3–Grade 12; West Campus serves PreK–Grade 8 (with the Explorer Learner Program for Grades 6–8); South Campus serves PreK–Grade 9.
Type
The school is an international Christian school system.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Central Campus serves students from 40+ nationalities. West Campus serves students from 30+ nationalities. South Campus serves students from 10+ nationalities.
Additional learning support
The school offers English Language Learner (ELL) and Special Education programs.
Country affiliation
Senegal.
Religious affiliation
Christian.
School day structure
DA Central Main Office hours are Mon–Fri: 7:45 AM–3:15 PM GMT. DA West Main Office hours are Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–3:30 PM GMT. DA South Main Office hours are Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM GMT.
Fees
Application & Enrollment Fees
- Application fee: USD 100 per child (one-time, non-refundable) due at the time of application. - Enrollment fee (new and returning): USD 300 per child annually; due upon acceptance for new students or by March 1 for returning students.
Development Fee
- Development fee: USD 3,000 per family (one-time) due the first day the child(ren) begin school. Pre-school students are exempt unless they have older siblings also starting school.
Technology Fee
- Technology fee: USD 50 per student per semester (applies to Grades 6–12), due at the beginning of each semester.
Tuition (per semester and per year by category and grade band)
Tuition is published by category based on employer assistance status and by grade band. Amounts shown are per semester and annual (two semesters = annual):
- Employer pays full tuition: - Grades K–5: USD 10,000 per semester (USD 20,000 annual). - Grades 6–12: USD 13,500 per semester (USD 27,000 annual).
- Employer pays partial tuition: - Grades K–5: USD 8,350 per semester (USD 16,700 annual). - Grades 6–12: USD 10,975 per semester (USD 21,950 annual).
- No employer tuition assistance (family-funded): - Grades K–5: USD 5,900 per semester (USD 11,800 annual). - Grades 6–12: USD 6,975 per semester (USD 13,950 annual).
Specialized services and additional instructional fees
- English Language Learner (ELL): USD 650 annually for Grades K–5; USD 750 annually for Grades 6–12. Due at the beginning of the semester when applicable. - Speech-Language Pathology (English only): USD 200 initial assessment; USD 150 per month for therapy sessions (customized packages for ongoing sessions). - Special education services: customized pricing; fees vary by service.
Boarding (room and board)
- Boarding is offered for Grades 9–12 at the Central campus; students live in family-style boarding homes and receive meals and supervised residential care. Room and board are billed as part of the school's fees structure and may be included on permitted payment plans for families who choose boarding. Specific room-and-board charges are billed directly to the family as a separate component of the student account.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard due date: tuition is due at the beginning of each semester unless an annual or monthly payment plan is selected. - Payment options: fees may be paid annually, by semester, or via a monthly payment plan (10-month plan is explicitly available in DA materials). A one-time administrative charge is applied at the start of some payment plans (for example, a USD 50 family charge has been applied at the start of a 10-month plan in school handbooks). Monthly-payment schedule options require on-time monthly transfers; semester or annual payments are due by the first day of school each semester. - The school posts and bills accounts in US dollars; CFA payments are accepted according to an exchange rate set by the Finance Office and CFA checks must be drawn on a Senegalese bank when accepted. Wire transfers and electronic funds transfers are accepted; payment in CFA cash is accepted where indicated. Fees paid by non-cash methods are posted once funds are received by the school's bank. Late payments may incur finance charges and may affect student attendance and release of records.
Other costs and recurring incidental fees
- Pre-K program options: half-day and full-day session fees exist for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 (example historical figures have shown separate three-day and five-day tuition options for pre-K). Families should expect additional charges for pre-K schedule choices and for incidental program fees. - Incidental and activity charges: extracurriculars, special events, textbooks, school supplies, uniforms, and other incidental charges may be billed through the school's billing system as separate items. These items are typically payable at the start of the semester or billed through the school's payment management system.
Refunds and withdrawal proration
- Refund policy (tuition, room and board): refunds on tuition and room & board are applied only when those amounts have been paid in advance. When applicable, refunds are prorated for the remaining full quarters or semesters according to the school's published schedule; historically the school has published a prorated discount schedule for students starting after the beginning of the year showing percentage reductions by month of start (e.g., September through May step-down percentages). Other fees (enrollment, development, technology, specialized services) are generally not refundable. Final student records and diplomas are held until all outstanding fees are paid.
Fee payment options (methods accepted)
- The school uses FACTS (school billing and payment management) for tuition billing and payment plans; FACTS supports automated bank withdrawals and credit/debit card payments. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the school's US bank account, US-dollar checks, cash in US dollars, CFA cash/checks drawn on Senegal banks, and wire transfers have historically been accepted as payment methods. Families are responsible for any bank or transfer charges and should initiate non-cash payments early enough for funds to post by due dates.
Notes on timing and enforcement
- All tuition and permitted payment-plan charges must be current for a student to attend classes. Late accounts may be assessed finance charges and the school may withhold access to records or deny attendance until balances are brought current. Withdrawals and refunds are handled according to the school's published timelines and proration rules for room and board and tuition.
Academics
Dakar Academy teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).
Curriculum
U.S.-based, North American curriculum taught in English, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, CLEP exams, and dual-credit options; English Language Learning (ELL) support and special education; North American standards adapted to an international, multicultural setting.
Student Teacher Ratio
Pre-K: 12:1; Dakar Academy South: 7:1
Higher Education Progression
Graduates attend universities across Africa, North America, and Europe.
Gifted and Talented
Advanced coursework includes AP courses, CLEP exams, and dual-credit options.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
NA
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
NA
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
NA
Mental Wellbeing
NA
Safeguarding
NA
Admissions
Admissions
1. Complete Online Application and submit the nonrefundable $100 application fee. Plan for up to 30 minutes to complete and submit the online application. Create an account on the Dakar Academy Admissions Portal to begin the process. You will receive login details by email after submitting the initial application. 2. Complete the Online Application. Gather and upload the following documents as PDFs: Passport; Immunization Records; Previous year's report card for Grades 1-5; Previous two years' report cards for Grades 6-8; Unofficial transcript for Grades 9-12; Standardized or achievement test results; Special learning needs documentation, if applicable. Within the online application, provide the name and email address of a non-family member to serve as a Character Reference. That reference will automatically receive a questionnaire as part of the admission process. 3. Credit Evaluation (Transfer Students). If transferring from another school system, you may be asked to submit student records to a third party for a high school credit evaluation. The admissions team will contact you if this applies to your situation. The evaluation helps determine appropriate high school credit and placement. 4. Testing. After the application and supporting documents have been submitted, the admissions team will assemble the student's file. The team will contact you to initiate English Language testing and/or achievement testing. The testing determines language readiness and academic placement. 5. Family Interview. Every family applying for admission will meet in person or by phone with a school administrator. The interview provides an opportunity for parents to ask questions and for the school to assess fit for the student. The process helps determine whether Dakar Academy is the best match. 6. Acceptance Notification. An acceptance email will be sent starting in March for the next school year. The email will confirm acceptance status and outline next steps. Families should review the information carefully and prepare to complete enrollment once accepted. Enrollment is completed online within the specified timeframe to secure placement. 7. Enroll & Secure Your Spot. To guarantee placement, enroll and register within the timeframe specified in the acceptance email. If online enrollment is not completed within the required days, the student may be placed back on the prospective student list. The process ensures the school reserves a place for the student and completes any remaining enrollment tasks.
FAQs
What curriculum does Dakar Academy offer?
Dakar Academy offers IB, American, AP curriculums. The school follows a US accredited American-style curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses available. DA South emphasizes a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
What age range does Dakar Academy cater for?
Dakar Academy accepts students from age 3 to 18. The school covers Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 across its campuses: DA Central (PreK-Grade 12), DA West (PreK-Grade 8), and DA South (PreK3-Grade 9).
What are the fees at Dakar Academy?
**Application & Enrollment Fees** - Application fee: USD 100 per child (one-time, non-refundable) due at the time of application. - Enrollment fee (new and returning): USD 300 per child annually; due upon acceptance for new students or by March 1 for returning students.
Where is Dakar Academy located?
Dakar Academy is located in Senegal. Dakar Academy Central is located in Hann Maristes, Dakar. Additional campuses include DA West in Mamelles, Dakar and DA South near Popenguine on the Petite Cote.
Is Dakar Academy co-educational?
Dakar Academy is a co-educational, co-educational (boarding) school. Dakar Academy is a co-educational Christian international school with boarding options. It operates as part of the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA) network.
How do I apply to Dakar Academy?
The admissions process at Dakar Academy: 1. Complete Online Application and submit the nonrefundable $100 application fee. Plan for up to 30 minutes to complete and submit the online application. Create an account on the Dakar Academy Admissions Portal to begin the process.
Does Dakar Academy offer boarding?
Family-style boarding homes are available for Grades 9-12 at DA Central. Experienced dorm parents provide a Christ-centered environment with comfortable housing, study areas, common lounges, and structured community life programs.
What learning support does Dakar Academy provide?
Dakar Academy provides learning support services. NA The school offers English Language Learner (ELL) and Special Education programs.
Does Dakar Academy offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) support?
English Language Learning (ELL) support is available for students who need additional English development.
What facilities does Dakar Academy have?
DA South has a 15-acre campus with technology and innovation resources, library services, athletics facilities, and arts facilities.
What extra-curricular activities are available at Dakar Academy?
Dakar Academy offers a range of extra-curricular activities. Fine and performing arts programs include music, theater, and visual arts. The school provides a U.S.-accredited curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses, special education, and English Language Learning (ELL) support. Small class sizes enable personalized instruction and hands-on, student-centered learning.
What languages are taught at Dakar Academy?
The school uses English as the language of instruction. French is offered as a language class in grades 1-12.
How many students attend Dakar Academy?
Dakar Academy has approximately 450 students. The school serves students from age 3 to 18.
When was Dakar Academy founded?
Dakar Academy was founded in 1961. Dakar Academy was founded in 1961 and has grown into the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA) network with multiple campuses across Senegal, Liberia, and Guinea.
What accreditations does Dakar Academy hold?
MSA-CESS (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools) - US-based regional accreditation body ensuring quality standards. ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) - Accreditation for Christian education institutions.
Where do graduates of Dakar Academy go to university?
The school reports a 100%+ university acceptance rate among graduates.
Does Dakar Academy have a uniform policy?
The school uses a dress code for all students, including athletics.
What is the parent community like at Dakar Academy?
DA Schools are thriving communities where students and staff build lasting friendships, serve together, and grow in faith.
