Why join for free?
Already have an account? Log In
Senegal, Dakar
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
The school offers After School Activities (ASA) with opportunities in academics, sports, STEM, the arts, and more. The ASA program runs for 10 weeks per trimester and offers a range of activities from Monday to Friday. Students of all ages can explore new interests, develop skills, and even create their own ASAs to foster leadership. Activities are led by ISD staff and outside instructors for a fee per term, and parent volunteers are welcome.
The Visual & Performing Arts program offers drama, music, dance, visual arts, and filmmaking for Pre-K through Grade 10, with Grades 11 and 12 able to pursue IB Diploma options in Theatre, Film, and Visual Arts. The co‑curricular program provides opportunities to engage in musicals, plays, dance shows, music production, concerts, and more. The arts facilities include dedicated spaces and multiple studios to support creativity.
All ISD programs are run in English while cultivating multilingualism within the community. Daily French classes are offered in the Elementary School, catering to all language levels. World Culture Days feature a Parade of Nations and world culture workshops that bring together students from around the world.
The After School Activities program includes Dance, Robotics, Arts and Crafts, Fencing, Taekwondo, Home Language, Chess, Ceramics, and Community Engagement with partner organizations, plus many more. The ASA runs 10 weeks per trimester and is open to students of all ages, with activities taught by ISD staff and outside instructors for a per-term fee.
Community Engagement & Service Learning has been a cornerstone since 2000, with collaborative partnerships with local associations that promote mutual understanding and growth. These engagements range from cultural exchange programs to projects with local schools and organizations, building empathy and reciprocal learning. Our service learning program provides a platform to apply knowledge to real-world needs in Dakar, including educational and environmental initiatives, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Leadership opportunities include the High School Culture & Service Committee within Jag Leadership, which designs workshops for ISD events such as World Culture Days. ISD Innovation Funds and Grants provide funding for student-driven ideas that challenge, create, and change the school and the community. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports ISD through volunteer efforts, orientation for new families, and funding that benefits academic initiatives.
ISD follows a three-season athletics schedule: Fall includes High School Volleyball and Middle School Football; Winter includes High School Football and Middle School Basketball; Spring includes High School Basketball and Middle School Volleyball. ISD participates in WAISAL events, with traveling teams competing against local clubs and schools and WAISAL tournaments. The ASA program also includes activities like Dance, Taekwondo, and more, supporting physical activity and wellbeing beyond the classroom.
ISD is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school in Dakar welcoming students aged 3 to 18. The school offers an IB continuum: PYP in elementary, MYP in middle years, DP in the final grades, with an IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) option. All programs are taught in English, with a strong emphasis on multilingualism and daily French across Elementary, plus World Culture Days highlighting diverse backgrounds. The 8-acre campus in Mermoz hosts facilities: science and computer labs, a library, multiple arts spaces including a 350-seat theater and a pottery room, and a dedicated Design and Innovation Center with robotics and 3D printers. A 1:1 device program begins in 2025-26. Competitive small class sizes (typically 12–20 students; 1–5 up to 22 per class) support personalized learning. The school emphasizes service through Community Engagement and fosters leadership via committees and partnerships. The ASA program anchors after-school offerings in arts, sports, STEM, and service.
