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Dakar Academy

Senegal, Dakar

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 450
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1961
Bus Service No
Academic offering
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.

69 Route des Peres Maristes, 3189, Senegal

The Essentials

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.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is available for Grades 9–12 at Dakar Academy Central Campus. The boarding homes are family-style and led by full-time boarding parents, with no more than three students per room and shared bathrooms, common lounges, and dining. Breakfast is provided, and family-style dinners are part of the routine; weekend activities include beach trips, snorkeling, and camping. Campus homes feature kitchens, laundry facilities, and a home-parent apartment.

Uniform Requirement
The school uses a dress code for all students, including athletics. Athletics uniforms are issued by coaches, and may be slightly out of dress code because team sets are purchased as whole sets and may not fit every student exactly.

Food Options
Boarders receive meals on campus, including breakfast and family-style dinners. Dakar Academy Central boarding homes have full kitchens and dining services on site.

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Directors governs Dakar Academy and is comprised of representatives from DA's owning and cooperating mission organizations. The Board works with the Superintendent and administrative team to fulfill Dakar Academy's mission and goals.
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
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1961 by missionary families led by Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Moore, Dakar Academy began as a Christ-centered, English-speaking boarding and day school in Dakar. In 1962, it was known as the Intermission-School as United World Mission, WorldVenture, and the Assemblies of God began cooperative expansion. The permanent campus was established in Hann Maristes in 1966. Dakar Academy earned full accreditation in 1987 from the Association of Christian Schools International and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It has expanded across West Africa with Dakar Academy West (2019) and Dakar Academy South (2022), and ISWA was launched in 2024, with the Liberia campus established in Monrovia."

Community
DA Schools are thriving communities where students and staff build lasting friendships, serve together, and grow in faith. The network emphasizes a diverse student body representing over 60 nationalities. The school centers its values on a Christ-centered worldview, with biblical integration across learning, chapels, service days, and discipleship opportunities. The mission, So All Can Serve, guides partnerships with families and ministry workers while welcoming students of all backgrounds."
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Dakar Academy has three main campuses in Senegal: Central (Hann Maristes, Dakar), West (Mamelles), and South (near Popenguine), with ISWA-Liberia and Co-Op campuses as part of the network. Dakar Academy Central offers PreK–12 education with a family-style boarding program for Grades 9–12; boarding facilities include comfortable housing with study areas, common lounges, and dining services. Dakar Academy South spans a 15-acre site with state-of-the-art facilities and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Dakar Academy West is the only fully American elementary program in West Dakar and includes the Explorer Learner Program for middle school and more than 15 after-school activities. The Innovation Centre and classroom technology support modern learning, including 3D printers, high-end iMacs, robotics kits, high-speed internet, projectors, Apple TV, iPad tablets for Pre-K–Grade 2, and Chromebooks for Grades 3–12.

Academic Facilities
The school uses a U.S.-accredited, college-preparatory curriculum with AP courses, CLEP exams, and dual-credit options. Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) employs English instruction with small class sizes (12:1) and provides access to West Africa's largest English-language library (20,000+ books) plus an on-site English-language speech-language pathologist. Elementary School follows North American standards with foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking, plus faith integration and junior athletics. Middle School expands opportunities in leadership, arts, sports, and service, while High School offers Chromebooks for every student and a technology-integrated, college-preparatory program aligned with U.S. standards, including AP courses, and college/career readiness support.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Spiritual Life includes regular chapel services and Bible studies. Athletics offer diverse programs with competitive teams in sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Fine Arts & Creative Expression provide opportunities in music, theatre, and visual arts. Clubs & Activities include various student-led clubs to foster leadership and community engagement. West Campus additionally offers 15+ after-school activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
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. The High School emphasizes leadership, service, and global citizenship through project-based learning and structured guidance.

Arts & Creative
There are opportunities in music, theatre, and visual arts to nurture creativity.

Cultural & Language
Dakar Academy serves students from 50+ nationalities, fostering cross-cultural friendships. Biblical integration is a feature of learning and school life.

Social & Hobbies
There are various student-led clubs and activities; Dakar Academy West offers 15+ after-school activities.

Community & Service
Students participate in outreach, missions, and service projects throughout West Africa. Regular service days are part of school life.

Leadership & Professional
The High School emphasizes leadership and global citizenship, with college and career readiness supported by counseling and mentorship.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Boarding at Dakar Academy Central provides a family-style, Christ-centered living environment. Spiritual life includes regular chapel services and Bible studies; athletics, fine arts, and clubs foster personal growth and well-being. Boarding information and a Christ-centered environment are highlighted in the DA Central boarding description.
Languages

Language Provision
The school uses English as the language of instruction. French is offered as a language class in grades 1-12. An English Language Learners (ELL) program supports non-native English speakers to function in the general education classroom, with testing options such as the WIDA English Screener or the online DuoLingo test for applicants outside Senegal.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
MSA (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools) and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI); also a member of the Child Safety & Protection Network (CSPN) and the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA) Network.
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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