Cotonou, Benin: QSI International School of Benin 2023-2024 Fact Sheet

QSI International School of Benin (QBNN) is an independent, coeducational day school, which opened in August of 2012. It offers high-quality education in the English language from preschool through grade 12. QSI International School of Benin is a member of Quality Schools International, a non-profit educational organization with 37 schools in 31 countries. Additionally, QSI operates an online secondary program called QVS, QSI Virtual Schools. The school’s educational philosophy, which includes a personalized approach to instruction, teaches for mastery. The school believes in success for all students and seeks to create a positive learning environment. The school believes a child learns more if he or she enjoys the learning experience. The primary purpose of the school is to meet the needs of expatriate children in Cotonou, Benin with a view to continuing their education in their home countries with minimal adjustments. Creating a warm and safe environment is a top priority for the administration and staff. This educational program is also offered to Benin citizens who seek this education with a view to higher studies outside of Benin. The school has an active Parent Support Group (PSG) that plans activities for the students and school community.

Organization: The Board of Directors of Quality Schools International governs the school. An Advisory Board assists the school in its local operation. QSI International School of Benin is licensed by the Benin Ministry of Education. The school is a testing center for NWEA MAP Growth tests, which is a standardized test used to identify the achievement level of students. The school is accredited by MSA (Middle States Association). The school is also a member of the College Board and offers AP courses onsite and online, as well as SAT testing.

Curriculum: QSI International School of Benin offers an outcomes-based educational program with a curriculum like that of U.S. public and private schools. Individual mastery of concepts leads instruction, which is helped by small class sizes and diverse educational backgrounds. The language of instruction is English. French is taught every day for one period as the foreign language course, starting in elementary school. The school follows QSI’s curriculum guidelines, which are under a seven-year cycle of revision and improvement. QSI International School of Benin offers an after-school activities program for all students. The program is scheduled per quintile and offers sports, arts, music, languages, drama, and other fun activities. Some activities are free of charge, and some require a cost.

Faculty: In the 2023-2024 school year, QBNN has 44 total staff including 25 teachers, 10 of whom are U.S. citizens, 9 host-country nationals, and 6 third-country nationals. Our faculty and staff represent seven nationalities, including USA, Benin, Togo, Canada, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Burundi. All teaching faculty have a certificate and/or teaching degree from the U.S. or their country of origin.

Enrollment: At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment was 90 students (PS-12).  Of the total, 20 are U.S. citizens, 25 are host-country citizens and 45 are third-country nationals.  

Facilities: The school relocated to its new facility in August 2015. The new facility is a spacious campus that includes four instructional buildings and one administration building. The campus contains 15 classrooms, a science lab, an art room, a library, a computer lab, offices, a lunchroom, Makers’ Space, soccer pitch, basketball half-court, and a large outdoor play area with a grassy playground. The campus is completely enclosed by a high concrete wall and the entrance is controlled by 24-hour security. Two guards are posted daily during the school day.

Finances: In the 2023-2024 school year annual tuition rates are as follows: PS (half-day): $5,300; PS (full-day): $6,300; and grades K-8: $23,000. The school also charges an annual capital fund fee of $1,600 per student from kindergarten through grade 12 and a one-time registration fee of $300. These fees are payable in U.S. dollars. All books and many, though not all, supplies are provided by the school at no extra fee. The school has a cafeteria and offers a lunch program for an additional cost of $3.30 per school day.

Special Needs: Review the Special Needs Profile for this school to learn more about their capability to support students with exceptionalities.

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information. Information and statistics are current as of September 2023 and are provided by the school.